Forks State Forest Campground

4.46

48 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(248) 685-2433

What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 48 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

Best Time to Camp at Forks State Forest Campground

Northern Michigan's charm comes with its characteristic weather personality—pack for adventure and be ready for anything. Summer and fall bring warm days that can shift quickly, so layers are your friend, along with reliable rain gear for those passing showers. Don't forget insect repellent during the warmer months, when mosquitoes and other bugs come out to enjoy the riverside habitat as much as you will. A little preparation ensures you'll stay comfortable while exploring this beautiful corner of the state.

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 Forks State Forest Campground

Escape to Forks State Forest Campground, a hidden gem tucked along the pristine Boardman River in Grand Traverse County. This intimate, rustic retreat offers just a handful of sites managed by Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park—perfect for campers seeking peaceful riverside solitude away from the crowds and modern conveniences.

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

Weather and SeasonsNorthern Michigan's charm comes with its characteristic weather personality—pack for adventure and be ready for anything. Summer and fall bring warm days that can shift quickly, so layers are your friend, along with reliable rain gear for those passing showers. Don't forget insect repellent during the warmer months, when mosquitoes and other bugs come out to enjoy the riverside habitat as much as you will. A little preparation ensures you'll stay comfortable while exploring this beautiful corner of the state.

Natural Features and SceneryYour campsite awaits beside the crystal-clear Boardman River, where fast-flowing waters dance over sandy and pebbly shores beneath a canopy of towering hardwoods and fragrant pines. The open, grassy sites blend seamlessly into the riparian landscape, offering front-row views of the river's natural beauty. This secluded setting invites you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in northern Michigan's wilderness, where the only soundtrack is birdsong and flowing water.

Geological RegionPere Marquette State Forest / Boardman River corridor

Campsite details

Total Campsites9 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

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

Informal hiking and river-corridor exploration near the Brown Bridge/Boardman River area.

Fishing

Trout fishing is reported on the Boardman River adjacent to the campground.

Swimming

River access for swimming and wading; reviewers mention swimming and dogs swimming from sites.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Fire rings are present at sites; visitors must follow Michigan DNR fire regulations and any posted fire restrictions.

Hazards

General hazardsRiver-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).

Weather at Forks State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 60%

Wind: 14.2 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsVery basic amenities (no showers, no hookups); limited privacy because sites are open with little vegetation between them; small campground capacity can fill early during peak season.

Campground Map

Forks State Forest Campground

Driving directionsLocated on the Boardman River in Grand Traverse County, about 7 miles south of Williamsburg via Williamsburg, Supply and Brown Bridge roads.

Accessible via Williamsburg, Supply and Brown Bridge roads; reach the site by driving south from Williamsburg.

Nearby places

Williamsburg — ~7 miles

Traverse City — driving distance not specified

Nearby supplies

Traverse City / South Boardman area (supplies and fuel)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.5

48 reviews

Recommended

Forks State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 48 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 48 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 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Small, quaint, with just a few campsites... set up tent right next to river. Awesome view."; "Great place to boondock on the river."; "Peaceful on weekdays.."; "No power or sewerage. Outhouses are...

Based on 48 reviews