Maple Bay State Forest Campground

4.14

94 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Maple Bay 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

(231) 238-9392

What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 94 reviews

94 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanlake

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"Reviewers consistently praise the beautiful lakeside setting, sandy beach and outstanding sunrise/sunset views from front lakeside sites. Common negatives emphasize the rustic facilities (vault toilets, hand-pump water), swampy/muddy back sites with heavy mosquitoes, and limited prime lakeside sites that fill quickly on summer weekends."

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Best Time to Camp at Maple Bay State Forest Campground

The campground's low elevation near the water creates a naturally damp environment, especially during rainy stretches when you'll notice standing water between sites and softer ground underfoot. This moisture-rich setting comes with a trade-off: mosquitoes and black flies are active companions during warm, wet months, so pack your bug spray and embrace the authentic north woods 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

About Maple Bay State Forest Campground

Tucked into a peaceful grove along Burt Lake's western shore, Maple Bay State Forest Campground offers the kind of back-to-basics camping experience that brings you closer to nature. With shaded sites nestled near a sandy beach and direct water access for boaters, this rustic retreat operates on a first-come, first-served basis with basic amenities—vault toilets, hand-pump water, and a 15-day stay limit that gives you plenty of time to unwind.

Rustic state forest campground with 35 sites suitable for tents, small trailers and large trailers. First-come, first-serve sites; no reservations.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground's low elevation near the water creates a naturally damp environment, especially during rainy stretches when you'll notice standing water between sites and softer ground underfoot. This moisture-rich setting comes with a trade-off: mosquitoes and black flies are active companions during warm, wet months, so pack your bug spray and embrace the authentic north woods experience.

Natural Features and SceneryYour campsite here sits in a natural wooded setting where towering trees meet the tranquil waters of Maple Bay. The narrow ribbon of sandy shoreline invites morning swims and sunset strolls, while a neighboring grassy day-use area provides space to spread out. Waterfront sites deliver unobstructed views across the bay—perfect for watching boats drift by or catching the evening light on the water. Interior sites offer deeper forest seclusion, though the low-lying terrain means some spots retain moisture and feel more like genuine wilderness, complete with the lush, sometimes swampy character of northern Michigan woodlands.

Geological RegionNorthern Lower Michigan (west shore of Burt Lake)

Campsite details

Total Campsites35 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15 days

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

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

Amenities available

Potable water

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Primary activities include boating and paddling (on-site boat launch and carry-in access), fishing on Burt Lake, swimming and beach use at a sandy shoreline and adjacent grassy recreation area, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The campground also provides access to nearby state land for hunting (follow state hunting regulations).

Fishing

Fishing on Burt Lake for panfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pike, walleye, muskie, perch and trout; on-site boat launch and shoreline access.

Swimming

Sandy shoreline and small beach area adjacent to the campground; calm, kid-friendly water reported on good days.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsHigh mosquito and other biting insect populations (especially in back/swampy sites); boggy/muddy ground in low areas; poison ivy around some sites and picnic areas; raccoons active at night that may access food if not secured.

Weather at Maple Bay State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 83%

Wind: 16 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsMosquitoes and other insects (especially in back/swampy sites); swampy, muddy ground in parts of the campground; rustic toilets (filthy in some reports) and lack of hookups; occasional loud partying/noise reported on some visits; limited number of prime lakeside sites that fill early.

Campground Map

Maple Bay State Forest Campground

Driving directionsAbout 3.5–4 miles east of Brutus via East Brutus Road / Maple Bay Road (also described as via Brutus Road).

Nearby places

Brutus — ~3.5–4 miles west

Petoskey — mentioned as a short drive (distance not specified).

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.1

94 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Reviewers consistently praise the beautiful lakeside setting, sandy beach and outstanding sunrise/sunset views from front lakeside sites. Common negatives emphasize the rustic facilities (vault toilets, hand-pump water), swampy/muddy back sites with heavy mosquitoes, and limited prime lakeside sites that fill quickly on summer weekends.

Review Summaries

Based on 94 reviews

What Campers Love

Front lakeside sites with open views over Maple Bay/Burt Lake; sandy beach and nearby grassy recreation area; easy boat access and on-site launch; many reviewers call it a peaceful, scenic 'hidden...

Based on 94 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure front lakeside sites (first-come, first-serve). Bring strong insect repellent and plan for mosquitoes in warm/wet periods. Secure food and coolers against raccoons. Expect...

Based on 94 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Sunset and sunrise were absolutely breathtaking over the lake.”; “The front sites closer to the lake fill up fast and it is first come first serve.”; “It's a campground in the middle of a swamp if...

Based on 94 reviews