Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.48
27 reviews
Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

945 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
No official fee listed in the provided park materials. Reviewer reports mention a $15 overnight charge and a $4 per-bag trash fee, but these are from...
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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

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Michigan
Provider
(989) 590-7366
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What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 27 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefullake

"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."

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Campground Map

Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

44.7709, -83.9007

Driving directionsEight and a half miles northwest of Curran via M-65 and McCollum Lake Road.
Accessible via M-65 and McCollum Lake Road.
Nearby places
Curran (approximately 8.5 miles)

Best Time to Camp at Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Best season for swimming, boating and fishing; reviews emphasize summer peacefulness.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Forest setting and quiet lakeside likely excellent for fall color and solitude.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Accessible lakeside camping, but spring mud/mosquito season and weeds may affect experience.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

No winter facilities described; basic vault toilets and first-come sites may limit winter use.

Planning Tips

    About Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

    Tucked along the peaceful shores of McCollum Lake, this intimate 20-site campground offers an authentic back-to-basics escape in northern Michigan's forests. Managed by Clinton Township on a first-come, first-served basis, you'll find everything you need for a classic camping experience—vault toilets, fresh water, picnic areas, and lake access—without the fuss of reservations or crowded amenities.
    Rustic state forest campground that accommodates tent campers and RV/trailer campers (no hookups); contains walk‑in tent sites and vehicle sites.
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    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    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).
    FishingFishing on McCollum Lake for pike, bass, walleye and panfish (lake access via adjacent boat launch).
    SwimmingSwimming is possible from the lake, though sources note shore areas can be weedy which may limit swimming in places.
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    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).

    Weather at Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

    Reviews

    4.5
    27 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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),...
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    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...
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    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

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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