Is Keystone Landing State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Keystone Landing 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 Keystone Landing State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Keystone Landing State Forest Campground has 2 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 Keystone Landing State Forest Campground?

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

How many campsites does Keystone Landing State Forest Campground have?

Keystone Landing State Forest Campground has 18 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Keystone Landing State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Keystone Landing 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 Keystone Landing State Forest Campground?

Keystone Landing 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 Keystone Landing State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Keystone Landing State Forest Campground include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Keystone Landing State Forest Campground

4.44

39 reviews

Fishing

Featured in:Fishing Camping Michigan#3 Hidden Gem Campgrounds Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,115 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,115 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Keystone Landing State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

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

4.44

Recommended

Based on 39 reviews

33 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanshadewater

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising a quiet, well-kept, riverside rustic campground ideal for trout fishing and paddling. Visitors note shaded, private sites and close river access; facilities are basic (vault toilets, hand-pump water)."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Keystone Landing State Forest Campground

44.6651, -84.6253

Nearby places

Grayling — about 4 miles

Nearby supplies

Grayling (approximately 4 miles) — supplies, restaurants, outfitters

Best Time to Camp at Keystone Landing State Forest Campground

Fall delivers the best conditions: daytime highs in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F, nights in the 30s and 40s, and peak color from late September to mid-October. Trout fishing improves as insect hatches taper off and the river runs clear at stable levels. Summer weekends and prime fishing windows fill the campground early despite lighter fall traffic overall. Spring brings runoff surges that can muddy the river and raise water levels unpredictably.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in MI

Fall described as best: peak color and improved trout fishing; ideal conditions late Sept–mid Oct.

Planning Tips

About Keystone Landing State Forest Campground

Keystone Landing sits on the main branch of the Au Sable River four miles from Grayling, offering 18 primitive sites in a shaded northern Michigan hardwood forest. The campground operates first-come, first-served with vault toilets and a hand-pump well. Direct river access makes it a base for trout fishing and paddling.

Rustic state forest campground for tent and small trailer use; 18 sites, first-come first-served, 15-day maximum stay.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions: daytime highs in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F, nights in the 30s and 40s, and peak color from late September to mid-October. Trout fishing improves as insect hatches taper off and the river runs clear at stable levels. Summer weekends and prime fishing windows fill the campground early despite lighter fall traffic overall. Spring brings runoff surges that can muddy the river and raise water levels unpredictably.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested bench along the Au Sable at 1,115 feet elevation, where mature hardwoods provide heavy shade and privacy between sites. The river here is the main trout-fishing branch, wide enough for canoes and kayaks with stable flows most of the year. Carry-in boat access sits within the campground. In late September through mid-October the hardwood canopy turns to oranges and golds. Some sites near the entrance pick up road noise from M-72.

Geological RegionRiverside on the main branch of the Au Sable River within mixed northern Michigan forest

Scenic ViewsMany sites have direct or close views of the Au Sable River; sites are generally shaded and fairly secluded among trees.

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 not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (site is first-come, first-served; no reservations)

Total Campsites18 campsites

Best CampsitesSites closest to the river offer the easiest access for fishing and launching boats. Reviewers note these riverside spots also provide the most privacy and shade, though a few can catch traffic sound from the highway depending on wind.

Amenities available

Rustic, riverside campground with vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. No electricity or RV hookups; sites are for tent and small trailer use. Managed by Hartwick Pines State Park; 18 sites; 15-day maximum; first-come, first-served (no reservations).

Potable water

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

River-focused recreation including trout fishing and paddling; access to adjacent state land for hunting. Good site for anglers and paddlers using carry-in launches.

Fishing

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBe mindful of high river water on the Au Sable. Visitors have also reported ticks during warm months.

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.

Weather at Keystone Landing State Forest Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

39 reviews

Recommended

Keystone Landing State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising a quiet, well-kept, riverside rustic campground ideal for trout fishing and paddling. Visitors note shaded, private sites and close river access; facilities are basic (vault toilets, hand-pump water).

Review Summaries

Based on 39 reviews

What Campers Love

Quiet and scenic riverside setting; excellent fly- and trout-fishing; direct carry-in access for canoes and kayaks; shaded, private, well-maintained sites; clean vault toilets and potable hand-pump...

Based on 39 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

This campground is first-come, first-served—arrive early on busy summer weekends and during fishing seasons. Bring containers for pump water, tick protection, and supplies for a primitive stay (no...

Based on 39 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.9

(22)

Ausable River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

AuSable River State Forest Campground sits directly on the Au Sable River corridor near Grayling, offering 5 primitive sites in a pine and hardwood forest at 1,161 feet elevation. The campground operates first-come, first-served and costs $17 per night. Sites include tent, primitive, and group options, some accessible only by foot or paddle.