Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

4.72

46 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fee reported in reviews as $10 per night.

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

(906) 595-7202

What Campers Say

4.72

Top-Rated

Based on 46 reviews

47 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanwater

Some mention

noisemosquitoessmall

"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."

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Fees & Passes at Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

$10/night

Campsite fees

Prices verified December 13, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan DNR website.

Best Time to Camp at Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

This campground welcomes visitors year-round without official season restrictions, giving you the flexibility to choose your own adventure timeline. If you're planning a late spring or early summer visit, come prepared with insect repellent—the mosquitoes can be enthusiastic hosts during these months. Beyond that, the Upper Peninsula's seasonal rhythms unfold naturally here, from verdant summer days to the crisp, colorful embrace of fall.

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 Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

Tucked away on the wooded shores of Garnet Lake in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula, this intimate rustic campground offers a true back-to-basics escape. With roughly ten sites for tents and small trailers, vault toilets, and hand-pumped water, it's managed by Hudson Township on a first-come, first-served basis—perfect for spontaneous adventurers seeking solitude.

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

Historical SignificanceFormerly a State Forest Campground, the site is now owned and operated by Hudson Township (no longer directly operated by the state).

Weather and SeasonsThis campground welcomes visitors year-round without official season restrictions, giving you the flexibility to choose your own adventure timeline. If you're planning a late spring or early summer visit, come prepared with insect repellent—the mosquitoes can be enthusiastic hosts during these months. Beyond that, the Upper Peninsula's seasonal rhythms unfold naturally here, from verdant summer days to the crisp, colorful embrace of fall.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to the gentle lap of lake water just steps from your tent. Nestled in a mixed forest canopy, several sites sit right on Garnet Lake's edge, offering that coveted waterfront camping experience. The well-spaced sites provide natural privacy among the trees, while the quiet, remote setting invites you to truly disconnect. Bring your kayak or canoe to explore the lake's calm waters, or cast a line for northern pike and perch from the shore. The combination of dense tree cover and lakeside tranquility creates an intimate wilderness retreat that feels worlds away from everyday life.

Geological RegionEastern Upper Peninsula (Mackinac County)

Campsite details

Total Campsites10 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 (note: campground is managed by Hudson Township and sites are first-come, first-served; reservations are not accepted)

Amenities available

Potable water

Vault toilets

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

Garnet Lake on site: anglers report northern pike and perch; nearby Black River (~5 miles) is noted for steelhead.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
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.

Hazards

General hazardsReported/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.

Weather at Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 78%

Wind: 11.9 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsMosquitoes/insects during warmer months; occasional early-morning noise from trains and sandhill cranes; unclear signage or campground boundaries noted by some visitors; a small number of visitors mentioned concerns about crowding or local use of the roadway.

Campground Map

Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

Driving directionsLocated in Mackinac County, about one mile southeast of Garnet.

Nearby places

Garnet (≈1 mile)

Black River (≈5 miles southwest)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.7

46 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 46 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 46 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 46 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 46 reviews