Jones Lake State Forest Campground

4.59

85 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(989) 348-7068

What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 85 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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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.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

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).

Weather and SeasonsSummer 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.

Natural Features and SceneryWake up to morning mist rising off Jones Lake, where the call of loons echoes through stands of mixed hardwoods and evergreens. The campground spreads naturally across several wooded loops, each site tucked into the forest for privacy while maintaining easy access to the water. Launch your kayak or canoe right from camp for peaceful paddling, cast a line from shore, or simply settle into your camp chair to watch for deer, osprey, and other wildlife. A charming picnic area near the boat launch provides the perfect spot for a lakeside lunch between adventures.

Campsite details

Total Campsites42 campsites

Best Campsites

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Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (No reservations accepted; sites are first-come, first-served)

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.

Fishing

Fishing on Jones Lake for panfish, walleye, pike and largemouth bass; additional nearby fishing at K.P. Lake and the North Branch Au Sable River.

Swimming

Small swimming areas and a small beach are reported near the boat launch and at other lake access points.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsArea 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

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 86%

Wind: 10.3 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

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Good to know

Common complaintsBiting flies/mosquitoes noted by some campers; hand-pump water can be slow; dirt/forest roads to the campground can be rough in winter; occasional comments about price increases.

Campground Map

Jones Lake State Forest Campground

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

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.6

85 reviews

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 85 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;...

Based on 85 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,...

Based on 85 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...

Based on 85 reviews