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

Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground?

Mccollum Lake 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 Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground?

Fire policies at Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground: Fire rings are provided at sites (no specific fire policy details provided in sources).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground have?

Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Mccollum 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 Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground?

Mccollum 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 Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground?

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

Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

4.15

27 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Michigan

Quick Facts

945 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

945 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Mccollum 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.

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(989) 590-7366

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

44.7709, -83.9007

Nearby places

Curran (approximately 8.5 miles)

Weather at Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

Summer brings the best conditions for this lake-focused campground. Daytime highs run 70–80°F, nights drop to 50–60°F, and water temperatures climb warm enough for comfortable swimming by mid-June. Long daylight hours give you time to fish, paddle, and dry out around the campfire before dark. Mosquitoes swarm heaviest in early evening through July. The 20-site capacity fills on warm holiday weekends, but most summer weekdays leave sites available. Check local fire restrictions before assuming you can burn. Cell coverage is spotty to moderate depending on your carrier in this rural area.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer described as best: warm water by mid-June, comfortable day/night temps, boating/fishing.

Planning Tips

About Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

McCollum Lake State Forest Campground sits on a forested lakeshore in Oscoda County, 20 sites managed first-come, first-served by Clinton Township. At 945 feet elevation, the campground draws campers looking for quiet water access without reservation hassles. Vault toilets, potable water, and a boat launch cover the basics.

Rustic state forest campground that accommodates tent campers and RV/trailer campers (no hookups); contains walk‑in tent sites and vehicle sites.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions for this lake-focused campground. Daytime highs run 70–80°F, nights drop to 50–60°F, and water temperatures climb warm enough for comfortable swimming by mid-June. Long daylight hours give you time to fish, paddle, and dry out around the campfire before dark. Mosquitoes swarm heaviest in early evening through July. The 20-site capacity fills on warm holiday weekends, but most summer weekdays leave sites available. Check local fire restrictions before assuming you can burn. Cell coverage is spotty to moderate depending on your carrier in this rural area.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground spreads beneath mature hardwoods and conifers along McCollum Lake's shoreline. Dappled shade covers most sites, and the lake sits close enough that you'll hear water lapping from your tent. A boat launch gives paddlers and anglers direct access. The lake's shoreline grows thick with aquatic vegetation in spots, which some campers find weedy. That vegetation supports bass and panfish populations, though at least one visitor found fishing slow. The undeveloped character means no cleared swimming beach, just natural access through the trees.

Geological RegionNortheastern Lower Peninsula of Michigan; forested lakeshore in Oscoda County

Scenic ViewsA few (reported as 1–2) lake-adjacent sites provide direct water access and views; most sites are wooded and do not have direct lake frontage.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Total Campsites20 campsites

Best CampsitesSites 1 and 2 offer the closest lake access, and campers recommend arriving early to claim them since there's no reservation system. Walk-in tent sites push farther from the main loop and tend to stay quieter. Reviewers note that even when the campground fills, 20 sites feels intimate compared to larger state parks.

Amenities available

This campground contains 20 sites, three sites are walk-in for tent only camping and 11 sites will accommodate larger 40-ft vehicle trailers. This rustic campground includes a small picnic area and adjacent boat launch.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Rustic lakeside campground offering boating and paddling access, on-site fishing, and wildlife viewing; provides access to surrounding state forest lands (hunting permitted on adjacent lands subject to regulations).

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsShoreline can be weedy which may affect swimming and shore fishing. Typical northern-Michigan insect presence reported by reviewers; cell coverage can be spotty in this rural area (varies by carrier).

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

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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

4.2

27 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the campground’s peaceful, quiet, and scenic lakeside setting; campers praise cleanliness and a helpful supervisor/caretaker. Most comments highlight the simple, uncrowded, family- and pet-friendly atmosphere.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Common compliments: quiet and peaceful setting, scenic lake views, well-kept grounds and bathrooms, friendly campground supervisor, pet-friendly, easy to find available sites (often not crowded),...

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early because sites are first‑come, first‑served (no reservations), bringing cash for trash disposal if needed, and aiming for the limited lake‑adjacent sites if easy water...

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice, quiet place to relax."; "Very clean — young lady that takes care of it does a great job."; "Beautiful scenery that is rarely crowded."; "$4.00 for each bag of trash is ridiculous."

Based on 27 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Paddlers and anglers who want direct boat launch access without booking ahead. Grab one of the 1–2 lakefront sites by arriving early; weekday summers leave plenty of options and the lake holds bass, pike, and walleye.

Skip if

Anyone counting on showers, hookups, or reliable cell signal will find this too stripped-down. The shoreline gets weedy in spots, which limits swimming, and the $4-per-bag trash fee catches first-timers off guard, bring cash.

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