Garey Lake State Forest Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Michigan residents who cherish the tranquility of undeveloped wilderness and the authenticity of a rustic camping experience, Garey Lake State Forest Campground presents an ideal destination. Tucked away in the beautiful landscapes near Empire, this state forest campground offers a serene escape, perfect for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature. What was once an apple orchard has transformed into a peaceful lakeside retreat, inviting campers to enjoy simple pleasures like fishing, hiking, and quiet evenings under the stars.

Garey Lake State Forest Campground is notably less frequented than some of Michigan's more prominent parks, offering a unique opportunity for solitude and a strong sense of being truly "away from it all." With a limited number of rustic sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, it appeals to spontaneous adventurers and those who prefer a less crowded camping environment. Its design, including some sites that are close enough for groups to combine, also makes it versatile for small gatherings, while still offering plenty of space for individual campers to find peace. This Michigan DNR-managed site perfectly embodies the spirit of rustic state forest camping, providing essential amenities without detracting from the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Location and Accessibility

Garey Lake State Forest Campground is situated at 14614, 14000 County Line Rd, Empire, MI 49630, USA. This location places it in Benzie County, approximately eight miles southeast of Empire. For Michigan residents, reaching this secluded gem typically involves a scenic drive through the enchanting forests and rolling terrain of Northern Michigan, often via M-72, Plowman Road, and Pettengill Road. While it feels wonderfully remote, it remains accessible, allowing for a manageable journey from various parts of the state.

The campground’s position offers a strategic base for exploring the wider region. Being on Garey Lake provides direct water access for fishing and paddling, a significant draw for many. Furthermore, it boasts direct access to the western spur of the extensive 420-mile Shore-to-Shore Trail, a major highlight for equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers. Its proximity to other natural attractions like Glen Lake (six miles north) and Pearl Lake (half mile southeast), which offer additional water access, further enhances its appeal. Despite its rustic nature, the accessibility for both vehicles and recreational activities makes Garey Lake State Forest Campground a convenient choice for a wilderness immersion.

Services Offered

• Rustic Campsites: Offers 12 individual rustic campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, suitable for tents and small trailers. Some sites are close together, making them ideal for groups.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and regularly maintained vault toilet facilities are available for campers.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is accessible from a hand-pump well, though it may take a bit of pumping to get going, as noted by visitors.
• No Electrical Hookups: Embraces a traditional rustic camping experience, meaning no electrical hookups are provided at individual sites.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Sites are available without reservations, promoting spontaneity for campers. Overnight fees are posted at the information kiosk.
• Boat Launch: Features boat ramp access directly onto Garey Lake within the campground.
• Equestrian Access: Open to equestrian use with direct access to the Shore-to-Shore Trail. While it offers equestrian camping, specific picket posts may not be present at all sites.
• Hunting Access: Provides access to state land open for hunting, though firearm hunting is not permitted within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling.
• Maximum Stay: Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay per site.
• Capacity per Site: Allows one camping unit and six people per site.

Features / Highlights

• Peaceful Garey Lake Frontage: The campground is situated on the shores of Garey Lake, offering a tranquil setting for relaxation and water-based activities.
• Seldom Used / Quiet Atmosphere: Often described as a "rarely used" campground, providing a high degree of solitude and peace, especially during weekdays.
• Direct Shore-to-Shore Trail Access: A significant highlight for outdoor enthusiasts, offering immediate access to the extensive 420-mile Shore-to-Shore Trail for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking.
• Good for Groups: Some sites are intentionally placed close together, making them "great for groups" to set up multiple tents side-by-side.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Garey Lake is known to contain perch, pike, and bluegill, offering good pan fishing. Additional fishing opportunities are nearby at Glen Lake and Pearl Lake.
• Rustic Charm: Appeals to campers who prefer a more primitive and authentic outdoor experience, away from the amenities of developed campgrounds.
• Well-Maintained Campsites: Despite being rustic, the campsites are noted by visitors as being "well taken care of."
• Proximity to Natural Attractions: Located near other natural areas, including the Lake Ann Pathway (six miles northeast) for additional hiking and mountain biking.
• Affordable Camping: As a state forest campground, it offers a budget-friendly option for outdoor recreation, requiring a Michigan Recreation Passport.
• Opportunities for Wildlife Viewing: The forested setting provides chances to observe local Michigan wildlife in their natural habitat.

Contact Information

Address: 14614, 14000 County Line Rd, Empire, MI 49630, USA

Phone: (231) 276-9511

Mobile Phone: +1 231-276-9511

For general inquiries about Garey Lake State Forest Campground, current conditions, or specific state forest camping regulations, the provided phone number is a direct contact to the Michigan DNR management unit responsible for this area. As this is a first-come, first-served campground, direct reservations are not handled via phone. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Michigan DNR website for the most up-to-date information on operating dates, fees, and any alerts before planning your trip. For equestrian groups planning to utilize multiple Shore-to-Shore campgrounds, a different contact number for the Cadillac Operations Service Center (231-775-9727, ext. 6006) might be relevant.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Michigan residents, Garey Lake State Forest Campground is an exceptional choice for those yearning for an authentic and peaceful outdoor experience right in their own state. Its classification as a state forest campground immediately signals a rustic, immersive environment, free from the bustling crowds and extensive amenities of more commercial parks. This appeals directly to Michiganders who cherish true wilderness and seek to disconnect from daily life in a genuinely natural setting.

The campground's relatively low usage, as noted by visitors, means that a tranquil and private experience is highly likely, even during peak camping seasons. This sense of solitude, combined with the beautiful Garey Lake frontage, provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation, fishing, and quiet contemplation. For those passionate about equestrian activities, hiking, or mountain biking, the direct access to the vast Shore-to-Shore Trail is an unparalleled highlight, allowing locals to explore Michigan's diverse landscapes on foot or horseback right from their campsite.

Furthermore, the practicalities of a first-come, first-served system offer spontaneity, a benefit many Michigan families and adventurers appreciate. You can decide on a whim to head up north, knowing that a tranquil spot might just be waiting for you. The basic but well-maintained amenities, including vault toilets and a hand-pump well, underscore the rustic charm without sacrificing essential comforts. Garey Lake State Forest Campground truly offers a quintessential Michigan outdoor adventure, allowing locals to embrace the natural beauty and serene quietude of their state's cherished forests and lakes, creating lasting memories without venturing far from home.

Garey Lake State Forest Campground

14614, 14000 County Line Rd, Empire, MI 49630, USA