How much does camping cost at House Lake State Forest Campground?

Camping fees at House Lake State Forest Campground range from $170/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is House Lake State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

House Lake 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 House Lake State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! House Lake State Forest Campground has 3 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.

What is the best time to visit House Lake State Forest Campground?

House Lake State Forest Campground is open Open year-round; seasonal roads and campground loops are not plowed in winter.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at House Lake State Forest Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at House Lake State Forest Campground?

Fire policies at House Lake State Forest Campground: Each geodesic dome site includes a fire pit and grill; broader campground fire policy details are not provided in the source materials.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does House Lake State Forest Campground have?

House Lake State Forest Campground has 41 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at House Lake State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at House Lake 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 House Lake State Forest Campground?

House Lake 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 House Lake State Forest Campground?

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

House Lake State Forest Campground

4.02

57 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Michigan

Quick Facts

594 ft

Price

$170/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

41 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

594 ft

Price

$170/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

41 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

House Lake State Forest Campground

$170.00 - $170.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly rate listed ($170) applies to the two RRM geodesic domes (lodging). Domes require a two-night minimum. No standard numeric fee is provided...

No paid fee categories listed.

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(800) 447-2757

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

House Lake State Forest Campground

44.0098, -83.0519

Nearby places

Meredith – ~2.5 miles

Gladwin – ~17 miles

Nearby supplies

User-review reported nearby stores: Hunter's Paradise (~2.5 miles) and The Sugar Shack (~10 minutes by car).

Weather at House Lake State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at House Lake State Forest Campground

Summer delivers warm lake swimming, paddling, and consistent fishing. Daytime highs reach 70–85°F, nights drop into the 50s–60s. The forest canopy keeps hiking trails shaded. Weekends fill with local campers; midweek feels secluded. Campground roads aren't plowed in winter, so snow access is limited and rough. Wear high-vis clothing during hunting seasons. The campground sits within state hunting land.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Warm lake swimming, paddling and consistent fishing in summer; reviewers positive about July visits.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; seasonal roads and campground loops are not plowed in winter.

About House Lake State Forest Campground

House Lake State Forest Campground sits on 41 first-come, first-served sites along House Lake in Gladwin County, about 2.5 miles from Meredith. The rustic setup includes vault toilets, hand-pump water, fire rings, and two geodesic domes ($170/night, two-night minimum with no running water). Mixed hardwood and pine forest provides shade and a secluded feel.

A rustic state forest campground with tent and vehicle-accessible sites and two on-site geodesic domes provided by a private operator (RRM).

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers warm lake swimming, paddling, and consistent fishing. Daytime highs reach 70–85°F, nights drop into the 50s–60s. The forest canopy keeps hiking trails shaded. Weekends fill with local campers; midweek feels secluded. Campground roads aren't plowed in winter, so snow access is limited and rough. Wear high-vis clothing during hunting seasons. The campground sits within state hunting land.

Natural Features and SceneryTall pines and northern hardwoods canopy two loops that border House Lake at 594 feet elevation. The campground connects to House, Hoister, and Trout lakes. Small, clear waters popular for paddling, fishing, and a rope swing. The 2.8-mile Trout Lake Pathway loops through the surrounding forest. Sites are tree-lined and spacious, giving the place an old-fashioned rustic character.

Geological RegionNorthern Michigan state forest (Gladwin County); mixed northern hardwood/pine forest on the shore of House Lake

Scenic ViewsWooded lakefront views of House Lake with nearby views toward Hoister and Trout lakes; sites are generally tree-covered and private.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay for campsites

Amenities available

Primarily a rustic state forest campground with two RRM geodesic domes on-site. Vault toilets and potable water (hand-pump) are provided; most sites include a picnic table and fire ring/grill. Domes offer basic kitchenette (microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker) but no running water; domes require linens and prohibit pets.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Rustic forest campground on House Lake with nearby Hoister and Trout lakes, offering fishing, paddling, hiking, wildlife viewing and year-round (unplowed) winter opportunities. Two RRM geodesic domes provide a unique overnight lodging option.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampground provides access to state land open to hunting—be aware during hunting seasons and wear high-visibility clothing when away from campsites. Seasonal roads and campground loops are not plowed in winter. Vault toilets and limited on-site services (no electricity) reflect a rustic environment.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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.

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

4.0

57 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Mostly positive reviewer sentiment praising the campground's rustic, secluded character, large sites, clean vault toilets and hand-pump potable water; many visitors highlight access to multiple small lakes, paddling and a popular rope swing. A minority of reviews cite issues with disrespectful or noisy groups, roadside washboarding and occasional trash left by other campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 57 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded, old-fashioned rustic setting; spacious, tree-lined sites; clean vault toilets and hand-pump potable water; easy access to House, Hoister and Trout lakes for swimming, fishing and paddling;...

Based on 57 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Sites are first-come, first-served—arrive early during busy times; bring your own linens and supplies (domes require linens and have no running water); pack out trash and be prepared for rough gravel...

Based on 57 reviews

Camper Quotes

"A pleasantly old-fashioned rustic campground...The campground has potable water via a hand pump and vault toilets that are kept pretty clean."; "Such an amazing place!!!!"; "Nice, quiet, Friendly...

Based on 57 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Canoe or kayak paddlers who want to float between House, Hoister, and Trout lakes without a crowded campground will find this hard to beat on a weekday. The 2.8-mile Trout Lake Pathway and on-site fishing round out a full rustic weekend.

Skip if

Arriving Friday evening without a site already claimed is a gamble, all 41 sites are first-come, first-served, and summer weekends draw noisy groups. No electricity, no showers, and a washboard gravel road make this wrong for RV campers expecting hookups or a smooth pull-in.

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Ess Lake State Forest Campground

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Campgrounds

House Lake State Forest Campground

From Michigan DNR

Official information for House Lake State Forest Campground from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Recreation Resource Management brings new overnight experience to Michigan state parks.

RRM, a private operator and DNR partner, has installed two environment-friendly geodesic domes (Dome A and B). Walk inside to a comfortable setting with spruce paneling, skylights and windows looking out to Lake Huron. Each dome sleeps up to four (two in the main queen bed and up to two in cot-style bunks). In addition, there is a sitting area and mini kitchenette, including a coffee maker, microwave and mini fridge. Book either the grey dome (The Voyager) with more modern furnishings or the gold dome (The Nomad) with more traditional furnishings. There is no running water, but the campground's restroom facilities are located a short distance away. Each site includes a picnic table, fire pit and grill to round out the outdoor camping experience.

Please bring your own linens. No pets allowed.

Reservations are available now (click on the lodging tab and then RRM Cabins/Cottages/GeoDomes radio button). The sites start at $170 per night and require a two-night minimum stay. A portion of the sales goes back to the DNR.

Visit our overnight lodging page to see other new and long-standing options.

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