Is Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Hopkins Creek 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 Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground has 5 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.

Are there showers at Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground?

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

How many campsites does Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground have?

Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Hopkins Creek 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 Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground?

Hopkins Creek 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 Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground?

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

Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground

4.05

20 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Michigan

Quick Facts

1,040 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,040 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Hopkins Creek 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) 775-7911

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground

44.4821, -85.3212

Nearby places

Arlene — 5.5 miles

Weather at Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable conditions: daytime highs in the 70s to low 80s°F, nights cooling into the 40s and 50s. The creek runs clearest for fishing, and the Shore-to-Shore Trail dries out enough for comfortable day hikes. Mosquitoes and blackflies show up in force, so pack repellent. Even in peak months, the seven-site layout keeps visitor numbers low. Check for fire restrictions before you go. Dry spells can trigger bans.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer temps mild, creek clearest for fishing and trails dry for hiking.

Planning Tips

About Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground

Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground sits along Hopkins Creek in Missaukee County's state forest, offering seven primitive sites beneath tall evergreens. The campground draws trout anglers and Shore-to-Shore Trail users looking for a quiet, backcountry feel. Amenities are basic: vault toilets and a hand pump for potable water.

A rustic, primitive state forest campground with seven sites for tent and small trailer use (one walk-in site). First-come, first-served; no reservations.

Historical Significance

The campground functions as a stop along the Shore-to-Shore Trail, a long-distance route maintained in part by the Michigan Trail Riders Association. The trail crosses the state, drawing both hikers and equestrian users through this section of forest.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable conditions: daytime highs in the 70s to low 80s°F, nights cooling into the 40s and 50s. The creek runs clearest for fishing, and the Shore-to-Shore Trail dries out enough for comfortable day hikes. Mosquitoes and blackflies show up in force, so pack repellent. Even in peak months, the seven-site layout keeps visitor numbers low. Check for fire restrictions before you go. Dry spells can trigger bans.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a heavily wooded corridor along Hopkins Creek, shaded by a mix of evergreens and hardwoods. Sites sit close enough to the creek that you'll hear the water moving. The forest canopy stays thick, keeping the understory shaded and cool. The campground sits at 1,040 feet elevation in the rolling terrain typical of northern Michigan's state forest lands. Hopkins Creek holds trout, which explains the steady stream of anglers working the banks and riffles.

Geological RegionState forest in northern Michigan (Missaukee County)

Scenic ViewsForest and creek views — sites are primarily wooded with direct or short access to Hopkins Creek.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (note: this campground is first-come, first-served and not reservable)

Total Campsites7 campsites

Best CampsitesSites closest to Hopkins Creek get the most attention from anglers and visitors who want direct water access. These spots offer better views and a more secluded feel than sites set farther back in the trees.

Amenities available

Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground provides seven rustic sites for tents and small trailers. Nestled along the creek's edge within a dense evergreen forest, it offers a peaceful retreat. There's a walk-in campsite for backpackers. There are vault toilets. Potable (drinking) water is available from a hand-pump well. No electrical available.

Potable water

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Located on Hopkins Creek and adjacent to the Shore-to-Shore Trail, offering access for hiking, horseback riding and trout fishing; nearby motorized/ATV trails are also accessible.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampground is adjacent to a creek—be mindful of high-water safety. Access is via forest road and may be primitive; exercise caution on the access road.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

4.1

20 reviews

Satisfactory

Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting solitude, scenic creekside setting and a peaceful, heavily wooded atmosphere. Reviewers repeatedly call it secluded and tranquil.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded, quiet campsites tucked in evergreen forest along Hopkins Creek; popular with trout anglers and appreciated by visitors seeking solitude and a backcountry feel. Equestrian users value nearby...

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive prepared for a rustic experience (bring supplies and water containers as needed). Hike to the creek for best views; expect solitude during many visits.

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Loved it"; "The place to stay if you want to be nowhere!"; "Beautiful place to camp and ride your horse."; "Absolutely Love this peaceful, tranquil camp nestled in the forest!"

Based on 20 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Trout anglers and Shore-to-Shore Trail hikers who want a creekside camp with no neighbors. Seven sites means you'll often have the place to yourself, and Hopkins Creek runs clear and fishable through summer.

Skip if

No hookups, no showers, hand-pump water, and zero ability to reserve ahead. If your rig needs electricity or you can't risk driving a forest access road to find all sites taken, this isn't the stop.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.1

(20)

Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground sits in the heart of Manistee State Forest, offering 23 rustic sites split between horse campers and those on foot. The campground connects directly to the Shore-to-Shore Trail and runs alongside Hopkins Creek, a clear trout stream. First-come, first-served. Vault toilets and potable water. No hookups.

Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Ask Camp Sage about Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground

Planning Tips

About Hopkins Creek 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

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hopkins Creek 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