How much does camping cost at Grass Lake State Forest Campground?

Camping fees at Grass Lake State Forest Campground range from $52/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Grass Lake State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Grass Lake State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Grass Lake State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Grass Lake State Forest Campground has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Grass Lake State Forest Campground?

Grass Lake State Forest Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Grass Lake State Forest Campground have?

Grass Lake State Forest Campground has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Grass Lake State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Grass Lake State Forest Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Grass Lake State Forest Campground?

Grass Lake State Forest Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Grass Lake State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Grass Lake State Forest Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Grass Lake State Forest Campground

4.15

48 reviews

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

597 ft

Price

$52/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

597 ft

Price

$52/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan DNR

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

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Michigan

Provider

(800) 447-2757

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What Campers Say

4.15

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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Summer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s and cool nights in the 50s–60s. Water access is best for boats and fishing, trails stay dry and usable, and wildlife is active. Mosquitoes are persistent in warm months. Spring rains and summer storms can soften the dirt access roads. Weekdays remain quiet even in peak season, though holiday weekends draw moderate local crowds.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer gives most reliable conditions; best for paddling, fishing, and dry trails.

Planning Tips

About Grass Lake State Forest Campground

Grass Lake State Forest Campground sits on the quiet floodwaters of the Betsie River system in Benzie County, offering 15 rustic sites for paddlers and anglers. Most sites are first-come, first-served at $52/night. Lakefront spots put you steps from launch points for kayaks and canoes.

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 SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s and cool nights in the 50s–60s. Water access is best for boats and fishing, trails stay dry and usable, and wildlife is active. Mosquitoes are persistent in warm months. Spring rains and summer storms can soften the dirt access roads. Weekdays remain quiet even in peak season, though holiday weekends draw moderate local crowds.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies mixed northern hardwood and pine forest at 597 feet elevation, where Grass Lake's vegetated shoreline creates natural put-ins for small watercraft. Many sites sit near the water or offer filtered views through the trees. The Betsie River system flows through the area, connecting paddlers to a wider network of quiet backwaters. Spacing between sites is generous, and the canopy provides solid shade on summer afternoons.

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

Scenic ViewsFiltered lake views from many sites; lakefront/near-water sites are favored for direct water access, while interior wooded sites offer greater privacy.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

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

Total Campsites15 campsites

Best CampsitesLakefront or near-water sites offer the easiest paddling access and filtered lake views. Interior wooded sites trade water proximity for deeper privacy. All sites are first-come, first-served, so arrive early on weekends to claim your pick.

Amenities available

Small, rustic state forest campground with basic site amenities (picnic table, fire ring, grill). Vault toilets and a hand-pump or well are reported for water; no hookups or dump station. No on-site camp store or laundry.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

RV details

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

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Weather at Grass Lake State Forest Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

48 reviews

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...

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....

Based on 48 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

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(23)

White Pine Canoe Camp

White Pine Canoe Camp sits along the Au Sable River about 15.5 miles east of Grayling, accessible primarily by paddle. The five primitive tent sites operate first-come, first-served at $68 per night. Hand-pump well water, vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables cover the basics for paddlers working their way downriver.