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

Lake Marjory 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 Lake Marjory State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Lake Marjory State Forest Campground has 4 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 Lake Marjory State Forest Campground?

Lake Marjory 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 Lake Marjory State Forest Campground?

Fire policies at Lake Marjory State Forest Campground: Each site has a fire ring (per visitor reports); follow Michigan state forest and campfire regulations.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Lake Marjory State Forest Campground have?

Lake Marjory State Forest Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Marjory State Forest Campground?

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

Lake Marjory 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 Lake Marjory State Forest Campground?

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

Lake Marjory State Forest Campground

3.64

21 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,270 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,270 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Get Directions

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

3.64

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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Lake Marjory State Forest Campground

44.8645, -84.6958

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

Summer is the clear winner here. Daytime highs run mid-60s to mid-80s, nights drop into the 40s and 60s, and the lake warms enough for swimming. Bass and panfish are most active, and long daylight hours mean you can fish early or late without freezing. Summer weekends do bring moderate crowds to the 10 sites, so arrive early Friday or aim for a weekday. Expect some highway noise from nearby roads. It's noticeable but not constant.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Seasonal info: 'Summer is the clear winner'; lake warms and fishing is active.

Planning Tips

About Lake Marjory State Forest Campground

This small 10-site campground sits on the north shore of Lake Marjory in Otsego County, offering no-frills lakeside camping with vault toilets, a hand pump, and first-come, first-served sites. It caters to tent campers and small trailers looking for quiet water access and decent fishing without the crowds of developed campgrounds.

Rustic, first-come/first-served campground with 10 tent- and small-trailer-oriented sites on the lakeshore.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the clear winner here. Daytime highs run mid-60s to mid-80s, nights drop into the 40s and 60s, and the lake warms enough for swimming. Bass and panfish are most active, and long daylight hours mean you can fish early or late without freezing. Summer weekends do bring moderate crowds to the 10 sites, so arrive early Friday or aim for a weekday. Expect some highway noise from nearby roads. It's noticeable but not constant.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a mixed hardwood forest along Lake Marjory's shoreline at 1,270 feet elevation. Most sites sit close to the water, with mature trees providing canopy cover and short walks to the lake. The small, undeveloped lake offers calm water for kayaking and fishing. Surrounding state forest land keeps the area secluded, and the region's cluster of nearby lakes. Otsego, Big Bradford, and Heart Lakes. Creates good habitat for bass and panfish. Mornings on the water are typically calm and quiet.

Geological RegionOtsego County, northern Lower Peninsula

Scenic ViewsMany sites have direct or short-path access to Lake Marjory; lakeside sites offer the best open-water views.

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 allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Total Campsites10 campsites

Best CampsitesReviewers favor the lakeside sites with the most direct water access and shortest walk to the shore. Since it's first-come, first-served, early arrival on summer weekends improves your odds of snagging one.

Amenities available

Rustic campground with vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. Ten sites for tents and small trailers; no electrical hookups or modern facilities listed.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

RV details

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.

Fishing

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

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 Lake Marjory 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

3.6

21 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...

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...

Based on 21 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

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Jones Lake State Forest Campground

Jones Lake State Forest Campground offers 42 rustic sites along a quiet lakeshore in Michigan's northern woods near Frederic. Sites are first-come, first-served with a 15-day limit. Expect hand-pump well water, vault toilets, and fire rings. No electricity, no reservations, no frills.