Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.14
42 reviews
Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,178 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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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

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Michigan
Provider
(989) 473-2258
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What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 42 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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Campground Map

Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground

Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground

44.7519, -84.2387

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

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Shines in warmer months: paddling, fishing and long summer days highlighted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Forest setting implies pleasant fall color; fewer activity notes than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open in spring but description notes campground truly shines in warmer months; seasonal roads possible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year‑round but roads/campground not plowed; snowmobile access exists but limited services.

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.
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Best Campsites

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Stay Limit
15-day maximum stay

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.
HikingUsers mention hiking and running nearby two‑tracks and trails through the surrounding state forest.
FishingMuskrat Lake supports warm‑water species (bass, bluegill, pike); fishing is often better by boat or kayak due to shallow, weedy shorelines.
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsShallow, 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

Reviews

4.1
42 reviews
Satisfactory
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 42 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...
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Based on 42 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...
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Based on 42 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...
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Based on 42 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026
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