Condon Lakes West

3.88

28 reviews

650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

909 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

This campground is o...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forests site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

909 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

This campground is o...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forests site

Official Website

Get Directions

Condon Lakes West

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Condon Lakes West Campground is a USFS site and does not charge camping fees. Free camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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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USFS

Provider

(231) 745-4631

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What Campers Say

3.88

Mixed Reviews

Based on 28 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullocationlake

"User reviews describe the area as peaceful but with limited privacy and occasional disturbances. The vault toilet and free camping are appreciated, but some users criticize the lack of amenities and poor behavior of other campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304

Condon Lakes West

650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304

Driving directionsAccess the campground via Algers Road/Forest Road 5536. The road is sandy and non-paved, which may require a capable vehicle like a Jeep for easier navigation. Parking is available for up to 3 vehicles, including trailers.

Road access is via Algers Road/Forest Road 5536, which is sandy and unpaved. The road may be challenging for less capable vehicles due to its condition. Seasonal closures are not mentioned in the sources.

Nearby places

Baldwin is the nearest city, approximately null miles away. Distances to other nearby population centers are not specified.

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be acquired from Baldwin, the nearest town. Specific details about grocery stores, fuel stations, or camping supply shops are not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Condon Lakes West

Each season paints Condon Lakes West with its own distinct palette. Summer arrives with golden sunshine filtering through the canopy and warm breezes rippling across the lake's surface, creating ideal conditions for water activities and evening campfires. As autumn approaches, crisp air and brilliant foliage transform the forest into a photographer's paradise, though occasional rain showers add drama to the landscape. Winter blankets the area in serene snow, turning the campground into a frozen wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here. Spring emerges with wildflowers, migrating birds, and that sweet spot of mild temperatures perfect for mushroom hunting, though muddy trails and April showers remind visitors to pack accordingly.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open and popular in summer; ideal for paddling/fishing but reports of crowding and disturbances.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Good for mushroom/berry foraging and fall colors; likely quieter than peak summer.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens May 1; spring mushroom season and mild paddling/fishing but limited review coverage.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground officially closed Nov–Apr; winter camping not in-season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season typically aligns with the open season (May 1–October 31).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: This campground is open from May 1 to October 31.

About Condon Lakes West

Tucked within the sprawling wilderness of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Condon Lakes West beckons adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry escape. This intimate dispersed camping area, featuring just six secluded sites along the shores of a pristine small lake, serves as a gateway to nature's bounty. Whether you're scanning the forest floor for prized morel mushrooms, filling baskets with wild berries, casting a line into the tranquil waters, or tracking game through the dense woodlands, this rustic retreat offers the perfect basecamp for those who prefer their camping experiences untamed and peaceful.

Condon Lakes West Campground is a dispersed camping site with no fees, offering five to seven campsites according to user reviews.

Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this particular spot may be quiet, the land whispers stories of generations who have sought solitude and sustenance in these woods.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Condon Lakes West with its own distinct palette. Summer arrives with golden sunshine filtering through the canopy and warm breezes rippling across the lake's surface, creating ideal conditions for water activities and evening campfires. As autumn approaches, crisp air and brilliant foliage transform the forest into a photographer's paradise, though occasional rain showers add drama to the landscape. Winter blankets the area in serene snow, turning the campground into a frozen wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here. Spring emerges with wildflowers, migrating birds, and that sweet spot of mild temperatures perfect for mushroom hunting, though muddy trails and April showers remind visitors to pack accordingly.

ElevationThe gentle terrain of this Michigan forest setting creates an accessible wilderness experience for campers of all abilities.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mist rising from a mirror-smooth lake, surrounded by towering hardwoods and evergreens that shelter deer, wild turkey, and countless songbirds. The intimate scale of this small lake creates a sense of private paradise, where morning paddlers might have the water entirely to themselves. Forest trails wind through the undergrowth, revealing hidden groves perfect for mushroom hunting and secret fishing spots known only to regular visitors. This pristine pocket of wilderness offers the kind of unspoiled natural beauty that feels increasingly rare in our modern world.

Geological RegionNestled within the 3,300-acre expanse of the Huron-Manistee National Forests in Newaygo County, this region showcases Michigan's characteristic blend of mixed hardwood and coniferous forests interspersed with jewel-like lakes. The landscape, carved by ancient glaciers, has created the perfect conditions for the small kettle lakes and rolling hills that define this area. Condon Lake itself exemplifies these geological gifts, offering clear waters surrounded by the rich, diverse ecosystem that makes Michigan's national forests a treasure for outdoor enthusiasts seeking dispersed camping opportunities away from developed recreation areas.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours.

Check-out

Open 24 hours.

Stay Limit

No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (up to 74 people).

Guests Allowed Per Site

No maximum guest limit per site is specified.

Groups

Group camping is not mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of six dispersed campsites near the lake. A vault toilet is available.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; camping operates on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come-first-serve, with no reservations. Visitors report limited availability due to popularity.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system is available; all sites are free and first-come-first-serve.

AccessibilityNo information was provided about accessibility features for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeUser reviews consistently describe the campsites as small. Peter Claybaker states that there are five campsites and describes the campground as 'small simple,' providing additional context.

PrivacyThe sites themselves are within eye-site of each other and do not offer much privacy," according to user Kevin L.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesPrivacy may be a concern as all campsites are within sight of each other. Visitors seeking a quieter experience should consider weekdays when fewer campers are likely.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting are identified as popular activities, with mushroom and berry picking also highlighted in authoritative sources.

HikingHiking opportunities are mentioned in authoritative sources, which list backpacking and day hikes as options. Detailed trail information is not provided.

FishingFishing (lake, pond, and ice fishing) is explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources. User Rebecca Sabin adds that 'just went fishing. Lots of nibbles but nothing to take home fishing on the shore.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include the sandy, non-paved access road and occasional loud gunshots heard in the area, as noted by some visitors. Wildlife interaction and lack of potable water are additional considerations.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFire policies are not explicitly stated, but campers should follow standard forest fire safety regulations.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not formally established, though disruptive noise has been noted by reviewers.

Emergency ServicesThe Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station is the closest emergency service for assistance and inquiries. For medical emergencies, details about nearby hospitals are not provided.

Trash & Recycling"No garbage collection. Carry out what you bring in," specified by Peter Claybaker, indicating campers must manage their own waste and recycling.

Water FeaturesCondon Lake is directly adjacent to the campground, offering opportunities for fishing from the shore or via the boat launch.

Camp HostNo campground host is mentioned.

Weather at Condon Lakes West

Reviews

3.9

28 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews describe the area as peaceful but with limited privacy and occasional disturbances. The vault toilet and free camping are appreciated, but some users criticize the lack of amenities and poor behavior of other campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Free camping, peaceful surroundings, and opportunities for fishing are noted as positives. Quotes like 'A hidden gem. Beautiful forest with small lake,' by Rebecca Sabin emphasize the appeal of the...

Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include poor privacy, disturbances such as gunshots, and improper behavior by other campers. Kristina Elkins writes, 'The other people there were so loud and extremely trashy with no...

Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend arriving early to secure a site, as noted by Chase Bueche: 'It's free, but limited sites.'

Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months appear popular, but visitors report disturbances and crowded conditions during high season. Winter allows for ice fishing but lacks extensive reviews.

Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The sites themselves are within eye-site of each other and do not offer much privacy.' (Kevin L) 2. 'Free camping, first come first serve.' (Rebecca Sabin) 3. 'Looks like a homeless camp.' (Boo...

Based on 28 reviews