Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

4.20

82 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources site

Get Directions

Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No official fee listed in the provided DNR text. One user review mentions $20 per night, but that is not confirmed on the official source.

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

(231) 745-9465

What Campers Say

4.20

Satisfactory

Based on 82 reviews

83 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietwaterlakesites

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive: campers praise the quiet, secluded lakeside setting, large well‑spaced sites, stargazing, and good fishing and paddling access. Most common criticisms relate to rustic facilities (no hookups), occasional dock condition/absence reports, bugs in warm months, and first‑come, first‑served uncertainty."

Read all reviews

Best Time to Camp at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

While officially open year-round, Leverentz Lake transforms with each season, offering different adventures for those willing to embrace northern Michigan's dramatic climate. Summer brings warm days perfect for paddling and swimming (pack bug spray—the mosquitoes love it here too), while autumn paints the forest in spectacular reds and golds that make the drive worthwhile. Winter adventurers should note that roads and campsites aren't plowed, so be prepared with 4WD vehicles or plan to hike in through the snow for a true backcountry experience.

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

Operating Season: Open year-round; seasonal roads and campground are not plowed in winter.

About Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

Escape to Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground, where 18 rustic sites are tucked along the peaceful shores of Big Leverentz Lake (sites 1-11) and Little Leverentz Lake (sites 12-18). This secluded retreat offers everything you need for an authentic wilderness experience: lake access, a boat launch with floating dock on Big Leverentz, hand-pumped potable water, and vault toilets—all available first-come, first-served for stays up to 15 days.

Small, rustic state forest campground split across two small lakes; accommodates tents and small to medium trailers/RVs on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

Weather and SeasonsWhile officially open year-round, Leverentz Lake transforms with each season, offering different adventures for those willing to embrace northern Michigan's dramatic climate. Summer brings warm days perfect for paddling and swimming (pack bug spray—the mosquitoes love it here too), while autumn paints the forest in spectacular reds and golds that make the drive worthwhile. Winter adventurers should note that roads and campsites aren't plowed, so be prepared with 4WD vehicles or plan to hike in through the snow for a true backcountry experience.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to mist rising off the water, your tent nestled beneath towering mature forest that has stood sentinel over these twin lakes for generations. Most campsites offer either direct lakefront access or filtered glimpses of shimmering water through the trees, where natural shorelines remain beautifully undisturbed. The forest comes alive with vibrant fall colors that reflect brilliantly across the calm lake surfaces, while the surrounding woods create a peaceful buffer that makes this one of the region's most tranquil and secluded camping destinations.

Geological RegionLake County state forest area (wooded lakeshore setting)

Campsite details

Total Campsites18 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; seasonal roads and campground are not plowed in winter.

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

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Cell phone service

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Typical north‑woods, rustic lake campground activities: paddling and boating, fishing, hiking from onsite Sheep Ranch Pathway access, ORV trail access from campsites to nearby routes, and seasonal winter activities like snowshoeing and winter camping (roads are not plowed).

Hiking

Direct access to the Sheep Ranch Pathway from both campground sections for hiking and exploring surrounding state forest.

Fishing

Fishing on Big and Little Leverentz Lakes for species reported as bass, bluegill, pike, perch, and crappie; Pere Marquette River nearby (~5 miles) provides additional fishing opportunities.

Swimming

Swimming from shoreline and docks is reported by visitors; lakes are used for general lake recreation.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are allowed

Hazards

General hazardsSeasonal insects (mosquitoes and other bugs) in warm months; seasonal roads are not plowed in winter which can limit access; potable water is provided by a hand-pump (bring containers/filtration as needed).

Weather at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 71%

Wind: 10.9 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsRustic amenities only (no electricity, no showers, vault toilets only); some reports the dock has been damaged/removed or in poor condition; dislike of $/night fees given limited services; mosquitoes/insects in warm months; firepits sometimes full of ash; narrow campground roads and tight tree clearance can challenge very large rigs.

Campground Map

Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

Driving directionsLocated in Lake County, approximately 2.7 miles east of Baldwin via US-10 and Forest Drive.

Accessible from US-10 and Forest Drive; seasonal roads to the campground are not plowed in winter.

Nearby places

Baldwin (approx. 2.7 miles west)

Nearby supplies

Baldwin (basic supplies and services

short drive west along US-10)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.2

82 reviews

Satisfactory

Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive: campers praise the quiet, secluded lakeside setting, large well‑spaced sites, stargazing, and good fishing and paddling access. Most common criticisms relate to rustic facilities (no hookups), occasional dock condition/absence reports, bugs in warm months, and first‑come, first‑served uncertainty.

Review Summaries

Based on 82 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful, quiet setting on two small lakes; many lakefront or near‑water sites; good for kayaking, canoeing and fishing; large, level campsites with picnic tables and fire rings; excellent...

Based on 82 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early (first‑come, first‑served) especially on summer and fall weekends; bring water containers and extra supplies (hand‑pump is on site), insect repellent, and be prepared to pack out trash;...

Based on 82 reviews