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

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

Can I see photos of campsites at Mud Lake State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Mud Lake State Forest Campground has 13 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Mud Lake State Forest Campground?

Mud Lake State Forest Campground is open Open year-round; winter camping allowed but campground loop and seasonal roads are not plowed.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mud Lake State Forest Campground?

Mud Lake State Forest Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Mud Lake State Forest Campground?

Cell phone service at Mud Lake State Forest Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Mud Lake State Forest Campground have?

Mud Lake State Forest Campground has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Mud Lake State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Mud Lake State Forest Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Mud Lake State Forest Campground?

Mud Lake State Forest Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mud Lake State Forest Campground?

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

Mud Lake State Forest Campground

4.16

50 reviews

Top 18% in MIWinter

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

1,073 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,073 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Mud 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) 539-3021

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Mud Lake State Forest Campground

43.9072, -85.0779

Nearby places

Evart — ~11 miles (west)

Weather at Mud Lake State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Mud Lake State Forest Campground

Summer is the sweet spot here. Daily highs run mid-60s to mid-80s°F, with nights in the 50s and 60s. The lake is warm enough for boating and fishing, and trails on the Green Pine Lake Pathway are dry for biking and hiking. The campground stays open year-round, but winter roads and the campground loop aren't plowed. Spring and fall can bring muddy trail conditions. Bug spray is a good idea in the warmer months.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer described as the 'sweet spot'; lake warm for boating and trails are dry and accessible.

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

Mud Lake State Forest Campground sits on a quiet lake near Evart with eight first-come, first-served sites, most large and level enough for 30-foot trailers. The campground connects directly to the Green Pine Lake Pathway for hiking and biking, and several sites face the water for easy kayak or canoe access. Amenities are minimal: vault toilets and a hand-pump well.

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 SeasonsSummer is the sweet spot here. Daily highs run mid-60s to mid-80s°F, with nights in the 50s and 60s. The lake is warm enough for boating and fishing, and trails on the Green Pine Lake Pathway are dry for biking and hiking. The campground stays open year-round, but winter roads and the campground loop aren't plowed. Spring and fall can bring muddy trail conditions. Bug spray is a good idea in the warmer months.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground wraps around Mud Lake in mixed northern Michigan forest at 1,073 feet elevation. Several sites face the lake through the trees, offering filtered or clear views of the water. The lake itself is calm and small enough for paddling, though reviewers report variable fishing success. Wildlife appears frequently in mornings and evenings. Sites are well-spaced in the wooded loop, providing good privacy even when the campground fills on summer holiday weekends.

Scenic ViewsSeveral sites (particularly site 6) have direct lake overlooks; the lakeside half of the loop provides the best water views.

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Total Campsites8 campsites

Best CampsitesSite 6 gets mentioned most often for its direct lake views. Site 7 is the pull-through. Lakeside sites on the half of the loop facing the water are preferred for quick water access and morning views across Mud Lake.

Amenities available

Rustic campground with vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. No electricity, hookups, showers, or dump station. Eight large, flat sites (most accommodate a 30-foot trailer); site #7 is a pull-through.

Potable water

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSurrounding 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.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

50 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 50 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 50 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 50 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 50 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Paddlers and hikers who can arrive early on a weekday will get the most out of this place. Site 6 has the clearest lake view, the Green Pine Lake Pathway starts right at the east end of camp, and Verizon users won't lose signal.

Skip if

No showers, no hookups, hand-pump water only, and eight FCFS sites that fill on summer holiday weekends. If a reliable campsite is non-negotiable, the first-come setup alone may send you somewhere else.

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Campgrounds

Mud Lake State Forest Campground

From Michigan DNR

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

This secluded, rustic campground is on the peaceful shores of Mud Lake offers excellent paddling, fishing and hiking. A carry-in boat launch, on the south side of the campground provides easy access to the lake. The campground has eight large, flat campsites situated in a loop. Most sites can accommodate a 30-foot trailer and site #7 is a pull-through site. Direct access to the Green Pine Lake Pathway is on the east side of the campground. The campground is located in Clare County, 11 miles east of Evart via US-10, M-66, 7 Mile Road and Brown Road. Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations. View Campground closing and opening dates .