Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

Star4.63
106 reviews
Graves Crossing State Forest Campground
Peace & Quiet
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

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026
Graves Crossing State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Rustic state forest campground; Recreation Passport required for vehicle entry to Michigan state forest campgrounds. No fee amounts provided in...
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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
(231) 582-7523
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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 106 reviews

91 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietsites

"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."

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Campground Map

Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

While Graves Crossing welcomes adventurers year-round, each season paints a different picture along the Jordan. Summer and fall draw the biggest crowds—paddlers gliding downriver, anglers working the pools, and leaf-peepers soaking in the fiery foliage—so arrive early on weekends to claim your spot. Winter transforms the campground into a snowy sanctuary for the truly intrepid, with the river still flowing beneath snow-laden pines, though you'll need to hike or ski in since the access road isn't plowed.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in MI

Fall draws big crowds; scenic foliage and continued fishing/paddling make it excellent.

Planning Tips

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

About Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

Tucked away in the Jordan River Valley, Graves Crossing offers paddlers and anglers a rare find: a primitive, first-come campground right on the banks of Michigan's first designated scenic river. This secluded state forest gem features rustic amenities—vault toilets, hand-pump well, and direct carry-in river access—with no hookups and no reservations, just pure north woods solitude managed by Young State Park.
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.

Best Campsites

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Reveal picks

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Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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
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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.

Weather at Graves Crossing State Forest Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open upCheck WeatherHistorical weather dataGear for This TripMatched gear recommendationsPacking ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources
4.6
106 reviews
Top-Rated
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;...
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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...
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Based on 106 reviews
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Last updated March 8, 2026
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Graves Crossing State Forest Campground