Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.48
23 reviews
Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan
Provider
(989) 590-7366

What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 23 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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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.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine pitching your tent beneath a canopy of mature hardwoods and towering conifers, where dappled sunlight filters through the leaves and the scent of pine fills the air. Your campsite sits just steps from McCollum Lake's inviting waters, with a convenient boat launch nearby for anglers and paddlers eager to explore. The lake itself beckons with tranquil beauty, though savvy visitors should know that aquatic vegetation thrives near the shoreline—a small trade-off for the serene, undeveloped character that makes this spot feel like your own private retreat in the north woods.
Geological RegionNortheastern Lower Peninsula of Michigan; forested lakeshore in Oscoda County
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Campsite details

Total Campsites20 campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

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

  • Pets are allowed
  • Fire rings are provided at sites (no specific fire policy details provided in sources).

Hazards

General hazardsShoreline 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

26
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 84%
Wind: 8.1 mph
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Weather History
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Good to know

Common complaintsOccasional complaints include a $4.00 charge per trash bag and at least one comment that the lake can be weedy or lacking fish; one reviewer questioned the overnight fee relative to amenities.

Campground Map

Mccollum Lake State Forest Campground
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)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.5
23 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 23 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 23 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 23 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 23 reviews

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Last updated December 13, 2025
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