Spring Lake State Forest Campground

0 review

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,093 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,093 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources site

Official Website

Get Directions

Spring 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

(231) 775-7911

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Campground Map

Spring Lake State Forest Campground

44.5633, -85.3628

Driving directionsLocated about 2 miles southwest of Fife Lake via US-131.

Accessible via US-131; follow local roads to campground entrance (2 miles from Fife Lake).

Nearby supplies

Fife Lake (groceries, fuel

recommended to stock up before arrival)

Best Time to Camp at Spring Lake State Forest Campground

Northern Michigan's four distinct seasons each bring their own character to your camping experience. Summer offers warm days ideal for water activities, though you'll want to pack bug spray for mosquitoes during late spring and early summer months. Fall transforms the hardwood canopy into a spectacular display of color, while spring and summer weather can be delightfully unpredictable—always a good idea to bring layers and rain gear for those passing showers that keep everything so beautifully green.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm summer days ideal for water activities; note to bring bug spray.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mature hardwoods imply strong fall color and good hiking conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring season noted; no specifics on conditions (mud, bugs, blooms) provided.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Four seasons acknowledged but no winter services or groomed activities listed.

Planning Tips

About Spring Lake State Forest Campground

Escape to a secluded hilltop retreat where 32 rustic campsites nestle among towering trees with sweeping views of Spring Lake below. This authentic back-to-basics campground welcomes tent campers and small trailers on a first-come, first-served basis, offering vault toilets, hand-pump well water, and immediate access to miles of North Country Trail plus excellent fishing and paddling opportunities.

Rustic/primitive campground serving tents and small trailers (32 sites). First-come, first-serve only; 15-day maximum stay.

Weather and SeasonsNorthern Michigan's four distinct seasons each bring their own character to your camping experience. Summer offers warm days ideal for water activities, though you'll want to pack bug spray for mosquitoes during late spring and early summer months. Fall transforms the hardwood canopy into a spectacular display of color, while spring and summer weather can be delightfully unpredictable—always a good idea to bring layers and rain gear for those passing showers that keep everything so beautifully green.

Natural Features and SceneryPerched on a rolling, forested hilltop, this campground immerses you in a cathedral of mature hardwoods and whispering pines. Many sites offer filtered glimpses of Spring Lake shimmering through the branches below—a peaceful body of water perfect for a morning paddle or casting a line. A short canal connects Spring Lake to the expansive Fife Lake, giving adventurous visitors even more water to explore. The dense canopy and natural terrain create an intimate, secluded feeling that makes you forget how close civilization actually is.

Geological RegionGrand Traverse County, northern Michigan

Best Campsites

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Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Amenities available

Potable water

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Direct access to hiking (North Country Trail, Fife Lake Loop), fishing and paddling on Spring Lake (boat ramp on site), wildlife viewing, and nearby state forest hunting access. Good spot for quiet, tent- and small-trailer-oriented lake recreation.

HikingNorth Country Trail is accessible from the campground; the nearby Fife Lake Loop (~21 miles) is available for day hikes or easy overnight backpacking.

FishingAngling for pike and panfish in Spring Lake; additional fishing opportunities on nearby Fife Lake.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSurrounding state forest lands are open to hunting in season (firearm hunting setbacks apply). Limited cell coverage in areas; sites can be tight or uneven for larger rigs. Typical seasonal insects.