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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

945 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

945 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

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...

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

4.15

Satisfactory

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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

44.7709, -83.9007

Nearby places

Curran (approximately 8.5 miles)

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

Small, rustic campground with basic facilities: vault toilets, potable water, picnic area, and boat launch; no hookups or showers.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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.

Weather at Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

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

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Campgrounds

Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

From Michigan DNR

Official information for Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

McCollum Lake State Forest Campground is under the management of Clinton Township. Any concerns or questions about this campground should be directed to the Township at 989-848-8545. This campground contains 20 sites, three sites are walk-in for tent only camping and 11 sites will accommodate larger 40-ft vehicle trailers. First come, first served. No reservations. This rustic campground includes vault toilets, potable water, small picnic area and adjacent boat launch. View Campground closing and opening dates .

Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

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Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

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Plan a trip to Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

What Campers Say

Campground Map

Best Time to Camp at Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

Planning Tips

About Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Weather at Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

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From Michigan DNR

Plan a trip to Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

What Campers Say

Best Time to Camp at Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Camper Quotes