Garey Lake Trail Camp sits on the shore of Garey Lake eight miles southeast of Empire, occupying a former apple orchard that's now an open grassy meadow ringed by northern hardwoods. The camp has two primitive group sites with vault toilets and potable water. Bring everything else.
A rustic, primitive Shore‑to‑Shore equestrian trail camp set in a former apple orchard on Garey Lake; functions primarily as a large group/equestrian site rather than individually numbered modern campsites.
Historical Significance
The site was an apple orchard before reverting to meadow and campground use. Interlochen State Park manages the camp as part of the Shore-to-Shore equestrian trail system.Weather and SeasonsSummer is the best window. Daytime highs run mid-70s to low-80s (24–28 °C), nights cool into the 50s (10–15 °C). Water temperatures are warm enough for paddling and the trails stay dry. Weekends can pull visitors from nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes, but this primitive setup stays quieter than developed campgrounds. Spring and fall bring mud and colder water; winter closes most access.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 886 feet in a clearing where apple trees once grew. The grassy meadow opens directly onto Garey Lake, with mixed hardwoods. Maple, beech, oak. Forming a perimeter. Views extend across the water from most of the open ground. The shoreline is accessible for small boats and fishing. State forest surrounds the site on all sides.
Geological RegionState forest setting on the shore of Garey Lake; site occupies a former apple orchard (open grassy orchard/meadow ringed by mixed northern hardwoods).
Scenic ViewsOpen meadow/orchard views toward Garey Lake with surrounding tree lines providing shaded edges; dark skies and a remote, quiet atmosphere are commonly reported.