Jones Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.60
98 reviews
Jones Lake State Forest Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,214 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
Get Directions
Jones Lake State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Fee amount not listed on the official DNR page. Payment handled via on-site self-registration and posted fee information at the campground kiosk.
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
(989) 348-7068
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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 98 reviews

85 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietpeacefulclean

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the campground as peaceful, spacious, and well-kept for rustic camping. Visitors frequently mention clean vault toilets, privacy between sites, a pleasant lake with small beaches, and a classic no‑frills camping experience."

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Campground Map

Jones Lake State Forest Campground

Jones Lake State Forest Campground

44.7838, -84.5883

Driving directionsLocated 9 miles east of Frederic via County Road 612 and Jones Lake Road.
Accessible via County Road 612 and Jones Lake Road; road condition may be poor in winter.
Nearby places
Frederic — 9 miles

Best Time to Camp at Jones Lake State Forest Campground

Summer brings Jones Lake to life with warm days ideal for swimming, paddling, and lazy evenings around the campfire. As autumn arrives, the surrounding state forest transforms into a canvas of gold and crimson, attracting hunters to the area while the lake remains peaceful for those seeking fall's quieter beauty. Note that the access road can become challenging during winter months, making this primarily a warm-weather destination.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Warm days ideal for swimming, paddling and lakeside evenings per overview.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

State forest transforms into a canvas of gold and color in autumn; scenic foliage.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers wildlife and migratory birds, but seasonal wetness and bugs possible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open for winter camping but roads aren't plowed; limited services and access issues.

Planning Tips

    About Jones Lake State Forest Campground

    Escape to Jones Lake State Forest Campground, where 42 intimate tent and small-trailer sites nestle along a pristine lakeshore surrounded by towering hardwoods and conifers. This rustic retreat keeps things simple with vault toilets and hand-pump well water, operating on a first-come, first-served basis with stays up to 15 days—perfect for those seeking an authentic, back-to-basics camping experience.
    Rustic state forest campground on Jones Lake with 42 first-come, first-served sites for tent and small-trailer use (15-day maximum stay).
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    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    15-day maximum stay

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Lakefront, rustic campground focused on low‑impact water recreation and wildlife viewing. Small-boat access and lakeside swimming complement basic day-use amenities.
    FishingFishing on Jones Lake for panfish, walleye, pike and largemouth bass; additional nearby fishing at K.P. Lake and the North Branch Au Sable River.
    SwimmingSmall swimming areas and a small beach are reported near the boat launch and at other lake access points.
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsArea is open to hunting on surrounding state land — wear high-visibility clothing during hunting seasons. Campers have reported biting flies in season. Limited services (no electricity, no showers) and rural road access that can be poor in winter.

    Weather at Jones Lake State Forest Campground

    Reviews

    4.6
    98 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Jones Lake State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the campground as peaceful, spacious, and well-kept for rustic camping. Visitors frequently mention clean vault toilets, privacy between sites, a pleasant lake with small beaches, and a classic no‑frills camping experience.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 98 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Peaceful, quiet setting; spacious sites with good privacy; clean vault toilets and hand-pump potable water; direct lake access, small beaches and good opportunities for paddling and fishing;...
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    Based on 98 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Arrive early — sites are first-come, first-served; bring your own water containers and lighting (no electricity); expect rustic facilities and bring insect protection during summer; smaller boats,...
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    Based on 98 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Absolutely peaceful."; "My favorite place to camp — I've been camping there since my kids were babies."; "Very spacious campsites with decent amounts of privacy."; "For rustic camping this place is...
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    Based on 98 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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