Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground

Welcome to Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground, your ideal rustic getaway nestled on the beautiful shores of Arbutus Lake, just a stone's throw from Traverse City, Michigan. For Michiganders yearning for a genuine outdoor experience, where the sounds of nature replace the everyday hustle, our campground offers a peaceful and picturesque setting. We understand that true camping often means disconnecting and immersing oneself in the natural environment. Our campground provides that authentic state forest camping feel, perfect for those who appreciate tranquility, lakeside recreation, and the simple joys of being outdoors.

At Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground, we pride ourselves on offering a serene and beautiful natural setting. Guests often highlight the "convenient location from Traverse City with a nice swimming beach" and the overall "very peaceful and quiet" atmosphere. While some sites offer more connection than others, there are opportunities to find privacy, particularly with our walk-in sites that provide "some privacy with a view of the lake." We encourage all campers to share our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of this wonderful forest, ensuring it remains a pristine escape for everyone. Our aim is to provide a welcoming space for you to relax, enjoy the lake, and create lasting memories in one of Michigan's most beloved regions.

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground is conveniently located on N Arbutus Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA. This prime address offers a fantastic balance of secluded natural beauty with the easy accessibility to the vibrant city of Traverse City. Situated just 10.6 miles southeast of downtown Traverse City, our campground allows you to quickly transition from a peaceful lakeside retreat to enjoying the city's many attractions, dining, and shopping options.

The accessibility extends beyond Traverse City itself. Our location within the chain of Arbutus Lakes (specifically Arbutus Lake #4) provides direct water access and recreational opportunities. A public boat launch is conveniently located next door to the campground on Lake #4, making it easy for campers to get their boats, kayaks, or canoes onto the water. While some walk-in sites may require a "little walk...to get your gear from the car," the overall ease of reaching the campground from major routes makes it a desirable choice. This strategic positioning ensures that whether you're seeking a quiet morning by the lake or an afternoon exploring the Traverse City area, everything is within a convenient reach, making your Michigan outdoor adventure both relaxing and engaging.

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground offers essential services and amenities designed to provide a rustic yet comfortable camping experience in the heart of the state forest.

• Rustic Campsites: We offer 24 sites for tent and small trailer use, with 12 small-to-medium sites suitable for trailers and 11 tent-only sites. These tent sites often feature stair access and provide a more private, secluded feel with views of the lake.
• No Hookups: As a rustic campground, sites do not have electrical, water, or sewer hookups. This provides a traditional camping experience, allowing you to truly disconnect.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and maintained vault toilets are available for guest use throughout the campground.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is accessible from a hand-pump well within the campground, ensuring you have access to fresh water.
• Swimming Beach: A "nice swimming beach" on Arbutus Lake is a key feature, offering a refreshing spot for guests to cool off and enjoy the lake. The water is often described as "pretty clear and clean, and it was just the right temperature."
• Boat Launch: A boat launch is conveniently located on Arbutus Lake (Lake #4) directly next to the campground, providing easy access for fishing, boating, or paddlesports.
• Fishing Opportunities: Arbutus Lake is known for its diverse fish species, including crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, rock bass, small mouth bass, sunfish, and yellow perch, making it an excellent spot for anglers.
• Access to State Land for Hunting: The campground provides access to state land that is open to hunting, offering opportunities for hunters (please observe all Michigan hunting regulations).
• Paddling Access: The lake is perfect for paddlesports, with easy access from the campground for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. "This is a great lake for kayaking."

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground is cherished for several unique features and highlights that create a distinctive camping experience in Northern Michigan.

• Lakeside Rustic Charm: The campground's setting along the northwest shore of Arbutus Lake #4 offers beautiful lake views and a serene, rustic environment, perfect for those seeking a true escape into nature.
• Variety of Sites: The mix of traditional sites and more private walk-in tent sites, some with lake views, allows campers to choose an experience that best suits their preferences, even if it means a short walk to the car for gear.
• Peaceful Atmosphere (Usually): Guests frequently describe the campground as "very peaceful and quiet when party people weren't there," emphasizing its tranquil nature.
• Proximity to Traverse City: Its "convenient location from Traverse City" means campers can easily explore the city's attractions, dining, and shopping while still enjoying a secluded natural setting.
• Excellent Water Recreation: Arbutus Lake is ideal for "fishing, boating, or kayaking," offering ample opportunities for water-based activities right from the campground.
• Wildlife Observation: The presence of "Common Loons and a Bald Eagle's nest" on the lake adds to the natural appeal, providing opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. "Dead quiet unless you consider the Loons, Swan, and huge variety of other birds enjoying Arbutus Lake."
• Natural Surroundings: The campground is nestled among a "hilly hardwood forest of beech and maple," providing beautiful fall colors and a refreshing woodland atmosphere.
• Affordable State Forest Camping: As a state forest campground, it offers an accessible and typically more affordable camping option compared to private campgrounds, making it a great value for Michigan residents.

For inquiries or more information about Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground, please use the following contact information. Remember that sites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis, as reservations are generally not accepted for state forest campgrounds.

Address: N Arbutus Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA

Phone: (231) 922-5270 (Managed by Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park)

Mobile Phone: +1 231-922-5270

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground is an exceptional choice for locals in Michigan who are looking for an authentic, rustic camping experience within easy reach of Traverse City. For residents across the state, this campground offers a true escape into nature without requiring an extensive journey to remote wilderness. It's perfectly suited for those who appreciate simple, no-frills camping with direct access to a beautiful lake for swimming, fishing, and paddling.

The peaceful and quiet atmosphere, combined with the convenience of being close to Traverse City, provides the best of both worlds – outdoor tranquility and urban amenities within reach. Whether you're a tent camper seeking a private, lakeside spot or an RVer with a small trailer looking for a natural setting, Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground offers a welcoming environment. It’s an ideal spot for Michigan families and individuals to connect with the state's natural beauty, enjoy lakeside activities, and create cherished memories in a serene and authentic setting. We encourage all visitors to help keep this wonderful forest clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Arbutus Lake State Forest Campground

N Arbutus Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA