Henry Lake Camp

4.20

23 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,634 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,634 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Henry Lake Camp

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees vary by location and/or activity, but no specific fees are mentioned for Henry Lake Camp.

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

4.20

Satisfactory

Based on 23 reviews

20 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietcleanlocation

"User reviews consistently highlight the campground's tranquility, privacy, and rustic charm. It is appreciated for its clean facilities, beautiful lake views, and seclusion, making it ideal for a peaceful getaway."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Henry Lake Camp

46.3316, -89.7900

Best Time to Camp at Henry Lake Camp

Henry Lake Camp embraces the dramatic moods of Michigan's northwoods weather. Early season visitors should come prepared for crisp conditions—recent weeks have seen temperatures hovering between 32-41°F with occasional snow dustings that transform the landscape into a winter wonderland. The dry air and variable conditions create stunning atmospheric effects over the lake, from ethereal morning fog to crystal-clear starlit nights.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Good for boating and fishing in summer; quiet but primitive (no potable water).

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall repeatedly highlighted as especially beautiful with vivid foliage and lake views.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring can be crisp; lakeside and forest present but weather is variable and facilities are primitive.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Campground open year-round but early-season temps and lack of winter amenities limit appeal.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground is open year-round.

About Henry Lake Camp

Tucked away in the heart of Ottawa National Forest, Henry Lake Camp offers an authentic escape into Michigan's wild Upper Peninsula. This intimate campground features just 11 thoughtfully spaced sites, where morning mist dances across the lake and the only sounds are loons calling and wind whispering through ancient pines. For those seeking genuine solitude and unspoiled natural beauty, this rustic retreat delivers an experience that feels worlds away from civilization.

Henry Lake Camp provides rustic camping opportunities with minimal facilities. It is primarily geared towards tent camping and small groups.

Weather and SeasonsHenry Lake Camp embraces the dramatic moods of Michigan's northwoods weather. Early season visitors should come prepared for crisp conditions—recent weeks have seen temperatures hovering between 32-41°F with occasional snow dustings that transform the landscape into a winter wonderland. The dry air and variable conditions create stunning atmospheric effects over the lake, from ethereal morning fog to crystal-clear starlit nights.

ElevationPerched at a commanding elevation along the ridge above Henry Lake, the campground offers spectacular vantage points where the forest canopy opens to reveal sweeping water views. This elevated position not only provides breathtaking sunrise and sunset opportunities but also catches cooling breezes that flow across the lake on warm summer days.

Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of towering trees creates natural privacy screens between campsites, while winding paths lead down to Henry Lake's pristine shoreline. The dense forest ecosystem surrounds visitors in a living tapestry of maple, birch, and pine, where filtered sunlight creates an ever-changing play of shadows throughout the day. Early risers are often rewarded with wildlife sightings—from white-tailed deer picking their way to the water's edge to great blue herons fishing in the shallows.

Geological RegionHenry Lake Camp sits within the vast Ottawa National Forest, a million-acre wilderness that represents one of the last great undeveloped forests in the Midwest. This rugged landscape, sculpted by ancient glaciers and nurtured by centuries of undisturbed growth, showcases the raw beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The relatively isolated setting around Henry Lake preserves an ecosystem where nature still reigns supreme, offering visitors a glimpse into what much of North America looked like before modern development.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Groups

No information is provided about group sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of 11 rustic campsites, some of which are more secluded with natural tree cover providing privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov mobile app or Scan & Pay feature on-site.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Payment must be made on-site using the Recreation.gov app if available.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are subject to a $10 cancellation fee, and late cancellations incur additional charges including forfeiting the first night's fee.

AccessibilityThe campground features an accessible fishing platform and easy access via forest roads. However, no other accessibility features are explicitly mentioned.

Site SizeThe sites are described as "nicely spaced and screened.

PrivacyThe sites are noted for their high level of privacy, with trees between the campsites.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesConsider sites #4 and #5 for direct access to the boat launch. Other sites are more isolated but still provide lake views.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Henry Lake Camp offers a tranquil setting for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The lake is described as 'beautiful,' especially during the fall, and the secluded nature of the campground enhances the experience of observing nature.

FishingFishing is supported with an accessible fishing platform available. The lake is described positively, and fishing opportunities are likely to be a draw for visitors.

BoatingBoating is supported with a boat landing. However, one reviewer noted that only sites #4 and #5 have direct boat launch access, while other sites require using the central boat launch.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is possible due to the campground's secluded location and natural surroundings.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsVisitors should be aware of potential wildlife encounters, including bears. Bear poles are provided for food storage.

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

Weather at Henry Lake Camp

Reviews

4.2

23 reviews

Satisfactory

Henry Lake Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews consistently highlight the campground's tranquility, privacy, and rustic charm. It is appreciated for its clean facilities, beautiful lake views, and seclusion, making it ideal for a peaceful getaway.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the quiet and remote location, clean and well-maintained vault toilets, and the natural beauty of the lake. The campground's rustic charm and privacy between sites are commonly...

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

One reviewer noted the lack of potable water on-site. Another mentioned that kayaking access is limited to certain sites (#4 and #5).

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors should bring their own potable water as there is no water pump available. They should also be prepared for a first-come, first-served basis for campsite selection. Downloading the...

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is highlighted as an especially beautiful time to visit, with vivid descriptions of the lake and surrounding foliage. The campground is noted to be less crowded during this season.

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Eleven nicely spaced and screened rustic campsites, boat access site, and accessible fishing platform border an otherwise undeveloped and relatively isolated lake.' - Jerry Wuorenmaa 2. 'Nice...

Based on 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites #4 and #5 share a boat launch, making them ideal for kayaking enthusiasts. These sites stand out as unique due to their direct access to the water.

Based on 23 reviews