Haakwood State Forest Campground

4.66

53 reviews

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Michigan Primitive 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

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

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

45.3006, -84.6135

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).

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer brings warm days and river activities; reviewers highlight summer visits positively.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted as vibrant with crisp evenings ideal for campfires and enjoying the woods.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers river access and fishing but may be buggy/muddy; mosquitoes mentioned for riverside.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Overview and reviews emphasize summer/fall; no winter services or activities highlighted.

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

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.

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

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

Boating

Wildlife viewing

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

Reviews

4.7

53 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 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;...

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...

Based on 53 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 53 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026

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