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Grass Lake State Forest Campground Introduce

Welcome to Grass Lake State Forest Campground, a serene and rustic destination within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, located at Grass Lake Dam Rd, Thompsonville, MI 49683. Reach us at (231) 631-9227 or +1 231-631-9227. This campground offers a peaceful natural setting, ideal for those seeking a quiet escape and outdoor adventure.

Grass Lake State Forest Campground provides a classic state forest camping experience with 15 spacious and well-separated campsites. The campground is known for its quiet atmosphere, with the gentle sound of rushing water from the small dam at site #3 adding to the tranquility. The natural environment includes plenty of trees and, as expected, insects, so campers should come prepared. Several sites offer direct river access, enhancing the camping experience.

Key features and services include:

  • Spacious and well-separated campsites
  • River access with shallow water play areas
  • Rustic camping experience
  • Pitcher pump for water
  • Vault toilets
  • Pavilions on the grounds
  • Off-roading opportunities on surrounding two-tracks
  • Suitable for RVs up to approximately 25 feet

As with most state forest campgrounds, Grass Lake State Forest Campground offers basic amenities, including vault toilets and a pitcher pump for water. There are no power hookups or dump stations, so campers should be self-sufficient. The campground is located several miles off the main road, accessible via dirt roads, but easily navigable with GPS.

Grass Lake State Forest Campground is perfect for campers seeking a peaceful and rustic outdoor experience. The spacious campsites, river access, and off-roading opportunities make it a versatile destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The quiet atmosphere and natural beauty of the area provide a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Location

MichiganBenzie CountyThompsonvilleGrass Lake Dam Road

Customer Reviews

4.0
38 reviews
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sarah hinton
Sep 27, 2024

Super quiet most of the time, aside from the rushing water sound from the small dam located at site #3. 15 sites available. It's rustic but has a couple pavilions on the grounds. Most sites are large and spread out. Lots of two tracks all around for off roading fun.

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Curt Brackenrich
Oct 10, 2023

Classic forest campground, site are well separated, lots of trees (and bugs, beware) with a few sites sitting right on the river. As with most (all?) state forest campgrounds, there is no power, no dump stations, and vault toilets. Water is available via pitcher pump (kids will love this), and there is a small weir/damn on the river, the river downstream from the dam is shallow and a fun place for water play. It's several miles off the beaten path and down a few dirt roads, but Google will get you there. Most RVs, maybe up to 25ft, can get in here fine.

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Margaret
Jul 09, 2019

Nice primitive quiet camp This is a great little find.  All sites are first come first served and paid via an envelope into a lock box.  They do come around pretty much every day to check that you paid, so make sure you stop and pay up.  These sites are not like the state run campgrounds where you're packed in like sardines!  You have space and depending on which site you luck out with, you won't be able to hear your neighbors.  The sites that are like 8-11 (i think) are the best ones and you have more privacy.  But there are other sites directly on the water.  I was there for the July 4th long weekend and there were only like 5 sites occupied, but when we had called before showing up, they said some weekends they do get full. There is a well hand pump for water.  I'm not sure if i would drink it though…I saw no mention of whether it was potable or not.  But I used it to wash my hands, dishes and wash my hair. There are at least 2 vault toilets.  They have plenty of toilet paper, and aren't that smelly. The road is a dirt road to get there.  But there are lots of ATV roads on the way to the camp ground - so make you stay on the all dirt road to get there instead of turning onto a dirt ATV trail with lots of grass in the middle.  You don't have to have a 4 wheel drive to get there or anything, but just take the road slow so you don't break an axle. Bring a bike or kayak and enjoy the solitude while you're there!  It's great! There is a dumpster to dump your garbage on the way out. The site was relatively clean, but there was some litter that I could tell had just blown out of someone's car or something.  So leave the place cleaner than when you showed up and pick up the trash. All sites have at least one picnic table, a fire ring and a grill.  But no grate to put over the fire pit, we brought charcoal to cook with or transferred hot coals from the firepit. I have AT&T and had full cell service when I was there, so that made making evening plans easy.

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Mary Stoops
Jun 27, 2022

Nice. Outhouse was clean and had a garbage bin in it. We were there for a canoe race that was the turning point.

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Will Jewell
Aug 24, 2023

🌲 **Grass Lake State Forest Campground**: A Rustic Gem 🏞️ Discover the rustic allure of Grass Lake State Forest Campground, a hidden paradise managed by Colfax Township. 🏕️ Nestled in the heart of nature, this tranquil campground offers an escape from the ordinary. 🎣 **Fishing Haven**: Cast your line into the serene waters of Grass Lake Flooding, where bass, perch, and bluegill await. For trout enthusiasts, the nearby Betsie River promises rewarding fishing experiences. 🐟 🌲 **Hunter's Retreat**: If you're an avid hunter, you're in luck! This campground provides access to state land for hunting adventures. Remember, firearm hunting isn't allowed within 450 ft. of an occupied dwelling. 🦌 🚣‍♀️ **Paddle Paradise**: Embark on an unforgettable paddling journey on the Betsie River. 🛶 Let the current carry you through picturesque landscapes and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. 🚤 **Boat Launch Bliss**: Launch your watercraft into the inviting waters of Grass Lake Flooding and Betsie River. 🚣‍♂️ Whether you're into ramp access or carry-in options, this campground makes boating and fishing accessible and delightful. 🚽 **Rustic Escape**: Embrace the charm of a rustic camping experience in this 15-site campground. Ideal for tents and small trailers, it's the perfect backdrop for immersing yourself in the great outdoors. 🚽 **Vault Toilet Convenience**: The convenience of vault toilets ensures a comfortable stay, adding a touch of modernity to your rustic adventure. This campground is more than just a place to stay—it's a gateway to nature's wonders. The Betsie River beckons paddlers, the lakes invite anglers, and the tranquil surroundings invite those seeking serenity. Pack your gear, bring your spirit of adventure, and relish the rustic embrace of Grass Lake State Forest Campground. 🌳

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Justin Cascagnett
May 06, 2025

very nice campground. Most sites have two picnic tables and a grill along with a firing. The cul-de-sac is an open area with four sites and a vault toilet that would be great for groups. The rest of sites are in more wooded/private spots. there's also a pavilion with an elevated fire pit. vault toilets have hand sanitizer and a trash receptacle. The campground is very remote, having to travel 3 miles down a dirt road through State land.

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MEbrickCo
Apr 12, 2025

Been here many years. Very quite, cheap, and awesome spots.