How much does camping cost at Three Lakes?

Camping fees at Three Lakes range from $16/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Three Lakes first-come first-served or reservation?

Three Lakes accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Three Lakes before I book?

Yes! Three Lakes has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Three Lakes?

Three Lakes is open May 15 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Three Lakes?

Three Lakes does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Three Lakes have?

Three Lakes has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Three Lakes?

Pets are not allowed at Three Lakes. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Three Lakes?

Three Lakes offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Three Lakes?

Popular activities at Three Lakes include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Three Lakes

Q: Can I have a campfire at Three Lakes?

Fire policies at Three Lakes: Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.98

22 reviews

12821 S. STRONGS RD

Peace & QuietTent CampingSummer Destination

Featured in:Primitive Camping Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

902 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 15, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Hiawatha National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

902 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open May 15, 2025, t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Hiawatha National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Three Lakes

$16.00 - $16.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $16.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(906) 643-7900.

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Three Lakes

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Campground Map

12821 S. STRONGS RD

Three Lakes

12821 S. STRONGS RD

Nearby places

Strongs (2.5 miles)

no detailed travel times provided.

Weather at Three Lakes

Current alerts(2)

Click here for more information on the Hiawatha National Forest
No hookups available

Best Time to Camp at Three Lakes

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for swimming, boating, and fishing on Whitmarsh, Brown, and Walker Lakes — daily highs are typically in the 70s–low 80s°F (21–28°C) with cool nights in the 50s–60s°F (10–16°C). Long daylight and calm lake mornings make early-morning paddles and sunset fishing prime, while trails are fully dry for hiking. Expect moderate crowds (weekends and the July 4th week busiest), so reserve early once reservations open or arrive on weekdays for a quieter stay Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers most reliable conditions, lake access, shaded sites and long daylight for activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 15, 2025, through October 31, 2025. Reservations begin June 23, 2025.

About Three Lakes

Three Lakes is a secluded Hiawatha National Forest campground near Strongs, Michigan, offering access to Whitmarsh, Brown, and Walker Lakes. This quiet, primitive site draws campers seeking solitude and direct water access for fishing, swimming, and paddling. With vault toilets, potable water, and basic amenities, it's a no-frills base for exploring the surrounding forest trails and calm lake mornings.

Three Lakes Campground is designed for rustic camping. It offers spaces for both tent and RV camping. There are approximately 10 campsites, according to user feedback.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for swimming, boating, and fishing on Whitmarsh, Brown, and Walker Lakes — daily highs are typically in the 70s–low 80s°F (21–28°C) with cool nights in the 50s–60s°F (10–16°C). Long daylight and calm lake mornings make early-morning paddles and sunset fishing prime, while trails are fully dry for hiking. Expect moderate crowds (weekends and the July 4th week busiest), so reserve early once reservations open or arrive on weekdays for a quieter stay Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation902 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 902 feet elevation in a mixed forest of pine, spruce, and maple. Three lakes encircle the area, each with its own shoreline character for fishing, swimming, and paddling. Campers consistently mention the towering trees and the stillness of the water. The position between Lake Superior to the north and Lake Michigan to the south creates a transition zone where both ecosystems meet, supporting diverse vegetation and wildlife. Morning mist on the lakes and filtered sunlight through the canopy are recurring themes in visitor feedback.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or alternative accommodations were mentioned in either authoritative or user-provided content.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is limited to 14 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact number of guests per site is not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, including its website, app, or contact center.

Site SizeUser reviews highlight that campsites are "large" (Bess Hudson) and "huge" (Ellyce T), with ample space between them for privacy.

PrivacyMultiple user reviews, including those by Melissa Owensby and Sara Howard, describe the campsites as private, quiet, and secluded.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesMultiple reviewers recommend the campground for its privacy and peaceful environment. "Very private and beautiful views." Sites near the lakes offer scenic advantages.

Best CampsitesSites 3 and 5 get mentioned by name for seclusion and scenery. Both offer strong privacy and views of the surrounding forest and lakes.

Need help booking Three Lakes?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Three Lakes Campground offers a rustic camping experience with essential amenities. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Drinking water is available via a pump, and vault toilets are provided on-site. There are no electrical hookups, and the campground operates on a carry-in, carry-out policy with no trash collection facilities available. The day-use picnic area includes a carry-down boat ramp.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can engage in non-motorized boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. While there is no designated swimming beach, sandy lakefront areas invite casual swimming. The Walker Loop Trail offers a 1.15-mile loop hike around Walker Lake.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. User Tabitha Spike noted that "put toilets" (vault toilets) are provided instead.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground operates on a carry-in, carry-out policy. User Tabitha Spike explicitly noted that "there is no garbage pickup."

Cell CoverageA review from Alison K noted that "Verizon had good service, and AT&T had some," providing limited but functional cell phone coverage.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

22 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Three Lakes has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground has an overall positive sentiment, with a Google rating of approximately 4.3. Reviews frequently mention its serene, private, and rustic nature. However, some users had concerns about the lack of modern amenities and potential site security issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's tranquility and seclusion. Comments such as "wonderful campground that is quiet, peaceful, and beautiful" (Sara Howard) were common. Others highlighted the natural...

Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints centered on the lack of modern amenities such as showers, running water, and secure facilities. Alan Swank summarized it as "this place has nothing," and Brianne Miskie reported a security...

Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Alison K noted that campsite 05 was "large and scenic." Chloe D reviewed campsite 03 as "awesome and secluded." No other explicit site-specific reviews were available.

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Be prepared for a rustic experience: bring portable showers or water supplies if needed. 2. Secure your belongings when leaving your campsite, as thefts have been reported. 3. Verizon users may...

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews are generally positive across all seasons, but winter-specific feedback is limited. Summer visitors frequently mention the benefits of lake access and shaded campsites.

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "I hate to give this place an excellent review because I want it to remain a secret." - Michael Murphy. 2. "Very secluded Campground. Only 10 campsites in the campground." - Starla Wicker. 3. "The...

Based on 22 reviews