Is Graves Crossing State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Graves Crossing 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 Graves Crossing State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Graves Crossing State Forest Campground has 4 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.

What is the best time to visit Graves Crossing State Forest Campground?

Graves Crossing State Forest Campground is open Open year-round; campground is not plowed in winter (conditions may vary by year).. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Graves Crossing State Forest Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Graves Crossing State Forest Campground?

Fire policies at Graves Crossing State Forest Campground: Fire rings provided at sites; follow Michigan DNR rules and any posted fire restrictions or bans.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Graves Crossing State Forest Campground?

Cell phone service at Graves Crossing State Forest Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Graves Crossing State Forest Campground have?

Graves Crossing State Forest Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Graves Crossing State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Graves Crossing 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 Graves Crossing State Forest Campground?

Graves Crossing State Forest Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Graves Crossing State Forest Campground?

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

Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

4.52

106 reviews

Top 25% in MIFall

Fishing

Featured in:RV Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

679 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

679 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Overnight fees ($20 for most sites) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(231) 582-7523

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

45.0346, -85.0651

Nearby places

Mancelona (about 10 miles south)

Intermediate Lake (about 8 miles west)

Lake Charlevoix (about 10 miles north)

general area: Mancelona / East Jordan region.

Weather at Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

Fall offers the clearest advantage. Daytime temperatures run 40s to 60s°F, the bugs drop off, and the riverside maples and oaks turn color. Trout and smallmouth fishing picks up, and paddling becomes less crowded on weekdays. Mornings and evenings are chilly. Summer draws more people and heavy insects. Reviews mention the need for repellent. Weekends fill fast in both seasons, so arrive early or plan for a weekday trip.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in MI

Fall highlighted: best colors, fishing/paddling peak, campground fills quickly on fall weekends.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; campground is not plowed in winter (conditions may vary by year).

About Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

Graves Crossing sits on the banks of the Jordan River in northern Michigan's state forest land, offering 10 primitive, first-come sites with vault toilets, potable water, and direct river access. No hookups, no reservations. The campground fills quickly on fall weekends when paddlers and anglers arrive for the color and the fishing.

A small, rustic state forest campground (first‑come, first‑served) located on the Jordan River with sites intended for tent camping and small trailer use.

Weather and SeasonsFall offers the clearest advantage. Daytime temperatures run 40s to 60s°F, the bugs drop off, and the riverside maples and oaks turn color. Trout and smallmouth fishing picks up, and paddling becomes less crowded on weekdays. Mornings and evenings are chilly. Summer draws more people and heavy insects. Reviews mention the need for repellent. Weekends fill fast in both seasons, so arrive early or plan for a weekday trip.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Jordan River runs clear and cold just steps from the campsites, winding through mixed hardwoods and conifers at 679 feet elevation. The valley holds thick forest cover, and reviews consistently mention the quiet, secluded feel along the water. In fall, the hardwood canopy turns bright orange and red. Sites are described as large and well-spaced, with enough vegetation between them to feel private. The river's clarity makes it a known trout and smallmouth fishery.

Geological RegionJordan River Valley (northern Michigan forested river valley)

Scenic ViewsWooded river corridor views of the Jordan River and surrounding forested valley; many sites are close enough to hear and see the river.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Rustic state forest campground with basic facilities: vault toilets (outhouses), a hand-pump well for potable water, picnic tables and fire rings. No electrical hookups or showers are provided; facilities are minimal and intended for dry camping.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Set directly on the Jordan River, the campground is a base for paddling, trout fishing and quiet forest camping. Nearby trails, ORV/snowmobile routes, and state land hunting opportunities expand recreation options seasonally.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh-water safety concerns on the Jordan River; paddlers should be aware of downed trees and natural river obstacles. Poison ivy has been reported in the woods near sites. Limited facilities (no electricity, vault toilets, hand-pump water) mean campers must be prepared for primitive conditions.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

106 reviews

Top-Rated

Graves Crossing State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitor reviews are overwhelmingly positive (many 5‑star comments) praising the quiet, riverside setting, easy river access for paddling and fishing, well‑maintained rustic sites and overall peaceful atmosphere. A small number of comments note limited amenities and occasional issues with insects, poison ivy, or wildlife.

Review Summaries

Based on 106 reviews

What Campers Love

Quiet, secluded camping on the scenic Jordan River; excellent put‑in for kayaking and river floating; good trout fishing; well‑maintained sites with picnic tables, fire rings and vault toilets;...

Based on 106 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early in peak season — the campground fills fast; bring insect repellent and bear‑aware food storage; use caution and experience when kayaking this river (not recommended for tubing); be...

Based on 106 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Beautiful.”; “Great little hideaway … During season it fills up fast. Clean sites and outhouse. Just be wary of the poison ivy.”; “Perfect place to put in for best river kayaking in the area.”; “We...

Based on 106 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Paddlers and trout anglers get the most out of this place. The Jordan River is a known brown trout, steelhead, and salmon fishery with a direct put-in from camp, and fall brings cooler temps, fewer bugs, and the hardwood canopy at full color. AT&T and Verizon users will have work

Skip if

No showers, no electric, hand-pump water, and vault toilets only. Reviewers also flag real poison ivy near the sites and persistent insects in summer. If your crew needs developed amenities or can't get there by Thursday in fall, this won't work.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.5

(74)

Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground

Pinney Bridge sits along the Jordan River in northern Michigan's state forest, offering 15 walk-in tent sites about 200 yards from the parking area. The campground operates first-come, first-served and fills early on summer weekends. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table, with hand-pump water and vault toilets serving the campground.

Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Ask Camp Sage about Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

Planning Tips

About Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Go if

Skip if

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Ask Camp Sage about Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love