Is Forks State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Forks State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Forks State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Forks State Forest Campground has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Forks State Forest Campground?

Forks State Forest Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Forks State Forest Campground?

Fire policies at Forks State Forest Campground: Fire rings are present at sites; visitors must follow Michigan DNR fire regulations and any posted fire restrictions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Forks State Forest Campground have?

Forks State Forest Campground has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Forks State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Forks State Forest Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Forks State Forest Campground?

Forks State Forest Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Forks State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Forks State Forest Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Forks State Forest Campground

4.29

57 reviews

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

886 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

886 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Forks State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Nightly fee: contact the park.

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

(248) 685-2433

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What Campers Say

4.29

Satisfactory

Based on 57 reviews

48 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleansites

Some mention

small

"Reviewers consistently describe Forks as a small (8–9 sites), very scenic and peaceful rustic campground on the Boardman River with excellent paddling and fishing access; most reviews are positive and highlight the river setting."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Forks State Forest Campground

44.6734, -85.4021

Nearby places

Williamsburg — ~7 miles

Traverse City — driving distance not specified

Nearby supplies

Traverse City / South Boardman area (supplies and fuel)

Best Time to Camp at Forks State Forest Campground

Summer brings daytime highs around 70–85°F and nights in the 50–60°F range, making it the most practical season for swimming and paddling. The river warms enough for comfort, and trout fishing picks up along the shaded banks. Mosquitoes are active near the water, so bring repellent. Weather shifts fast in northern Michigan. Rain gear and layers handle the variability. Fall can be pleasant for hiking and wildlife viewing, but water activities drop off as temperatures cool.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season: 70–85°F days, river warms for swimming and paddling; fishing picks up in summer.

Planning Tips

About Forks State Forest Campground

Forks State Forest Campground sits on the Boardman River about 7 miles from Williamsburg, offering 9 primitive sites at 886 feet elevation. The small site count keeps crowds thin, and the river access draws paddlers and anglers looking for a rustic base camp. It's first-come, first-served with vault toilets, a hand pump for water, and fire rings.

A small, rustic riverside state forest campground best suited to tent and primitive camping; many sites are on or above the riverbank.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs around 70–85°F and nights in the 50–60°F range, making it the most practical season for swimming and paddling. The river warms enough for comfort, and trout fishing picks up along the shaded banks. Mosquitoes are active near the water, so bring repellent. Weather shifts fast in northern Michigan. Rain gear and layers handle the variability. Fall can be pleasant for hiking and wildlife viewing, but water activities drop off as temperatures cool.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a riverside corridor where the Boardman River runs clear over sand and gravel beds. Hardwoods and pines provide patchy shade across the open, grassy sites. The river itself is the main feature: shallow enough for wading in summer, steady enough for kayaking, and clean enough that you can see the bottom from shore. The surrounding Pere Marquette State Forest buffers the campground from development, though the sites themselves lack heavy undergrowth between them.

Geological RegionPere Marquette State Forest / Boardman River corridor

Scenic ViewsMost desirable views are river-facing; many sites overlook the Boardman River and some provide short trails or direct access to the water. Reviewers note dark skies and tranquil river sounds as notable features.

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Total Campsites9 campsites

Best CampsitesRiverside sites fill first because they put you right on the water for fishing, launching kayaks, or just watching the current. Sites farther from the entrance tend to feel more secluded, though privacy is limited everywhere due to sparse vegetation between spots. Arrive early on summer weekends if you want your pick.

Amenities available

Rustic state forest campground with vault toilets and no utility hookups; reviewers report outhouses and a hand water pump on site, plus fire rings at sites.

Potable water

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Riverside, primitive camping focused on paddling, fishing, swimming and wildlife viewing along the Boardman River; informal hiking and access to state forest lands (including hunting on adjacent state land) are available.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRiver-related hazards including high water and steep/uneven paths to the water; insects (mosquitoes) in warm months; limited or spotty cell coverage. Standard wildlife awareness and proper food storage are advised (area supports typical northern Michigan mammals).

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Weather at Forks State Forest Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

57 reviews

Satisfactory

Forks State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers consistently describe Forks as a small (8–9 sites), very scenic and peaceful rustic campground on the Boardman River with excellent paddling and fishing access; most reviews are positive and highlight the river setting.

Review Summaries

Based on 57 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful, clear Boardman River and riverside sites; peaceful and uncrowded due to small site count; good access for canoeing/kayaking and trout fishing; clean sites with fire rings.

Based on 57 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early (first-come, first-served) to secure a riverside site; be self-sufficient (bring supplies, water containers, insect repellent); reviewers note outhouses and a hand water pump on site.

Based on 57 reviews

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Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground sits in the heart of Manistee State Forest, offering 23 rustic sites split between horse campers and those on foot. The campground connects directly to the Shore-to-Shore Trail and runs alongside Hopkins Creek, a clear trout stream. First-come, first-served. Vault toilets and potable water. No hookups.