Hovey Lake Campsites

Star3.95
23 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

912 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Hovey Lake Campsites
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees for campsite reservations vary based on the method of payment: $8 for online reservations, $9 for contact center reservations, and $3 for...
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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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What Campers Say

3.95

Mixed Reviews

Based on 23 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefullake

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"User reviews highlight the campground's serene lakeside setting and opportunities for canoeing and fishing. However, they also mention issues such as mosquitoes, noise from other campers, and the lake's unsuitability for swimming."

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Campground Map

Hovey Lake Campsites

46.2886, -86.6987

Driving directionsFrom the intersection of M-28 and M-94 drive southwest on M-94 6.4 miles to Forest Road 2254. Turn left (south) and drive 4 miles southeast on FR 2254 to Forest Road 2473. Turn right (south) on 2473 and drive 0.5 mile to FR 2367 where you turn right (west) and continue to the campsites.
"Review by Ashley Tuminella states: "This place was not easy to find." Reviewer Nissim Mashmoor mentions that it is "Very hard to get to" and "complicated" if pulling an RV. These reviews suggest that access may be challenging, especially for larger vehicles."

Best Time to Camp at Hovey Lake Campsites

Winter's grip holds tight through early spring at Hovey Lake, where mid-April visitors have encountered snow drifts reaching two feet deep. During these colder months, temperatures can dip as low as 15.8°F, climbing to a brisk 26°F on warmer days. The crisp, dry air and moderate 9.6 mph winds create perfect conditions for those seeking a true winter camping experience. As seasons change, the landscape transforms from a snow-blanketed wonderland to a verdant haven for warm-weather adventurers.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Great for paddling and fishing in summer, but mosquitoes are a notable drawback.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Likely quieter and scenic in fall; fewer mosquitoes and pleasant paddling (inferred).

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Early spring can be snowy and muddy (mid-April snow reported); transition season is rough.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Mid-April can still have 2ft snow; winter access and camping are challenging.

Planning Tips

    About Hovey Lake Campsites

    Tucked away in the serene wilderness, Hovey Lake Campsites offer a tranquil escape where families can disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. Each thoughtfully placed campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, creating the perfect basecamp for your outdoor adventures. While the peaceful waters beckon paddlers to explore every hidden cove, the lake's shallow, soft-bottomed character makes it a paradise for canoeists and kayakers rather than swimmers. Here, the loudest sounds you'll hear are the gentle splash of paddles and the evening chorus of wildlife settling in for the night.
    Hovey Lake Campsites offers primitive camping options with 4 designated sites. The area is rustic and ideal for self-sufficient campers.
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    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Campers at Hovey Lake can enjoy birdwatching, canoeing, and fishing. The serene setting makes it ideal for relaxation. However, the lake is not suitable for swimming due to its shallow and mucky conditions.
    FishingThe lake offers fishing opportunities for northern pike, black bass, panfish, and trout. According to the official description, the lake serves as the headwaters of the Indian Wild and Scenic River, which is known for good trout fishing.
    BoatingA carry-in boat access is available near the campground entrance, making it easy to launch canoes and kayaks. Reviewers highlighted the ease of launching watercraft and the scenic paddling experience.
    Wildlife viewingThe secluded and natural setting offers opportunities for birdwatching, as noted in the official description.
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & Alerts"There are a lot of mosquitoes at night," notes user Roc. "The lake is mucky and shallow," which limits swimming opportunities but is suitable for kayaking.

    Weather at Hovey Lake Campsites

    Reviews

    4.0
    23 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Hovey Lake Campsites has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    User reviews highlight the campground's serene lakeside setting and opportunities for canoeing and fishing. However, they also mention issues such as mosquitoes, noise from other campers, and the lake's unsuitability for swimming.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 23 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Reviewers praised the peaceful atmosphere, scenic lake views, and good fishing and canoeing opportunities. One user specifically mentioned the "beautiful small lake to paddle around the perimeter and...
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    Based on 23 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Some visitors cited issues with noise from late-night parties, an abundance of mosquitoes, and the lake's mucky bottom, which makes it unsuitable for swimming. A reviewer noted that "free camping...
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    Based on 23 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Campers are advised to bring mosquito repellent and toilet paper, as the facilities are basic. It's also recommended to avoid the busiest times if seeking a quiet experience. According to one user,...
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    Based on 23 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Mosquitoes are a notable issue during warmer months. Winter camping is challenging due to deep snow, as one user described walking to the site after their car couldn't access it.
    Based on 23 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Nice lake, not as busy as others in the area," said one reviewer, while another highlighted, "The campground was amazing, it was clean and everyone was very friendly." However, one user said, "Very...
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    Based on 23 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    One review noted that each site has a picnic table and fire ring, although one site was missing a fire ring. Another user mentioned that the campground was full in late July, with some campers...
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    Based on 23 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No specific reviews addressed accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
    Based on 23 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    No reviews specifically addressed pet policies or experiences with pets.
    Based on 23 reviews

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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