Natalie State Forest Campground

Star4.43
28 reviews
Natalie State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

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Natalie 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
(906) 492-3415

What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 28 reviews

28 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Overall reviewers rate the campground positively for its quiet, scenic, well-maintained rustic setting, good fishing and easy boat access. Common notes include strong insect presence in summer, a rough access road, and tight sites for larger campers."

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Best Time to Camp at Natalie State Forest Campground

While officially open year-round, winter transforms this campground into a snowy sanctuary accessible only to the most adventurous (roads aren't plowed, so plan accordingly). Summer brings classic eastern Upper Peninsula weather—warm days perfect for paddling, cool nights ideal for campfires, and yes, those legendary UP mosquitoes during peak season, so pack your bug spray and embrace the wild.

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; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.

About Natalie State Forest Campground

Escape to the peaceful shores of Dollarville Flooding at this intimate 12-site campground tucked into Natalie State Forest. This rustic gem welcomes tent campers and small trailers on a first-come, first-served basis, offering up to 15 days of unplugged serenity with vault toilets and fresh water—perfect for those seeking a true back-to-basics Upper Peninsula experience.
Small, rustic state forest campground with 12 first-come, first-served sites for tent and small trailer use; 15-day maximum stay; no reservations.
Weather and SeasonsWhile officially open year-round, winter transforms this campground into a snowy sanctuary accessible only to the most adventurous (roads aren't plowed, so plan accordingly). Summer brings classic eastern Upper Peninsula weather—warm days perfect for paddling, cool nights ideal for campfires, and yes, those legendary UP mosquitoes during peak season, so pack your bug spray and embrace the wild.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mist rising off the tranquil waters of Dollarville Flooding, a serene waterway within the Tahquamenon River watershed that beckons paddlers with its gentle currents and anglers with promising shoreline fishing. Your campsite sits embraced by the towering trees of Lake Superior State Forest, where the boundary between woodland and wetland blurs into a haven for wildlife watchers. Don't miss the wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leading to an elevated hunting blind—it's your front-row seat to observe waterfowl, deer, and the ever-changing drama of wetland life against a backdrop of northern forest.
Geological RegionLake Superior State Forest; on the Dollarville Flooding of the Tahquamenon River watershed (state wildlife management area).
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Campsite details

Total Campsites12 campsites

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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; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (note: sites are first-come, first-serve; no reservations)

Amenities available

Potable water
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Paddling and small-boat boating on the Dollarville Flooding, fishing (muskie, perch, pike), wildlife viewing, hunting access to surrounding state land, hiking, and year-round (unplowed) winter camping.
Hiking
General hiking and nature walks nearby; regional references note nearby trail opportunities (e.g., Canada Lake Pathway).
Fishing
Fishing on the Dollarville Flooding (muskie, perch, pike); nearby opportunities on the Tahquamenon River and Twin Lakes.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsHigh-water conditions on the flooding — be mindful of high-water safety. Mosquitoes/black flies are reported in summer; wildlife (reviewers have reported bears) may be present.

Weather at Natalie State Forest Campground

23
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 77%
Wind: 10 mph
Overcast

Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Good to know

Common complaintsMosquitoes can be very bad in season; long/rough road to reach the site; sites are tight and may not accommodate large campers or modern RVs; only a few sites have decent boat access; not a good fit for campers who don't want to 'rough it.'

Campground Map

Natalie State Forest Campground
Driving directionsLocated approximately four miles west of Newberry via County Road 405 and County Road 434.
Access via County Road 405 and County Road 434; seasonal roads serving the campground are not plowed in winter.
Nearby places
Newberry (≈4 miles)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.4
28 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Natalie State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall reviewers rate the campground positively for its quiet, scenic, well-maintained rustic setting, good fishing and easy boat access. Common notes include strong insect presence in summer, a rough access road, and tight sites for larger campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful views and peaceful/quiet setting; well-maintained grounds and clean vault toilets; right on the water with an adjacent boat launch; some sites allow docking; wheelchair-accessible boardwalk...
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Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and supplies; small boats/tenders recommended; expect to be self-sufficient (rustic facilities); avoid bringing large RVs—sites are best for tents and small trailers.
Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful views, quiet and peaceful."; "Bring your bug spray."; "If u own a new camper do not bring it here they do not leave u enough room to put ur camper there"; "Lots of Bears too!! Beware!!";...
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Based on 28 reviews

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Last updated December 13, 2025
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