House Lake State Forest Campground

4.10

50 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

$170/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

41 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$170/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

41 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

House Lake State Forest Campground

$170.00 - $170.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly rate listed ($170) applies to the two RRM geodesic domes (lodging). Domes require a two-night minimum. No standard numeric fee is provided...

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

(800) 447-2757

What Campers Say

4.10

Satisfactory

Based on 50 reviews

50 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouswaterlake

"Mostly positive reviewer sentiment praising the campground's rustic, secluded character, large sites, clean vault toilets and hand-pump potable water; many visitors highlight access to multiple small lakes, paddling and a popular rope swing. A minority of reviews cite issues with disrespectful or noisy groups, roadside washboarding and occasional trash left by other campers."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at House Lake State Forest Campground

$170/night

Campsite fees

Stay Limit: 15-day maximum stay for campsites

Prices verified December 13, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan DNR website.

Best Time to Camp at House Lake State Forest Campground

Open all year, House Lake transforms with the seasons—summer brings classic lake country pleasures of fishing, paddling, and forest hiking, while winter turns the landscape into a serene, snow-covered retreat. Note that campground loops and seasonal roads aren't plowed after snowfall, so winter adventurers should come prepared with appropriate vehicles and cold-weather gear for a true backcountry experience.

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; seasonal roads and campground loops are not plowed in winter.

About House Lake State Forest Campground

Escape to House Lake State Forest Campground, where 41 rustic sites nestle along the peaceful shores of House Lake in Gladwin County. This secluded northern Michigan retreat offers traditional camping with vault toilets and hand-pump water, plus two unique geodesic domes for those seeking a distinctive overnight experience (domes from $170/night, two-night minimum).

A rustic state forest campground with tent and vehicle-accessible sites and two on-site geodesic domes provided by a private operator (RRM).

Weather and SeasonsOpen all year, House Lake transforms with the seasons—summer brings classic lake country pleasures of fishing, paddling, and forest hiking, while winter turns the landscape into a serene, snow-covered retreat. Note that campground loops and seasonal roads aren't plowed after snowfall, so winter adventurers should come prepared with appropriate vehicles and cold-weather gear for a true backcountry experience.

Natural Features and SceneryTall pines and mixed hardwoods create a canopy of shade throughout two well-spaced camping loops, each offering direct access to the sparkling waters of House Lake. Your basecamp here connects you to a trio of pristine lakes—House, Hoister, and Trout—perfect for casting a line, gliding across glassy morning waters, or spotting wildlife along the shore. The 2.8-mile Trout Lake Pathway winds through the surrounding forest, inviting you to explore deeper into this quiet corner of Michigan's northwoods.

Geological RegionNorthern Michigan state forest (Gladwin County); mixed northern hardwood/pine forest on the shore of House Lake

Campsite details

Total Campsites41 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay for campsites

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; seasonal roads and campground loops are not plowed in winter.

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (lodging tab → RRM Cabins/Cottages/GeoDomes) for the two geodesic domes; standard campsites are first-come, first-serve (no reservations).

Accomodation available

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Rustic forest campground on House Lake with nearby Hoister and Trout lakes, offering fishing, paddling, hiking, wildlife viewing and year-round (unplowed) winter opportunities. Two RRM geodesic domes provide a unique overnight lodging option.

Hiking

Trail access to the Trout Lake Pathway, a 2.8-mile loop, plus surrounding state land trails for hiking.

Fishing

Fishing on-site at House Lake and nearby Hoister and Trout lakes (trout, bass and other small game fish reported).

Swimming

Small inland-lake swimming and a lake with a beach and rope swing noted by visitors.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Each geodesic dome site includes a fire pit and grill; broader campground fire policy details are not provided in the source materials.

Hazards

General hazardsCampground provides access to state land open to hunting—be aware during hunting seasons and wear high-visibility clothing when away from campsites. Seasonal roads and campground loops are not plowed in winter. Vault toilets and limited on-site services (no electricity) reflect a rustic environment.

Weather at House Lake State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 13

Saturday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 67%

Wind: 19.5 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsOccasional problems with noisy or disrespectful groups/parties and litter left by other campers; rough/washboard gravel access roads in need of grading; campground roads and loops are not plowed in winter (access limited).

Campground Map

House Lake State Forest Campground

Driving directionsLocated in Gladwin County, about 2.5 miles northeast of Meredith via Meredith Grade. Also described as about 17 miles north of Gladwin via M-18 N and Adams Road.

Accessible via M-18 N and local roads (Adams Road, Meredith Grade).

Nearby places

Meredith – ~2.5 miles

Gladwin – ~17 miles

Nearby supplies

User-review reported nearby stores: Hunter's Paradise (~2.5 miles) and The Sugar Shack (~10 minutes by car).

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.1

50 reviews

Satisfactory

House Lake State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Mostly positive reviewer sentiment praising the campground's rustic, secluded character, large sites, clean vault toilets and hand-pump potable water; many visitors highlight access to multiple small lakes, paddling and a popular rope swing. A minority of reviews cite issues with disrespectful or noisy groups, roadside washboarding and occasional trash left by other campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 50 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded, old-fashioned rustic setting; spacious, tree-lined sites; clean vault toilets and hand-pump potable water; easy access to House, Hoister and Trout lakes for swimming, fishing and paddling;...

Based on 50 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Sites are first-come, first-served—arrive early during busy times; bring your own linens and supplies (domes require linens and have no running water); pack out trash and be prepared for rough gravel...

Based on 50 reviews

Camper Quotes

"A pleasantly old-fashioned rustic campground...The campground has potable water via a hand pump and vault toilets that are kept pretty clean."; "Such an amazing place!!!!"; "Nice, quiet, Friendly...

Based on 50 reviews