Grass Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.30
48 reviews
Grass Lake State Forest Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

597 ft

Price

$52/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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Grass Lake State Forest Campground
$52.00 - $52.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly fee $52/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
(800) 447-2757
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What Campers Say

4.30

Satisfactory

Based on 48 reviews

37 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanwaterlake

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, describing the campground as quiet, secluded, scenic, and rustic. Campers highlight lake access for paddling and fishing, spacious and well-spaced sites, and clean vault toilets; common downsides are insects, limited amenities, and first-come/first-served availability."

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Campground Map

Grass Lake State Forest Campground

Grass Lake State Forest Campground

44.2569, -83.4453

Nearby places
Thompsonville — ~10 miles
Nearby supplies
Services and supplies available in nearby small towns such as Thompsonville

Best Time to Camp at Grass Lake State Forest Campground

The campground's low-lying location means spring rains and summer storms can soften roads and trails, adding to the wild character of this backcountry gem. Summer brings warm days ideal for paddling, along with the northwoods' famously enthusiastic mosquito population—bug spray is your friend here. Your reward? Once the day-trippers depart, you'll be treated to ink-black night skies perfect for stargazing, with barely a whisper of road noise to disturb the forest's evening chorus.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Forest setting suggests good fall color and quieter conditions; no specific fall reviews provided.

Planning Tips


    About Grass Lake State Forest Campground

    Tucked away in Benzie County's northern woods, Grass Lake State Forest Campground offers paddlers and anglers a peaceful escape on the quiet floodwaters of Grass Lake. This intimate, rustic retreat features wooded, secluded sites with easy water access—most available first-come, first-served for those seeking spontaneous adventure on the Betsie River system.
    A small, rustic state forest campground suited to tent campers and small trailers/RVs, with some lakefront and interior wooded sites. Also reported to have two mini-cabins (see notes in user reviews).

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite


    Amenities available

    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets
    Cabin Lodging

    Activities you can enjoy

    Outdoor, water-focused recreation on Grass Lake Flooding and the Betsie River with opportunities for paddling, small-boat launch, and fishing; forest setting supports wildlife viewing and informal hiking on two-tracks.
    Hiking
    Fishing
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsTypical northern-Michigan insect activity in warm months; unpaved/gravel access roads that can be rough or muddy after rain. Cell coverage is not documented and may be limited.

    Weather at Grass Lake State Forest Campground

    Trip Planning Tools

    Reviews

    From Booking Sources
    4.3
    48 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Grass Lake State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, describing the campground as quiet, secluded, scenic, and rustic. Campers highlight lake access for paddling and fishing, spacious and well-spaced sites, and clean vault toilets; common downsides are insects, limited amenities, and first-come/first-served availability.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 48 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Quiet, secluded setting; lakefront and near-water sites with easy access to paddling and fishing; sites generally large and well‑spaced; clean vault toilets and basic campground maintenance; suitable...
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    Based on 48 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Arrive early on peak weekends (all sites are first-come, first-served and paid via envelope/iron ranger). Bring drinking water and full camping supplies, bug spray, and cash/exact change for payment....
    Show more
    Based on 48 reviews
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    Last updated March 8, 2026
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