Is Garey Lake Trail Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Garey Lake Trail Camp operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Garey Lake Trail Camp?

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

How many campsites does Garey Lake Trail Camp have?

Garey Lake Trail Camp has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Garey Lake Trail Camp?

Pets are not allowed at Garey Lake Trail Camp. 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 Trail Camp?

Garey Lake Trail Camp 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 Trail Camp?

Popular activities at Garey Lake Trail Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Garey Lake Trail Camp

0 review

Summer Destination

Featured in:Tent Camping Michigan

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

886 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

2 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

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Garey Lake Trail Camp

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

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Michigan

Provider

(800) 447-2757

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Campground Map

Garey Lake Trail Camp

44.7779, -85.9391

Nearby places

Empire — about 8 miles

Glen Lake — about 6 miles north

Pearl Lake — about 0.5 mile southeast.

Nearby supplies

Empire, Maple City

Best Time to Camp at Garey Lake Trail Camp

Summer 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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Described as 'best window'; warm days (24–28 °C), trails dry and water good for paddling.

Planning Tips

About Garey Lake Trail Camp

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.

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Amenities available

Minimal, rustic facilities typical of a state forest trail camp: vault toilets, a hand‑pump well for potable water (though water availability can be unreliable), and no electrical hookups or showers reported in source materials.

Potable water

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Equestrian-focused Shore‑to‑Shore trail camp with access to Garey Lake for fishing and small‑boat use; suitable for hiking, paddling/boating, and hunting on surrounding state forest lands. The site functions as a large group/equestrian camp rather than numbered individual sites.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHunting activity on surrounding state land during seasons (obey hunting restrictions and wear high-visibility clothing); horse traffic and associated manure in the camp; variable or unreliable potable water availability.

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.