Gene'S Pond State Forest Campground

Star4.61
25 reviews
Gene'S Pond State Forest Campground
Peace & QuietSummer Destination
Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Michigan

Quick Facts

1,155 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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Gene'S Pond State Forest Campground
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
(906) 786-2351
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What Campers Say

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 25 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspaciouswater

"Reviewers consistently describe Gene's Pond Campground as quiet, peaceful, scenic and well-maintained. Guests praise the wooded lakeside sites, good fishing and paddling access, and the hand-pump potable water; most note the campground is rustic and first-come, first-served."

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Campground Map

Gene'S Pond State Forest Campground

Gene'S Pond State Forest Campground

46.0726, -87.8658

Driving directionsLocated 6.5 miles northwest of Felch via County Road 581 (G-67) and County Road 422 in Dickinson County.
Accessible via County Road 581 (G-67) and County Road 422 (seasonal roads).
Nearby places
Felch — approximately 6.5 miles
Sagola — gas station/supplies reported ~10 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Fully stocked gas station in Sagola (reported ~10 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Gene'S Pond State Forest Campground

Gene's Pond welcomes adventurers year-round, though winter visitors should note that roads and campsites remain unplowed, adding to the backcountry experience. Summer and fall bring the best conditions for water activities, though the pond's proximity means you'll want to pack insect repellent for those warm-weather evenings. When night falls, you'll be rewarded with inky-dark skies and the kind of profound quiet that only truly remote campgrounds can offer.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Overview notes summer brings best conditions; paddling, fishing and shaded sites ideal in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall noted among best seasons; hardwood canopy implies good fall color and pleasant conditions.

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

Reviewers paddled in April; spring offers paddling/fishing as ice thaws and fewer crowds.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but roads/campsites not plowed; winter use is backcountry-style and limited.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.

About Gene'S Pond State Forest Campground

Escape to Gene's Pond State Forest Campground, where tranquility meets wilderness on the wooded shores of Dickinson County. This intimate, rustic retreat offers the perfect low-key getaway for campers seeking solitude, with shaded sites nestled beneath towering hardwoods and direct access to peaceful paddling and fishing waters.
Rustic, primarily tent-oriented state forest campground with first-come, first-served sites and no utility hookups.
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Amenities available

Potable water
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Calm, wooded pond setting supports paddling/kayaking, boating from a small launch, shore and boat fishing, hiking on the nearby Gene's Pond Pathway, wildlife viewing, hunting access on surrounding state land, and limited winter camping (roads not plowed).
HikingThe Gene's Pond Pathway starts by/near the campground; reviewers note parts of the trail can be overgrown or tricky to follow.
FishingFish reported include bass, pike, walleye and panfish; fishing from shore and from small boats/kayaks on Gene's Pond.
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRemote location with potentially limited or spotty cell service; insects in warm months; some trail sections (Gene's Pond Pathway) have been reported as overgrown or tricky to follow. Seasonal road closures/not plowed in winter can limit access.

Weather at Gene'S Pond State Forest Campground

Reviews

4.6
25 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Gene'S Pond State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers consistently describe Gene's Pond Campground as quiet, peaceful, scenic and well-maintained. Guests praise the wooded lakeside sites, good fishing and paddling access, and the hand-pump potable water; most note the campground is rustic and first-come, first-served.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Quiet, secluded atmosphere; clean and well-kept sites; boat launch and easy paddling/fishing access; many reviewers praise the hand-pump water as clear and good-tasting; sites described as spacious...
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Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive self-contained with supplies; expect first-come, first-served; prefer waterfront or near-water sites for best views and quick access to fishing/paddling; bring bug spray and plan for limited...
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Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Extremely well maintained campground with a nice boat landing adjacent.”; “Very quiet and clean camp sites.”; “A hand pump...provided very clear and good tasting water.”; “The water is terrible -...
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Based on 25 reviews
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Last updated February 2, 2026
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