Grass Lake State Forest Campground

4.43

37 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

$52/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

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Quick Facts

Price

$52/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(800) 447-2757

What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 37 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."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at Grass Lake State Forest Campground

$52/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 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.

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 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).

Weather and SeasonsThe 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.

Natural Features and SceneryYour campsite nestles within a beautiful tapestry of northern hardwoods and whispering pines, where dappled sunlight filters through the canopy to the shores of Grass Lake Flooding. Many sites sit just steps from the water's edge or offer tranquil glimpses of the lake through the trees, while the vegetated, low-lying shoreline provides natural launching spots perfect for sliding in a kayak, canoe, or fishing boat. The Betsie River system flows through this serene landscape, creating an interconnected waterway that beckons exploration.

Geological RegionGrass Lake floodwaters of the Betsie River system in Benzie County; mixed northern hardwood and pine forest

Campsite details

Total Campsites15 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (note: this campground is first-come, first-served; no reservations)

Accomodation available

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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

Informal forest roads and two-track trails in the surrounding state forest provide opportunities for walking and exploration; no formal, named hiking trails are cited.

Fishing

On-site fishing on Grass Lake Flooding for warm-water species (bass, perch, bluegill); Betsie River nearby for trout; Turtle Lake (5 miles NW) also cited for bass, bluegill, perch.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsTypical 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

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 58%

Wind: 17 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsTypical rustic limitations: mosquitoes in warm months, no electric/water/sewer hookups, no dump station or on-site store, and potential for dirt/gravel access roads to be rough. First-come, first-served system can lead to disappointment on busy weekends.

Campground Map

Grass Lake State Forest Campground

Driving directionsLocated in Benzie County, about ten miles northeast of Thompsonville via County Road 669 and Wallin Road.

Access via County Road 669 and Wallin Road; approaches are state-forest/gravel roads and can be rough or soft after heavy rains.

Nearby places

Thompsonville — ~10 miles

Nearby supplies

Services and supplies available in nearby small towns such as Thompsonville

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.4

37 reviews

Recommended

Grass Lake State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 37 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...

Based on 37 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....

Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Super quiet most of the time"; "Great rustic Campground. Secluded and gorgeous!"; "Vault toilets clean"; "All sites are first come first served and paid via an envelope into a lock box."

Based on 37 reviews