Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.81
24 reviews
Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

856 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR (managed by Onaway State Park) site

Official Website
Get Directions
Shoepac 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) 733-8279
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What Campers Say

4.81

Top-Rated

Based on 24 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlakefriendly

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the campground's quiet, rustic character, lakeside recreation and nearby trails."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground

Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground

45.2393, -84.1715

Driving directionsLocated 12 miles southeast of Onaway via M-33 South and Tomahawk Lake Highway.
Accessible via M-33 and Tomahawk Lake Highway; campground entrance off the local road 12 miles SE of Onaway.
Nearby places
Onaway (approximately 12 miles)
Millersburg (nearby, distance not specified)
Nearby supplies
Onaway provides fuel and basic supplies

Best Time to Camp at Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer offers swimming, paddling and extensive trail access—peak season for activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Hiking and solitude during foliage season; trails and quiet setting remain appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers fishing and trails but conditions may be variable (muddy/early season closures).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Winter activities are mentioned but no details on grooming or winter-specific facilities.

Planning Tips

    About Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground

    Tucked along the tranquil shores of a pristine 52-acre lake, Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground invites you to disconnect and unwind in Michigan's Mackinaw State Forest. This intimate, back-to-basics retreat keeps things refreshingly simple—vault toilets, hand-pumped well water, and the kind of peaceful solitude that makes for perfect fishing mornings and starlit evenings by the campfire.
    A rustic state forest campground with tent and trailer/RV sites (first-come, first-served).
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    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    15-day maximum stay

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Lake-based recreation (fishing, paddling, swimming) plus extensive nearby trails for hiking and mountain biking; wildlife viewing and winter activities are also noted.
    HikingSinkhole Pathway is adjacent to the campground; High Country Pathway access nearby provides extensive trail mileage (approximately 70 miles when combined with nearby trails).
    FishingShoepac Lake supports panfish, largemouth bass and rainbow trout; additional nearby fishing at Tomahawk Lake and Tomahawk Creek Flooding.
    SwimmingSmall lakeside recreation area with a sandy beach suitable for swimming; reviewers mention a rope swing into the water.
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsSeasonal biting insects (stable flies noted in visitor reports) can be problematic. The area is used for hunting on surrounding state forest lands during seasons, so campers should be aware of hunting activity and follow applicable safety rules.

    Weather at Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground

    Reviews

    4.8
    24 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the campground's quiet, rustic character, lakeside recreation and nearby trails.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 24 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Quiet, remote and rustic setting; pleasant lake for swimming, paddling and fishing; large, well-spaced campsites; close proximity to the Sinkhole and High Country pathways; reviewers note clean...
    Show more
    Based on 24 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Sites are first-come, first-served (no reservations) — plan to arrive earlier in peak season. Bring paddling and fishing gear; families note a rope swing and good swimming. Reviewers also describe it...
    Show more
    Based on 24 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Love this little campground. Kids love the rope swing into the water.”; “Was wonderful...lots of trails for hiking...near the sinkhole pathway.”; “Great quiet rustic campground A+”
    Based on 24 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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