Lake Marjory State Forest Campground

Star4.07
15 reviews
Lake Marjory State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources site

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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan
Provider
(989) 732-5485

What Campers Say

4.07

Satisfactory

Based on 15 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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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.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through a canopy of mature trees, your tent just steps from the tranquil waters of a small, undeveloped lake. Most sites nestle close to the shoreline with easy water access, creating an intimate connection with nature that's increasingly rare. The surrounding mixed forest and nearby state lands ensure true seclusion, while Lake Marjory joins a constellation of pristine waters—Otsego, Big Bradford, and Heart Lakes—that make this corner of northern Michigan a quiet paradise for anglers and paddlers seeking solitude on the water.
Geological RegionOtsego County, northern Lower Peninsula
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Campsite details

Total Campsites10 campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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

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.
Fishing
Fishing for bass and panfish on Lake Marjory; nearby fishing opportunities include Otsego Lake, Big Bradford Lake, and Heart Lake.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Each site has a fire ring (per visitor reports); follow Michigan state forest and campfire regulations.

Hazards

General hazardsSurrounding 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

22
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 88%
Wind: 13.4 mph
Overcast

Weather History
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Good to know

Common complaintsSome highway traffic noise due to proximity to major roads; minimal privacy between sites; occasional noisy visitors/parties; occasional issues reported with the water pump/outage; lacks electricity and modern amenities.

Campground Map

Lake Marjory State Forest Campground
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).

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.1
15 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Lake Marjory State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 15 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 15 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 15 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 15 reviews

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Last updated December 13, 2025
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