Trout Lake State Forest Campground

Star3.74
43 reviews
Trout Lake State Forest Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

581 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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Trout Lake State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
No site fee information provided in the source for the tent/small-trailer campsites. Scraped content states sites are first-come, first-serve and no...
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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
(800) 447-2757
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What Campers Say

3.74

Mixed Reviews

Based on 43 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlakesites

"Most reviews are positive (many 4–5 star) praising the quiet, scenic lakeside setting and 'great rustic camping.' Reviewers frequently mention large campsites and good access to fishing and paddling. A minority of reviews note low lake levels, occasional weekend partying by locals, and isolated maintenance/logging concerns."

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Campground Map

Trout Lake State Forest Campground

Trout Lake State Forest Campground

41.9053, -83.3363

Driving directionsLocated about 17 miles north of Gladwin via M-18 N and Adams Road; also described as 3 miles northeast of Meredith via Meredith Grade.
Accessible via M-18 N and Adams Road; local access via Meredith Grade.
Nearby places
Gladwin - ~17 miles
Meredith - ~3 miles
Nearby supplies
Gladwin (town services and supplies)

Best Time to Camp at Trout Lake State Forest Campground

Adventure awaits year-round at Trout Lake, though winter visitors should come prepared—seasonal roads and campground paths remain unplowed, creating a true backcountry experience for hardy cold-weather campers. Keep in mind that lake levels can fluctuate with the seasons, adding a touch of natural variability to your waterfront camping adventure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers full lake recreation, paddling, fishing and prime camping weather.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Wooded hardwoods suggest strong fall colors; lakeside views remain appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers access but may be variable (water levels, muddy roads); camping possible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year‑round but roads/paths unplowed; winter use is rustic and requires prep.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed.

About Trout Lake State Forest Campground

Escape to Trout Lake State Forest Campground, where three intimate loops wind through the woods along the pristine shoreline of Trout Lake. This rustic retreat welcomes tent campers and small trailers with first-come, first-served sites, vault toilets, and hand-pump water—perfect for those seeking an authentic, unplugged camping experience with a 15-day maximum stay.
Described in source materials as a rustic state forest campground with tent and small-trailer sites, vault toilets, and first-come/first-serve camping.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
15-day maximum stay

Amenities available

Potable water
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lake-centered recreation (fishing, paddling, boating) plus hiking and year-round rustic camping. Hunting access to adjacent state land is available during seasons.
HikingTrail access to the Trout Lake Pathway, a 2.8-mile loop; campground is within the Gladwin Field Trail Area.
FishingTrout Lake offers bass, bluegill, perch and pike; nearby Streaked Lake, Hoister and House Lakes provide additional fishing opportunities.
Boating
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHunting occurs on nearby state land during seasons — campers should be aware of hunting activity. Seasonal roads are not plowed in winter which limits safe winter access. Some visitors report occasional low lake levels; there are also occasional reports of local groups creating noisy weekend gatherings.

Weather at Trout Lake State Forest Campground

Reviews

3.7
43 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Trout Lake State Forest Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Most reviews are positive (many 4–5 star) praising the quiet, scenic lakeside setting and 'great rustic camping.' Reviewers frequently mention large campsites and good access to fishing and paddling. A minority of reviews note low lake levels, occasional weekend partying by locals, and isolated maintenance/logging concerns.
Review Summaries
Based on 43 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful, quiet Trout Lake setting; lakeside campsites and paddling/fishing access; large sites and generally clean vault toilets; reviewers commonly describe it as a great spot for rustic camping.
Based on 43 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Use posted park signs for directions (Google Maps reportedly inconsistent); target lakeside loops for waterfront sites; sites appear first-come/first-serve so arrive early; bring supplies and be...
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Based on 43 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Great rustic camping.”; “My happy place.”; “Beautiful fall camping experience.”; “Quiet.”
Based on 43 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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