Is Garey Lake State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Garey Lake 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 Garey Lake State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Garey Lake State Forest Campground has 7 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 Garey Lake State Forest Campground?

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

Are dogs allowed at Garey Lake State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Garey Lake 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 Garey Lake State Forest Campground?

Garey Lake 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 Garey Lake State Forest Campground?

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

Garey Lake State Forest Campground

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Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Michigan

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

886 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

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

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Garey Lake State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fee amounts provided in source materials. As a state forest campground a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry (per Michigan DNR).

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

(231) 276-9511

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Campground Map

Garey Lake State Forest Campground

44.7779, -85.9391

Nearby places

Empire ~8 miles

Glen Lake (lake area) ~6 miles north

Pearl Lake ~0.5 mile SE.

Best Time to Camp at Garey Lake State Forest Campground

Summer delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs reach 70–80°F, nights drop into the 50s. The lake warms enough for swimming, and wooded shoreline keeps mosquitoes more manageable than open dune areas. Crowds stay lighter here than at Sleeping Bear Dunes, but first-come sites fill fast on summer weekends.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Overview states summer delivers best conditions; lake warms and mosquitoes are more manageable.

Planning Tips

About Garey Lake State Forest Campground

Garey Lake State Forest Campground sits on wooded shores near Empire, offering primitive tent camping on former orchard land. First-come, first-served sites come with vault toilets and potable water. Cell service is weak.

Rustic state forest campground primarily for primitive/tent camping with equestrian and trail access; no modern hookups.

Historical Significance

The land was once an apple orchard. Interlochen State Park now manages the site as a state forest campground.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs reach 70–80°F, nights drop into the 50s. The lake warms enough for swimming, and wooded shoreline keeps mosquitoes more manageable than open dune areas. Crowds stay lighter here than at Sleeping Bear Dunes, but first-come sites fill fast on summer weekends.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies forested land at 886 feet elevation adjacent to Garey Lake. Trees provide shade over most sites, with some offering filtered lake views. A boat ramp gives paddlers access to the water. Beyond camp, thousands of acres of state forest connect to the Shore-to-Shore Trail and Lake Ann Pathway. Glen Lake and Pearl Lake lie nearby for additional fishing and paddling.

Geological RegionState forest lands adjacent to Garey Lake near the Sleeping Bear region.

Scenic ViewsSome sites offer filtered views of Garey Lake and quick access to the lake/boat launch; other sites are set back in the woods for more privacy.

Best Campsites

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Amenities available

Rustic state forest campground on Garey Lake: hand-pump potable water, vault toilets, no electricity, and a small boat ramp. First-come, first-served; basic facilities consistent with a rustic classification.

Potable water

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Quiet, rustic lakeside camping with on-site boat access, fishing, multi-use trail access (including the Shore-to-Shore Trail), and nearby opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use. Good for paddling and panfishing on Garey Lake.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRustic, off-grid conditions: vault toilets (maintenance can be variable), limited or unreliable cell service reported by users, and nearby state forest hunting seasons (observe safety and distance regulations).

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.