How much does camping cost at Garnet Lake State Forest Campground?

Camping fees at Garnet Lake State Forest Campground range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

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

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

Are there showers at Garnet Lake State Forest Campground?

Garnet Lake 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 Garnet Lake State Forest Campground?

Fire policies at Garnet Lake State Forest Campground: No official fire policy provided in sources; reviewers note availability of firewood/donations at times. Campers should follow posted rules and practice standard fire safety.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Garnet Lake State Forest Campground have?

Garnet Lake State Forest Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Garnet Lake State Forest Campground?

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

Garnet 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 Garnet Lake State Forest Campground?

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

Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

4.53

51 reviews

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Michigan#3 Tent Camping Michigan Family-Friendly Campgrounds Michigan +1 more

Quick Facts

827 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

827 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight fees ($20 for most sites) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(906) 595-7202

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

46.1542, -85.2950

Nearby places

Garnet (≈1 mile)

Black River (≈5 miles southwest)

Weather at Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

Summer brings the warmest weather and best lake access. Daytime highs reach 65 to 80°F, with nights cooling into the 40s and 50s. Long daylight hours support fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes and other insects are persistent during warmer months. Weekends fill up in July and August given the small site count. Midweek visits offer more solitude. The campground has no official closure dates, so shoulder seasons are possible for cold-weather campers.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Warmest weather and best lake access; summertime fishing, boating and wildlife viewing highlighted.

Planning Tips

About Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

Garnet Lake State Forest Campground sits on the wooded shore of Garnet Lake in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula, about a mile from the tiny town of Garnet. The campground has 10 primitive sites, vault toilets, potable water, and a small dock and boat launch. Sites cost $10 per night and are first-come, first-served. Local caretakers manage the property and keep the facilities clean.

Rustic, township-managed campground with about 10 tent and small-trailer sites; first-come, first-served only.

Historical Significance

The campground was previously operated as a State Forest Campground. Hudson Township now owns and manages the property.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the warmest weather and best lake access. Daytime highs reach 65 to 80°F, with nights cooling into the 40s and 50s. Long daylight hours support fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes and other insects are persistent during warmer months. Weekends fill up in July and August given the small site count. Midweek visits offer more solitude. The campground has no official closure dates, so shoulder seasons are possible for cold-weather campers.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies forested land at 827 feet elevation, with several sites positioned directly on the lake. Mixed hardwoods and conifers provide shade and natural screening between sites, which reviewers describe as large and private. Garnet Lake supports northern pike and perch fishing, and the calm water suits canoes and kayaks. The remote setting attracts wildlife. Sandhill cranes are active enough that some visitors hear them at dawn.

Geological RegionEastern Upper Peninsula (Mackinac County)

Scenic ViewsSeveral waterfront sites offer lake views; interior sites are wooded and private.

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 (note: campground is managed by Hudson Township and sites are first-come, first-served; reservations are not accepted)

Total Campsites10 campsites

Best CampsitesReviewers consistently recommend the waterfront sites for direct lake access and views. Arriving early improves your chances of claiming one, especially on summer weekends.

Amenities available

Small, rustic campground with basic vault toilets and a hand-pump well for potable water. No electricity or hookups; minimal services managed by Hudson Township. Firewood is available (reviews note free wood with donation).

Potable water

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Quiet, wooded lakeside campground best suited to fishing, paddling/quiet boating, wildlife viewing, and simple beach access. No organized recreation facilities are noted.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReported/observed issues include insect activity (mosquitoes), spotty or limited cell service, and typical Northwoods wildlife (standard food-storage precautions advised). No specific site incidents are reported in sources.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

51 reviews

Top-Rated

Garnet Lake State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers overwhelmingly describe Garnet Lake as a small, well-maintained rustic campground that is quiet, scenic, and valued for its lake access and privacy. Most reviews praise clean outhouses, large sites, and attentive local caretakers; negative comments are infrequent but mention insects, occasional noise (trains), signage issues, and one report criticizing crowding.

Review Summaries

Based on 51 reviews

What Campers Love

Quiet, scenic lakeside setting; several desirable waterfront sites; clean, well‑kept vault toilets; large, private campsites; small dock/boat launch; caretakers are praised in multiple reviews.

Based on 51 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Sites are first-come, first-served — arrive early for waterfront spots; bring bug spray and basic supplies; reviewers note a small donation-based firewood system; expect minimal services and plan to...

Based on 51 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful, quiet, clean and accommodating."; "One of the nicest rustic campgrounds around!"; "Best little campground off us2... nice and quiet and peaceful."

Based on 51 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Paddlers and pike anglers who can arrive midweek in July or August. The waterfront sites go fast on weekends, and the calm water is well-suited to canoes and kayaks. Black River steelhead fishing is about 5 miles out if you want variety.

Skip if

Cell service is spotty at best out here, and there are no hookups, no showers, and no reservations. First-come-first-served with only 10 sites means a wasted drive if you show up on a summer Saturday and everyone beats you there.

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Black River State Forest

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Tucked away in Wisconsin's Black River State Forest, this intimate campground offers the perfect retreat for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. The gentle rush of the Black River flows right through the property, while towering mature trees create a canopy of shade and privacy between each site, all centered around a peaceful lawn that opens up the forest floor.