Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground

4.22

37 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Muskrat 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) 473-2258

What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 37 reviews

37 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietwaterlakefriendly

Some mention

noise

"Reviewers generally praise Muskrat Lake as a quiet, rustic and secluded small campground good for paddling, fishing (especially by boat), trail access and family camping. Common negatives include rustic infrastructure issues (notably the hand pump/well), occasional ORV noise, exposure from nearby logging, and limited/no developed amenities."

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Best Time to Camp at Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground

While the campground welcomes visitors year-round, it truly shines during the warmer months when Muskrat Lake beckons paddlers and fishing enthusiasts. Summer brings long days perfect for exploring the lake's quiet coves and casting a line for warm-water species. Winter adventurers should note that seasonal roads and the campground itself remain unplowed, making this a true three-season destination for most campers.

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; seasonal roads and the campground are not plowed in winter.

About Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground

Escape to Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground, where 13 intimate campsites nestle along the shoreline of a peaceful warm-water lake. This rustic, first-come, first-served gem offers the simplicity of vault toilets and hand-pump water, creating the perfect quiet retreat for paddlers and anglers seeking an authentic northern forest experience.

Rustic, small lakeside campground suited to tent campers and small trailers; first‑come, first‑served.

Weather and SeasonsWhile the campground welcomes visitors year-round, it truly shines during the warmer months when Muskrat Lake beckons paddlers and fishing enthusiasts. Summer brings long days perfect for exploring the lake's quiet coves and casting a line for warm-water species. Winter adventurers should note that seasonal roads and the campground itself remain unplowed, making this a true three-season destination for most campers.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to dappled sunlight filtering through a canopy of mixed hardwoods and conifers, the gentle lap of Muskrat Lake just steps from your tent. The campground embraces the classic character of Au Sable State Forest country, where towering pines meet the water's edge. Several sites offer that coveted lakefront position—whether you prefer direct sunrise views over the water or a more sheltered spot among the trees, you'll enjoy easy carry-in access to launch your kayak or canoe into the shallow, inviting waters.

Geological RegionAu Sable State Forest country (mixed northern hardwoods and conifers)

Campsite details

Total Campsites13 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; seasonal roads and the campground are not plowed in winter.

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (campground is first-come, first-served; sites cannot be reserved)

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

A rustic, small lakeside campground offering paddling, angling, ORV/snowmobile trail access and access to surrounding state forest for hunting. The site serves as a trailhead for the Mio Trail (ORV) and provides carry‑in access to Muskrat Lake.

Hiking

Users mention hiking and running nearby two‑tracks and trails through the surrounding state forest.

Fishing

Muskrat Lake supports warm‑water species (bass, bluegill, pike); fishing is often better by boat or kayak due to shallow, weedy shorelines.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsShallow, weedy lake margins can limit productive shore fishing; ORV traffic/noise is possible because the site is a trailhead for the Mio Trail. Some reviewers note issues with the hand-pump well (reports of needing repair). Cell coverage is not documented and may be limited due to the remote, forested location.

Weather at Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 88%

Wind: 9.2 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsSeveral reviewers report problems or concerns with the water well/water pump; limited shore fishing and shallow/weedy lake margins; occasional ORV/SxS/motorcycle noise; tree clearcutting nearby that increases wind and reduces forest cover; very limited amenities due to rustic classification.

Campground Map

Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground

Driving directionsLocated about 12 miles northwest of Mio via M-33 North, West Miller Road, Richardson Road and Muskrat Lake Road.

Accessible from M-33 North with the final miles on local/seasonal roads (see driving directions).

Nearby places

Mio — ~12 miles

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.2

37 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Reviewers generally praise Muskrat Lake as a quiet, rustic and secluded small campground good for paddling, fishing (especially by boat), trail access and family camping. Common negatives include rustic infrastructure issues (notably the hand pump/well), occasional ORV noise, exposure from nearby logging, and limited/no developed amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded, quiet atmosphere; lakeside setting with carry‑in access for canoe/kayak; good warm‑water panfishing by boat; direct ORV and snowmobile trail access; small, family‑friendly sites with fire...

Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Sites are first‑come, first‑served — arrive early for lakeside spots. Bring a paddlecraft or small boat for best fishing access, and carry backup drinking water in case of pump issues. Expect rustic...

Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Beautiful, quiet & relaxing.”; “What a great rustic campground. Perfect location for hittin the trails or lazin around the lake.”; “Water well needs replaced.”; “Wish u could swim in the lake...

Based on 37 reviews