Haakwood State Forest Campground

4.65

48 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Haakwood State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fee details provided in source material. The campground is first-come, first-served only; fee structure not specified.

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

(231) 238-9392

What Campers Say

4.65

Top-Rated

Based on 48 reviews

48 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulspaciouswater

Some mention

dusty

"Reviews consistently describe Haakwood as a quiet, peaceful, well-kept rustic campground with spacious, wooded sites and direct access to the Sturgeon River. Campers praise the maintained vault toilets, hand-pump well, apple trees in parts of the campground, and suitability for tent camping and small trailers."

Read all reviews

Best Time to Camp at Haakwood State Forest Campground

Summer and fall bring Haakwood to life, with warm days perfect for river adventures and crisp evenings ideal for campfires. Come prepared for the forest experience: mosquitoes are part of the riverside ecosystem, so pack your bug spray. Spring runoff and heavy rains can swell the Sturgeon to impressive levels—the DNR reminds visitors to respect the river's power during high-water conditions, adding an element of wild beauty to your stay.

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 Haakwood State Forest Campground

Escape to Haakwood, a hidden gem tucked into Michigan's state forest where the Sturgeon River whispers through towering hardwoods and pines. This rustic, first-come, first-served campground offers the kind of peaceful seclusion that tent campers and small trailer owners dream about—just you, well-spaced wooded sites, and the essentials (vault toilets and hand-pump well) for an authentic back-to-basics experience.

Rustic, tent-oriented state forest campground with some capacity for small trailers but no utility hookups.

Weather and SeasonsSummer and fall bring Haakwood to life, with warm days perfect for river adventures and crisp evenings ideal for campfires. Come prepared for the forest experience: mosquitoes are part of the riverside ecosystem, so pack your bug spray. Spring runoff and heavy rains can swell the Sturgeon to impressive levels—the DNR reminds visitors to respect the river's power during high-water conditions, adding an element of wild beauty to your stay.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to dappled sunlight filtering through a canopy of mixed hardwoods and pines, with the rush of Michigan's Lower Peninsula's fastest river as your soundtrack. Each generously spaced site feels like your own private woodland retreat, and if you're lucky enough to snag one of the riverside spots, a short footpath will lead you down to the Sturgeon River's edge. Whether you're launching a kayak, casting a line, or simply sitting streamside with morning coffee, the river becomes an extension of your campsite—close enough to enjoy, far enough to feel wild.

Geological RegionNorthern Lower Peninsula (Cheboygan County) along the Sturgeon River

Campsite details

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Cell phone service

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Forest and river-based recreation: paddling and fishing on the Sturgeon River, wildlife viewing, and access to surrounding state forest for hunting.

Hiking

Short footpaths lead from campsite loops to the Sturgeon River; campground consists of multiple wooded loops suitable for short walks.

Fishing

Anglers can fish the Sturgeon River for trout, pike, and occasional smallmouth bass from river access near the campground.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
No specific on-site fire policy provided in source. Visitors should follow local firewood regulations and state forest fire rules; bring appropriate supplies.
Quiet hours are Campers report a quiet, relaxed atmosphere and emphasize keeping noise down at night; no specific posted quiet hours were provided in the sources.

Hazards

General hazardsFast river currents and potential high water on the Sturgeon River (DNR warns to be mindful of high‑water safety). Typical north‑woods insects; reviewers also report poison ivy around sites. Not recommended for very large RVs due to site size and turning space.

Weather at Haakwood State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 87%

Wind: 12.5 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsVery limited amenities (no electricity, no showers, no dump station, no camp store). Not suitable for big RVs; some reviewers note poison ivy near sites and dusty access roads.

Campground Map

Haakwood State Forest Campground

Driving directionsLocated in Cheboygan County along the Sturgeon River, two miles north of Wolverine via Old 27, then east on Campground Road.

Short drive from Old 27; conveniently located near the I-75 corridor for regional access.

Nearby places

Gaylord — short drive

Petoskey — accessible via I-75 (distances not specified in source).

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.7

48 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Reviews consistently describe Haakwood as a quiet, peaceful, well-kept rustic campground with spacious, wooded sites and direct access to the Sturgeon River. Campers praise the maintained vault toilets, hand-pump well, apple trees in parts of the campground, and suitability for tent camping and small trailers.

Review Summaries

Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

Quiet/peaceful setting; wooded, spacious and private sites; river access for paddling and fishing; maintained vault toilets and hand-pump water; not crowded—good for disconnecting and stargazing;...

Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

This is first-come, first-served—arrive early for best site selection. Bring water/gear/firewood and pay attention to camping permit/payment rules. Best for tent campers or small trailers; expect...

Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

"It was a very peaceful place and would recommend to anyone."; "Pit toilets, hand pump well. If you like getting back to nature this is the perfect place."; "Big sites, beautiful river, close to...

Based on 48 reviews