Mud Lake State Forest Campground

4.28

39 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Mud Lake 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

(989) 539-3021

What Campers Say

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 39 reviews

39 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefullake

"Reviewers consistently rate the campground highly for being quiet, secluded, and scenic with good lakeside sites and ample space between sites. Common positives include paddling/kayaking access, large flat sites (many holding 30-foot trailers), and direct trail access; negatives include very limited amenities, occasional generator noise and variable fishing."

Read all reviews

Best Time to Camp at Mud Lake State Forest Campground

Adventure awaits in every season at this year-round campground, including winter camping for the truly intrepid (note that roads and the campground loop remain unplowed in snowy months). Spring and fall may bring muddy trail conditions that add character to your backcountry experience, while summer visitors should come prepared with bug spray during the warmer months when insects are most active. Each season offers its own unique charm and opportunities for exploration.

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

Operating Season: Open year-round; winter camping allowed but campground loop and seasonal roads are not plowed.

About Mud Lake State Forest Campground

Escape to the tranquil shores of Mud Lake, where eight spacious, wooded campsites await in this hidden gem of a state forest campground. Connected directly to the Green Pine Lake Pathway and offering serene boat access, this first-come, first-served retreat (15-day maximum stay) provides the perfect balance of seclusion and natural beauty, complete with vault toilets and hand-pump well water.

Rustic, first-come-first-serve state forest campground with eight non-reservable sites on Mud Lake; primitive facilities (vault toilets, hand-pump water).

Weather and SeasonsAdventure awaits in every season at this year-round campground, including winter camping for the truly intrepid (note that roads and the campground loop remain unplowed in snowy months). Spring and fall may bring muddy trail conditions that add character to your backcountry experience, while summer visitors should come prepared with bug spray during the warmer months when insects are most active. Each season offers its own unique charm and opportunities for exploration.

Natural Features and SceneryNestled within Michigan's stunning northern mixed forest, this campground wraps around the peaceful waters of Mud Lake like a well-kept secret. Several generously-sized, level sites peek through the trees to offer filtered or unobstructed lake views, while the gentle lakeshore beckons kayakers, canoeists, and anglers seeking calm waters and excellent fishing. Birdwatchers will delight in the diverse avian activity throughout the wooded loop, where thoughtfully-spaced sites provide both privacy and easy access to nature's soundtrack.

Campsite details

Total Campsites8 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; winter camping allowed but campground loop and seasonal roads are not plowed.

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Amenities available

Potable water

Cell phone service

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Quiet, rustic lakeside campground offering paddling/kayaking, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing; access to state forest hunting, mountain biking and winter activities (snowshoeing, winter camping) with trails connected to the Green Pine Lake Pathway.

Hiking

Direct access to the Green Pine Lake Pathway from the east side of the campground; trails form part of a larger network and include typical forest trail conditions.

Fishing

Panfish and bass reported in Mud Lake; Big Lake ~9 miles away for additional fishing opportunities.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsSurrounding state forest is open to hunting (firearm hunting setback rules apply — e.g., 450 feet from occupied dwellings). Seasonal roads and the campground loop are not plowed in winter, potentially limiting access. Some trails may be flooded or require wading due to beaver dams; Mud Lake can be shallow and weedy in places, which may affect boating and fishing.

Weather at Mud Lake State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 72%

Wind: 12.7 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsVery limited amenities (vault toilets and hand-pump water only), only eight first-come-first-serve sites so it can fill; some reviewers report poor fishing; occasional noisy generators; seasonal roads and campground loop are not plowed in winter.

Campground Map

Mud Lake State Forest Campground

Driving directionsLocated in Clare County, 11 miles east of Evart via US-10, M-66, 7 Mile Road and Brown Road.

Access via US-10 and M-66, then on 7 Mile Road and Brown Road; several miles in on good-quality dirt roads to reach the campground.

Nearby places

Evart — ~11 miles (west)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.3

39 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Reviewers consistently rate the campground highly for being quiet, secluded, and scenic with good lakeside sites and ample space between sites. Common positives include paddling/kayaking access, large flat sites (many holding 30-foot trailers), and direct trail access; negatives include very limited amenities, occasional generator noise and variable fishing.

Review Summaries

Based on 39 reviews

What Campers Love

Quiet, peaceful and secluded setting; several lakeside sites with good views (site 6 frequently noted); large, flat, well-spaced sites; direct trail access to Green Pine Lake Pathway; strong Verizon...

Based on 39 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early (sites are FCFS) or come on weekdays for best chance at lakeside sites; bring water containers and self-contained power/lighting; expect primitive camping and pack accordingly; site 6 is...

Based on 39 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Really enjoyed a brief off-season camping excursion. I wanted for nothing."; "Very peaceful. Right on the lake with woods all around."; "Fishing was very poor."

Based on 39 reviews