4.4093 reviewsPrice
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
31 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
31 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Carrieville State Forest Campground
44.0364, -85.7247
ORV riders and trout anglers are the core audience here. River-adjacent sites on the east side put you steps from steelhead water, and trails run directly from the campground. Sites fit trailers up to 30 feet, so bring everything you need because there are no hookups, no showers,
Arriving Saturday afternoon without a plan usually means no site. FCFS with no reservations, vault toilets that reviewers flag as occasionally dirty, and zero hookups make this a poor fit for anyone expecting amenities or a guaranteed spot. ORV noise is real if neighboring camper
Official information for Carrieville State Forest Campground from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Bordered by the Little Manistee River to the east, this rustic campground has 31 large sites - most will accommodate a 30-foot trailer/vehicle. There are a variety of sites to choose from, some heavily wooded and others in an open field. This campground is popular with ORV users due to access to the Little Manistee Trail directly from the campground. The Little Manistee River is known for trout and steelhead fishing; there is access to this beautiful river on the east side of the campground. The campground is in Lake County, 2.8 miles east of Luther via E Old M 63 and N Kings Hwy. Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from hand-pump well. Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations. View Campground closing and opening dates .
Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.
Summer delivers the warmest and most accessible conditions. Daytime highs run mid-70s to mid-80s°F, nights cool to the 50s and 60s, and roads stay dry for trailer access. The Little Manistee is at its best for wading and fishing, and ORV trails are fully rideable. Weekends can fill early, so plan to arrive before noon if you want a river-adjacent site. Winter is possible but remote: roads aren't plowed and snow covers the forest. Spring and fall bring classic northern Michigan swings. Layers and rain gear are wise.
Warmest, driest conditions; roads stay dry for trailer access and river recreation is pleasant.
Rustic campground with vault (pit) toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. 31 large sites (most accommodate up to 30-foot trailers/vehicles); each site typically has a fire pit and picnic table. No electric/water/sewer hookups, no showers, no on-site dump station. First-come, first-serve (no reservations).
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