Lake Marjory State Forest Campground

Star3.91
21 reviews
Lake Marjory State Forest Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,270 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources site

Official Website
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Lake Marjory 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) 732-5485
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What Campers Say

3.91

Mixed Reviews

Based on 21 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlake

Some mention

noise

"Reviews are mostly positive, highlighting a quiet, rustic lakeside setting and good fishing. Camp is small (10 sites), first-come/first-served, and favored by campers seeking an off-grid experience."

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Campground Map

Lake Marjory State Forest Campground

Lake Marjory State Forest Campground

44.8645, -84.6958

Driving directionsLocated on the north shore of Lake Marjory. Reach the campground via Old Highway 27 South and Cottonwood Road (listed as ~11.9 miles south of Gaylord in one source; other descriptions note about 6 miles south of Gaylord or 1.25 miles south of Waters).
Easy access from I-75; reached from Old Highway 27 South and Cottonwood Road.
Nearby places
Gaylord — approximately 6–12 miles north (sources vary)
Frederic/Gaylord area listed as closest service centers.
Nearby supplies
Closest services and supplies in Gaylord / Frederic area (bring needed supplies
limited onsite services).

Best Time to Camp at Lake Marjory State Forest Campground

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for fishing and paddling; easy lake access and uncrowded sites in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Forest setting likely offers fall color and solitude, though fewer explicit reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring paddling and fishing are plausible; rustic facilities may be muddy early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Review: 'Not Open for Winter Camping'; site lacks winter services.

Planning Tips

    About Lake Marjory State Forest Campground

    Tucked along the peaceful north shore of Lake Marjory, this intimate 10-site campground offers an authentic back-to-basics escape in northern Michigan's forested wilderness. With first-come, first-served sites perfect for tents and small trailers, vault toilets, and hand-pump water, it's rustic camping at its finest—just you, the lake, and up to 15 days to unwind.
    Rustic, first-come/first-served campground with 10 tent- and small-trailer-oriented sites on the lakeshore.
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    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
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    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    15-day maximum stay

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Located on the north shore of Lake Marjory with primary use for fishing and small-boat paddling; provides access to surrounding state land that is open to hunting.
    FishingFishing for bass and panfish on Lake Marjory; nearby fishing opportunities include Otsego Lake, Big Bradford Lake, and Heart Lake.
    Boating
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsSurrounding state land is open to hunting (firearm hunting not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling). Proximity to nearby highways can produce traffic noise. Potable hand-pump water may occasionally be out of service.

    Weather at Lake Marjory State Forest Campground

    Reviews

    3.9
    21 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Lake Marjory State Forest Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviews are mostly positive, highlighting a quiet, rustic lakeside setting and good fishing. Camp is small (10 sites), first-come/first-served, and favored by campers seeking an off-grid experience.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 21 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere; close lake access and good fishing; simple, clean rustic facilities (vault toilets, hand pump); each site reported to have a picnic table and fire ring; convenient...
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    Based on 21 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Arrive early—sites are first-come, first-served. Bring supplies (firewood, water/containers if pump is out, food, ice). Expect small sites suitable for tents and small trailers; bring a small boat or...
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    Based on 21 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "No power quiet campground close to I-75."; "This is an amazing little pet friendly campground located in a national forest."; "Very rustic campground. No power."; "The water pump was bagged and out...
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    Based on 21 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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