Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.73
51 reviews
Garnet Lake State Forest Campground
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

827 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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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

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Michigan
Provider
(906) 595-7202
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What Campers Say

4.73

Top-Rated

Based on 51 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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Campground Map

Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

46.1542, -85.2950

Driving directionsLocated in Mackinac County, about one mile southeast of Garnet.
Nearby places
Garnet (≈1 mile)
Black River (≈5 miles southwest)

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Best time for lake access, paddling, fishing; reviewers praise late spring/early summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Wooded lakeside setting suits fall colors and continued solitude.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 14% in MI

Late spring noted as desirable for fishing and paddling; seasonal insects occasionally mentioned.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round but no winter services; possible for prepared winter campers seeking solitude.

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

    Weather at Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

    Reviews

    4.7
    51 reviews
    Top-Rated
    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...
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    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

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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