Big Knob State Forest Campground

Went here in late May of 2024. All the sites were completely empty, and the beach is very long and open. As a bonus it also has a nice water pump. However, the mosquitos were very bad but it could be just the time of year. The sites make a ring around this swamp that is a breeding ground for them. It's also kinda far from the main road so if you need anything in a pinch it's a far drive to get it. Overall, not the bad site. I like it for the remoteness and expansive beach. I'd recommend going when the temperatures get cooler so the mosquitos aren't as bad and when it's not busy.

Sites 4 through 7 have good access to the beach via trails entirely on dry land. Campers at other sites can get to the beach via the adjacent picnic area, but the boardwalk to the beach from there is underwater as of summer 2024. Aside from the boardwalk to the beach needing to be raised or repaired, this is a very nice location. There are many sites here with ample surrounding trees, vegetation and spacing for privacy. A hand pump near the campground entrance has crystal clear, good-tasting water. Well worth the 15 minute drive in on gravel roads. There are lots of potholes on the entrance road; take the drive slow if you have a smaller car. Cellular service here was low but typically usable on Verizon.

Beautiful RUSTIC campground. Unfortunately it has been ruined by the the amount of people running generators continuously night and day, playing loud club music all hours of the day, digging massive holes in the beach and covering them as traps to fall in luckily no one was injured, large groups of kids yelling and screaming late at night, and not cleaning up after their dogs in the campground or on the beach. Sitting by the fire at night the pit toilet smell is overwhelming causing us to call it a night sooner than we wanted. If it were not for the type of campers that have over run the place it would be one of our families favorite campgrounds in Michigan. We spent 4 nights here mid week and it was as noisy or louder than the modern campsites we have previously stayed at.

Nice campground. No elect or water. Site 7 has the best access to the lake

Very well kept campsites and spectacular views of the lake. No reservations are accepted at this campground and are first come first served so make sure to get there early to reserve you spot for your stay.

Gem of a campground. 23- 6 with direct access to Lake Michigan. Well maintained but many sites you need to get creative to set up in. Tents and rvs up to 20'. There are a few site for larger rigs but not really a good campground for 40' and up. July 7th and there is very little insect action... Late May is horrid for mosquitos.

Breathtaking fall colors along the 6 mile stretch of road leading to the campground, on the shores of Lake Michigan. Our favorite sites were the ones that had a sandy footpath leading to the beach right off the back of the site. No one is here (hardly). No one is ever at these beautiful state forest campgrounds and people are missing out (thankfully for us!). If you love peace and quiet and rustic camping then don’t miss this stop on the north shore of Lake Michigan. Clean, beautiful, quiet… also some trails to hike to knob lake etc. A great stop!