Ess Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.39
40 reviews
Ess Lake State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

863 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
Get Directions
Ess Lake State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Michigan
Provider
(989) 785-4388
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What Campers Say

4.39

Recommended

Based on 40 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlakebeach

"Reviews are largely positive and emphasize clear water, a quiet wooded setting, and well-maintained rustic facilities. Many visitors call it a hidden gem ideal for rustic camping, paddling and fishing."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Ess Lake State Forest Campground

Ess Lake State Forest Campground

45.1095, -83.9816

Driving directionsLocated on Ess Lake in Montmorency County. Access via M-33 and County Road 624; campground is about 16 miles northeast of Atlanta, MI.
Accessible via M-33 and County Road 624; reached by rural/state forest roads.
Nearby places
Hillman, MI (reported in reviews as under ~5 miles)
Atlanta, MI (about 16 miles).
Nearby supplies
Hillman, MI (nearest small town with services per user reports)

Best Time to Camp at Ess Lake State Forest Campground

Located in northern Lower Michigan, Ess Lake experiences the full beauty of four distinct seasons—from warm summer days perfect for swimming to crisp fall mornings ideal for fishing. The campground's seasonal availability varies, so check ahead before planning your trip. Keep in mind that the surrounding state forest lands welcome hunters during designated seasons, adding to the area's authentic wilderness character.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About Ess Lake State Forest Campground

    Tucked away on the peaceful shores of Ess Lake, this intimate 27-site campground offers the perfect escape into Michigan's northwoods. With its rustic charm, direct lake access, and boat launch, it's an ideal basecamp for anglers, paddlers, and anyone seeking a genuine back-to-basics camping experience managed by Clear Lake State Park.
    Rustic state forest campground primarily for primitive tent camping with lake access; no electric/water/sewer hookups.
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    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Water-centered recreation on Ess Lake (boating, paddling, swimming, fishing) plus access to nearby state forest recreation and ORV/ATV routes; small beach and picnic area on-site.
    HikingNearby hiking and ATV paths and general forest roads for walking and exploring (review mentions close vicinity to hiking/ATV paths).
    FishingFishing from the lake for species noted by DNR (bass, trout, panfish) and visitor-reported species (pike, walleye, perch, bluegill); visitors recommend boat fishing for best results.
    SwimmingSmall beach and grassy shoreline; reviewers note a grassy edge with sand once in the water, making it suitable for wading and swimming.
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsRustic facilities (no electricity), limited services and potentially weak cell reception due to remote forest location; surrounding state forest is open to hunting so users should observe seasonal hunting safety practices.

    Weather at Ess Lake State Forest Campground

    Reviews

    4.4
    40 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Ess Lake State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviews are largely positive and emphasize clear water, a quiet wooded setting, and well-maintained rustic facilities. Many visitors call it a hidden gem ideal for rustic camping, paddling and fishing.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 40 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Clear, clean lake; quiet, wooded and rustic setting; on-site boat launch, small beach and picnic area; well-kept vault toilets/outhouses and generous-sized sites; good paddling and boating...
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    Based on 40 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    This is a rustic, first-come/first-served state forest campground—arrive prepared and early. Bring self-contained camping gear (no hookups), water containers or use the hand-pump, water shoes for the...
    Show more
    Based on 40 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Beautiful crystal clear lake. Campground is rustic but very nice."; "This is a perfect hidden gem!"; "No hook ups or dump station. But hey, you are camping right?"
    Based on 40 reviews
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    Last updated January 13, 2026
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