Ess Lake State Forest Campground
4.3432 reviewsEss Lake State Forest Campground
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
27 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
27 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Michigan
Provider(989) 785-4388
What Campers Say
4.34
Recommended
Based on 32 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."
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.
Weather and SeasonsLocated 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.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to morning mist rising off a tranquil inland lake, surrounded by nothing but state forest as far as the eye can see. This hidden gem features a sandy beach perfect for cooling off on warm afternoons, while the mixed forest shoreline creates a serene backdrop for your waterside adventures. Launch your boat or kayak to explore the lake's quiet coves, cast a line for bass, trout, and panfish, or simply relax at the picnic area and soak in the remote, wooded atmosphere that makes you feel wonderfully far from civilization.
Geological RegionNorthern Lower Peninsula / state forest lands
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Campsite details
Total Campsites27 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com
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.
Hiking
Nearby hiking and ATV paths and general forest roads for walking and exploring (review mentions close vicinity to hiking/ATV paths).Fishing
Fishing 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.Swimming
Small beach and grassy shoreline; reviewers note a grassy edge with sand once in the water, making it suitable for wading and swimming.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsRustic 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
26
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 80%
Wind: 9.1 mph
Overcast
Weather History
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Good to know
Common complaintsNo electrical hookups, no dump station and no showers; limited number of lakeside sites; some reviewers note limited privacy at certain sites and a narrow access road that may be difficult for large RVs. One reviewer commented 'No beach.'
Campground Map
Ess Lake State Forest Campground
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)
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
32 reviews
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 32 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...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
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 32 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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