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

Leverentz Lake 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 Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Leverentz Lake 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.

What is the best time to visit Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground?

Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground is open Open year-round; seasonal roads and campground are not plowed in winter.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground?

Cell phone service at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground have?

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

Are dogs allowed at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground?

Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

4.10

94 reviews

StargazingSummer Destination

Featured in:Tent Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

892 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

892 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Overnight fees ($20 for most sites) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Michigan

Provider

(231) 745-9465

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

43.9082, -85.8201

Nearby places

Baldwin (approx. 2.7 miles west)

Nearby supplies

Baldwin (basic supplies and services

short drive west along US-10)

Weather at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

Summer is peak season. Daytime highs run 70–85°F, nights settle into the 50s–60s, and water temperatures reach the mid-60s to low-70s. Warm enough for swimming and paddling. Fishing and wildlife viewing are at their best, and the boat launch is easiest to use. Mosquitoes and bugs are heavy in warm months, so bring repellent. The campground is open year-round, but roads and sites aren't plowed in winter; 4WD or a willingness to hike in is required. Autumn brings spectacular color against the lakes, though the dock has occasionally been damaged or removed by then. All 18 sites fill quickly on summer and fall weekends, so weekday visits or early Friday arrivals are your best bet.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: warm days, swim/paddle-friendly waters and active fishing; reviews positive.

Planning Tips

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

About Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground sits on two small wooded lakes in Lake County's state forest. The 18 rustic sites, split between Big Leverentz Lake (sites 1–11) and Little Leverentz Lake (sites 12–18), are first-come, first-served with a 15-day maximum stay. Amenities are basic: hand-pumped potable water, vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and a boat launch with floating dock on Big Leverentz.

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 SeasonsSummer is peak season. Daytime highs run 70–85°F, nights settle into the 50s–60s, and water temperatures reach the mid-60s to low-70s. Warm enough for swimming and paddling. Fishing and wildlife viewing are at their best, and the boat launch is easiest to use. Mosquitoes and bugs are heavy in warm months, so bring repellent. The campground is open year-round, but roads and sites aren't plowed in winter; 4WD or a willingness to hike in is required. Autumn brings spectacular color against the lakes, though the dock has occasionally been damaged or removed by then. All 18 sites fill quickly on summer and fall weekends, so weekday visits or early Friday arrivals are your best bet.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies mature forest along two quiet lakes at 892 feet elevation. Most sites offer lakefront or near-water views through the trees, and the natural shoreline remains undisturbed. Tall timber provides good shade and spacing between sites. Fall colors reflect across the calm water, and the thick forest buffer keeps the area secluded. Wildlife sightings are common, and light pollution is minimal. Stargazing earns consistent praise in reviews.

Geological RegionLake County state forest area (wooded lakeshore setting)

Scenic ViewsLakefront and filtered lake views; wooded forest canopy and natural shoreline vistas.

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

Total Campsites18 campsites

Best CampsitesSites 1–11 line Big Leverentz Lake and offer the boat launch and floating dock (when present). Sites 12–18 face Little Leverentz Lake, which is quieter and better for lightweight carry-in kayaks or canoes. Reviews consistently call the sites large, level, and well-spaced. If you want motorized boat access and slightly more activity, choose Big Leverentz. For a smaller, more secluded lakeshore, head to Little Leverentz.

Amenities available

Rustic state forest campground with vault toilets, hand-pump potable water, picnic tables and fire rings at sites, and boating access on Big Leverentz Lake (concrete ramp and floating T-dock). Sites are large and well‑spaced; first-come, first-served (no reservations).

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal 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).

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

94 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 94 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 94 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 94 reviews

Camper Quotes

“The stars are beautiful.”; “Nice floating dock.”; “Quiet and secluded... Peaceful.”; “Big camp sites with very few others around.”

Based on 94 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Paddlers and anglers get the most out of this place: bass, pike, and bluegill on both lakes, a concrete ramp and dock on Big Leverentz, and direct access to the Pere Marquette River about five miles out. Large, well-spaced sites and minimal light pollution make it a solid fall pi

Skip if

No reservations means showing up and hoping on busy weekends. Add no showers, no electric, vault toilets only, and heavy mosquitoes in summer, and if any of those are deal-breakers, there are more comfortable options near Baldwin.

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