Kneff Lake Campground

Star4.17
61 reviews
Kneff Lake Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,198 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Mio Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Kneff Lake Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
All reservation changes, cancellations, and refunds are managed through Recreation.gov.
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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Provider
(989) 826-3252
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What Campers Say

4.17

Satisfactory

Based on 61 reviews

53 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanwaterlake

"Reviewers overwhelmingly love Kneff Lake Campground, describing it as beautiful, peaceful, and rustic with a great swimming lake and beach. Many mention returning year after year and even having decades-long personal connections to the place. The campground is characterized as quiet, well-maintained, and a bit of a hidden gem in the national forest."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Kneff Lake Campground

Kneff Lake Campground

44.6392, -84.5794

Driving directionsFrom Grayling: Travel east on M-72 for 6.5 miles. Turn right and travel south on Stephan Bridge Rd. for 1 mile. Turn left and travel east on FR 4003 and drive about 1 mile.
Accessible via M-72 (east from Grayling), then south on Stephan Bridge Rd., then east on FR 4003.
Nearby places
Grayling — directions begin from Grayling (first leg: travel east on M-72 for 6.5 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Kneff Lake Campground

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Marked swim area, beach, paddling and stocked trout in spring make summer ideal.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Forest setting suggests good fall colors and quiet, but fall-specific features not detailed.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 14% in MI

Lake is stocked with rainbow trout in spring; pleasant water access and emerging green season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal host and water-focused recreation; winter use and services aren't described.

Planning Tips

    About Kneff Lake Campground

    Tucked away on the western edge of the Mio Ranger District, Kneff Lake Campground offers an intimate escape with just 27 sites nestled around a pristine 20-acre lake. This welcoming retreat combines the essentials—accessible beach access, handpump water, vault toilets, and a seasonal host—with the kind of peaceful seclusion that makes you forget how close civilization really is.
    Kneff Lake Campground contains 27 campsites and has an onsite host during the season. Campsites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, lantern posts, and have parking pads (sites 1-18: crushed stone; sites 19-27: asphalt). The campground is centered around the 20-acre Kneff Lake.
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    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Recreation is focused on Kneff Lake (20 acres) with water-based activities prominent. The day use area beach is accessible and there is a marked swim area; non-motorized boats may be carried in for use on the lake.
    FishingKneff Lake is a designated trout lake and is stocked with rainbow trout in the spring; anglers may also catch perch. Fishing can be done from boats, from shore, or by wading. The lake has a maximum depth of 40 ft.
    SwimmingThe swim area is marked with buoys and is accessible from the day use beach via an access ramp.
    BoatingNon-motorized boats such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts are welcome and may be carried in for use on Kneff Lake.
    Beach activitiesDay use area provides an accessible beach for boating, fishing, swimming, and beach play.
    Water Sports
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsMaximum lake depth is 40 ft; swim area is marked by buoys.

    Weather at Kneff Lake Campground

    Reviews

    4.2
    61 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Kneff Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers overwhelmingly love Kneff Lake Campground, describing it as beautiful, peaceful, and rustic with a great swimming lake and beach. Many mention returning year after year and even having decades-long personal connections to the place. The campground is characterized as quiet, well-maintained, and a bit of a hidden gem in the national forest.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 61 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Campers praise the beautiful, spring-fed lake with clear water that’s great for swimming, floating, and fishing, and appreciate that no motorized boats are allowed. The sandy, family-friendly beach...
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    Based on 61 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Very few complaints are mentioned in these reviews. One reviewer indirectly notes litter in the form of beer cans left behind by some visitors. Another hints at the lack of hookups or power by...
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    Based on 61 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Several reviewers emphasize that this is a rustic, primitive-style campground and suggest bringing a generator if you need power. It’s recommended as a great spot for last-minute getaways, family...
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    Based on 61 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Kneff Lake is a nice place to relax in the summer - sandy beach and cool lake surrounded by camp grounds and forests." "Rustic camping at its finest. A quiet relaxing campground. Fun beach around...
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    Based on 61 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    One reviewer notes that the first loop has paved spots suitable for RVs, while the second loop has dirt sites mostly used by tents and small campers. Another mentions there are 27 sites total with...
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    Based on 61 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    Multiple reviewers mention that the beach and swimming area are handicap accessible, including a ramp down to the beach. Easy parking and walking access to the beach are also highlighted, suggesting...
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    Based on 61 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    One reviewer mentions their dog likes to play with beer cans left behind, indicating that pets are present at the campground, though no detailed pet-policy feedback is provided.
    Based on 61 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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