Avery Lake State Forest Campground

avery lake state forest campground

Are you a Michigander yearning for a true escape into the wild, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Avery Lake State Forest Campground in Atlanta, Michigan, offers just that – a beautiful, secluded, and rustic spot perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature. This charming state forest campground is nestled among hardwoods on the picturesque Avery Lake, providing an authentic Michigan camping experience that emphasizes tranquility and outdoor adventure.

Avery Lake State Forest Campground is designed for those who appreciate simplicity and the raw beauty of Michigan's vast state forests. Unlike many bustling private campgrounds, Avery Lake offers a more laid-back, first-come, first-served approach, ensuring a genuine rustic experience. This means no reservations are needed, allowing for spontaneous trips into the wilderness whenever the call of the wild becomes too strong to resist. It’s a place where you can truly "relax away from it all," as many visitors have attested.

The campground's primary appeal lies in its serene environment and direct access to Avery Lake, which is known to be a good fishing lake. Whether you're an avid angler or just enjoy casting a line, the lake provides ample opportunity to try your luck. Beyond fishing, the lake invites visitors for paddling adventures, offering a peaceful way to explore its clear waters and surrounding natural beauty. Even if fishing isn't your main pursuit, the sheer quietness and natural setting make it an ideal spot for simply unwinding, reading a book by the campfire, or enjoying the sounds of the Michigan wilderness.

For Michiganders seeking an unpretentious, nature-focused camping trip, Avery Lake State Forest Campground embodies the spirit of Michigan's state forest system. It's a testament to the state's dedication to preserving natural spaces for everyone to enjoy, offering a truly immersive outdoor experience.

Avery Lake State Forest Campground is situated at 6036 Avery Lake Rd, Atlanta, MI 49709, USA. This location places it approximately 9 miles southwest of the charming town of Atlanta, Michigan, providing a sense of seclusion while still maintaining reasonable access to local amenities when needed. Atlanta, the county seat of Montmorency County, is known for its "Elk Capital of Michigan" designation and serves as a gateway to extensive state forests and pristine lakes.

Accessing the campground typically involves navigating County Road 487 and Avery Lake Road. While the roads leading to state forest campgrounds are often gravel or less maintained than main highways, they contribute to the rustic and "away from it all" feeling that many campers seek. It's important to note that cell service may be limited or non-existent in this more remote area, which for many, is part of the appeal of truly disconnecting. The campground is nestled among hardwoods directly on Avery Lake, providing immediate access to the water for various activities.

For those interested in exploring beyond the immediate campground, Atlanta offers basic services such as gas stations, small shops, and local eateries. The surrounding region is rich with opportunities for outdoor recreation. Many miles of state forest roads, county roads, and designated ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) trails are accessible directly from the campground, making it a fantastic base for ATV or dirt bike enthusiasts. Hunting is also permitted on adjacent state land (with appropriate caution and adherence to regulations, as firearms are restricted near occupied dwellings).

Furthermore, other excellent fishing opportunities are nearby, including Crooked Lake (about 5 miles north) and the Thunder Bay River (approximately 7 miles northeast), expanding the options for anglers. The tranquility and natural immersion offered by Avery Lake State Forest Campground, combined with its accessibility to both local conveniences and broader recreational networks, make it an ideal choice for Michiganders looking for a genuine outdoor adventure in the quieter parts of the state.

• Rustic campsites for tent and small trailer use (16 sites total).
• 10 sites can accommodate vehicles or trailers up to 40 feet long.
• Three walk-in, tent-only sites for a more secluded experience.
• Vault toilets available on-site.
• Potable (drinking) water available from a hand-pump well.
• Boat launch on Avery Lake, suitable for small vessels, fishing boats, canoes, and kayaks.
• Picnic area with shaded grassy areas, picnic tables, and grills.
• Fire rings at each campsite for campfires.
• Sites available on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations).
• Information kiosk for registration procedures and overnight fees ($20 for most sites).

• Beautiful and secluded spot, perfect for relaxation and quiet.
• Located directly on Avery Lake, offering water access and scenic views.
• Known as a good fishing lake, with reported catches of perch, bass, pike, bluegill, and walleye.
• Opportunities for paddling on Avery Lake.
• Access to state land open to hunting in the surrounding forest.
• Direct access to many miles of state forest roads, county roads, and designated ORV trails.
• Emphasizes a rustic camping experience with limited amenities, appealing to nature lovers.
• Sites are often large and wooded, providing privacy.
• Rarely busy, contributing to a peaceful atmosphere.
• Ideal for those looking to "get away from it all" and truly disconnect.
• Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay per site.
• One camping unit and six people allowed per site.

Address: 6036 Avery Lake Rd, Atlanta, MI 49709, USA

Phone: (989) 785-4388

For Michiganders, Avery Lake State Forest Campground represents the quintessential "Up North" rustic camping experience, making it exceptionally suitable for locals seeking an authentic outdoor escape. We cherish our state forests and the opportunities they provide for true tranquility, and Avery Lake delivers on that promise. The primary allure for local users is the chance to "just relax away from it all." In a world that's constantly connected, the deliberate lack of electrical hookups and limited cell service at a state forest campground like this is often seen as a feature, not a drawback, for those looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.

The excellent fishing opportunities on Avery Lake are a significant draw for many Michigan residents. Whether it’s the thrill of catching bass, pike, bluegill, perch, or walleye, the lake consistently delivers for anglers. The convenient boat launch makes it easy for locals to bring their small fishing boats, canoes, or kayaks and spend peaceful hours on the water. Beyond fishing, the lake is perfect for paddling, offering a serene way to explore the surroundings, a popular pastime for those who love Michigan's inland waters.

Furthermore, the campground's placement within a vast state forest provides immediate access to miles of ORV trails and state land for hunting, catering to a wide array of outdoor interests popular among Michiganders. This versatility means that a camping trip to Avery Lake can be combined with other recreational pursuits, enhancing the overall adventure. The first-come, first-served site availability aligns with the spontaneous nature of many local outdoor enthusiasts, allowing for flexible planning without the need for advance reservations.

In essence, Avery Lake State Forest Campground offers Michiganders a genuine, unadulterated taste of our state's natural beauty. It's a quiet, clean, and fishing-friendly haven that allows locals to embrace the simplicity of rustic camping, unwind in a secluded environment, and truly appreciate the abundant wilderness right in their own backyard.

Avery Lake State Forest Campground

6036 Avery Lake Rd, Atlanta, MI 49709, USA