Haakwood State Forest Campground

Star4.66
53 reviews
Haakwood State Forest Campground
Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds MichiganPrimitive Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

755 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
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

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Michigan
Provider
(231) 238-9392
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What Campers Say

4.66

Top-Rated

Based on 53 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

Campground Map

Haakwood State Forest Campground

Haakwood State Forest Campground

45.3006, -84.6135

Nearby places
Gaylord — short drive
Petoskey — accessible via I-75 (distances not specified in source).

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer: warm days ideal for river adventures; reviews praise summer visits.

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.

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    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
    Fishing
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsFast 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

    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
    4.7
    53 reviews
    Top-Rated
    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 53 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;...
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    Based on 53 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...
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    Based on 53 reviews
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    Last updated March 8, 2026
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