Garey Lake Trail Camp

Introduction / Overview

For Michiganders who truly cherish the raw beauty of the state's expansive forests and the thrill of outdoor adventure, Garey Lake Trail Camp offers a unique and authentic experience. Located at 14000 County Line Rd, Empire, MI, this distinctive campground serves as a vital hub for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy equestrian activities and long-distance hiking. More than just a simple campsite, Garey Lake Trail Camp is specifically designed to accommodate groups and individuals traversing the legendary Shore-to-Shore Trail, a remarkable 420-mile system stretching across the Lower Peninsula. What was once a thriving apple orchard now provides a charming and somewhat nostalgic setting for this rustic retreat. It embodies the spirit of Michigan's state forest campgrounds, focusing on providing essential amenities while preserving the wild, untamed character of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re an experienced trail rider with your horse, a backpacker seeking solitude, or a group looking for a spacious and natural setting for your outdoor gathering, Garey Lake Trail Camp provides an immersive experience. It's a place where the connection to nature is immediate, and the emphasis is on self-sufficiency and respect for the environment, making it a beloved spot for those who truly appreciate Michigan's unparalleled natural resources.

Location and Accessibility

Garey Lake Trail Camp is strategically located at 14000 County Line Rd, Empire, MI 49630, USA. This address places it approximately eight miles southeast of the charming village of Empire, nestled within the expansive beauty of Northern Michigan's state forests. For locals across Michigan, accessing this rustic retreat involves a scenic drive into Benzie County. While the region offers a remote feel, the campground is reachable via well-maintained state roads like M-72, followed by county and forest roads such as Plowman Road and Pettengill Road, leading directly to the camp. This accessibility ensures that whether you're traveling from Traverse City (roughly 24 minutes away) or other parts of the state, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure, winding through picturesque forested landscapes. Its proximity to both Empire and the wider Traverse City area means that while the campground itself is wonderfully primitive, essential supplies and services are not an inconvenient distance away. Crucially, Garey Lake Trail Camp’s location provides direct access to the Shore-to-Shore Trail, a major draw for equestrians and long-distance hikers. This integration into a larger trail system makes it an ideal staging point or overnight stop for those undertaking significant outdoor excursions, truly leveraging Michigan’s extensive trail network for an immersive experience.

Services Offered

Garey Lake Trail Camp, designed as a rustic state forest campground with a strong emphasis on equestrian and group use, offers a foundational set of amenities to support an authentic outdoor experience:

• Group Camping Area: The camp features a large group camping area, capable of accommodating up to 200 people, making it ideal for organized trail rides, clubs, or large family gatherings.
• Individual Rustic Campsites: In addition to the group area, there are 12 individual rustic campsites suitable for tent and small trailer use, located adjacent to Garey Lake.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and maintained vault toilet facilities are available for campers' convenience.
• Potable Water: Water access is provided via a hand-pump well at the individual campground, and a submersible pump at the group area (which requires a 5,000-watt generator for operation).
• Picket Poles: Specifically for equestrians, picket poles are provided at the group area for tethering horses safely. Note: some sources indicate no picket posts at individual sites, while others say they are present in the equestrian camp area. It's best to confirm with the DNR.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite, both individual and within the group area, is equipped with a fire ring for campfires and cooking.
• Picnic Tables: Picnic tables are provided at campsites for outdoor meals and activities.
• Boat Launch: A boat launch with direct ramp access to Garey Lake is available within the campground, primarily for non-motorized or small electric-motor boats.
• Direct Trail Access: The campground boasts direct access to the Shore-to-Shore Trail system, a 420-mile trail open to hiking and horseback riding.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Individual campsites are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are typically accepted for these rustic sites.
• Recreation Passport Required: A Michigan Recreation Passport is necessary for vehicle entry into the state forest campground.
• 15-Day Maximum Stay: Camping is limited to a maximum of 15 consecutive nights.

Features / Highlights

Garey Lake Trail Camp, with its unique focus and natural setting, offers several compelling features and highlights that attract dedicated outdoor enthusiasts:

• Shore-to-Shore Trail Access: Its most significant highlight is its direct connection to the expansive 420-mile Shore-to-Shore Trail system. This makes it an invaluable resource for equestrians and long-distance hikers traversing Michigan.
• Equestrian Focus: The campground is explicitly designed with equestrians in mind, offering amenities like picket poles and large group areas, making it a premier destination for horse camping.
• Garey Lake Access: The presence of the charming Garey Lake provides opportunities for pan fishing (perch, pike, bluegill), quiet paddling, and enjoying peaceful lake views directly from the campground.
• Rustic Charm: Preserving the feeling of genuine wilderness, the campground provides a primitive camping experience, ideal for those seeking to disconnect and immerse themselves fully in nature. The site was once an apple orchard, adding a touch of historical charm.
• Extensive Trail Network: Beyond the Shore-to-Shore Trail, the surrounding forest offers miles of scenic circle riding trails, two-tracks, and quiet roads for both horseback riding and hiking, accommodating various skill levels.
• Group Camping Capacity: With a capacity for up to 200 people, the group area is a rare find, perfect for large organized outdoor events and gatherings.
• Hunting Access: The campground provides access to state land open to hunting, appealing to hunters (with regulations on firearm use near dwellings).
• Wildlife Viewing: The forested terrain and lake environment offer opportunities to observe diverse Michigan wildlife and birds.
• Secluded Natural Setting: Despite being accessible, the camp feels wonderfully remote, providing a truly quiet and peaceful retreat away from urban noise and light pollution.
• Managed by DNR: As a Michigan DNR-managed facility, it benefits from ongoing maintenance and adheres to conservation principles.

Contact Information

For detailed information, to inquire about specific regulations for group events, or to understand current conditions at Garey Lake Trail Camp, it is best to contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office that oversees state forest campgrounds in this region. While the provided phone number is a general contact, for specific operational details, contacting the managing district office is recommended.

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

Phone: (231) 276-9511 (This number is for the local management unit, potentially the Interlochen State Park which manages this campground).

Mobile Phone: +1 231-276-9511

For groups utilizing multiple campgrounds along the Shore-to-Shore Trail, it's advised to contact the Cadillac Operations Service Center at (231) 775-9727, ext. 6006, for permit requirements. Given that individual sites are first-come, first-served, calling ahead can help you gauge the likelihood of finding an available spot, especially during peak seasons or for larger groups planning to use the group camp area.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Garey Lake Trail Camp is an exceptionally suitable destination for Michiganders, offering a unique and authentic outdoor experience that truly celebrates the state's natural beauty and extensive trail systems. For locals, its location in Empire provides a relatively accessible gateway to the vast expanse of the Jefferson National Forest, allowing for a deep immersion in nature without extensive travel. The campground's specialized focus on equestrian camping, with amenities like picket poles and direct access to the 420-mile Shore-to-Shore Trail, makes it an invaluable resource for Michigan's vibrant horseback riding community. However, it's not just for equestrians; hikers and general campers seeking a rustic, peaceful environment will also find it ideal. The presence of Garey Lake itself, with opportunities for fishing and quiet paddling, adds another layer of recreational appeal. For groups, the large capacity of the group camping area offers a rare and excellent venue for outdoor gatherings. As a rustic state forest campground, Garey Lake Trail Camp embodies the essence of self-reliant camping, encouraging a deeper connection with the environment while providing essential facilities like vault toilets and potable water. By choosing Garey Lake Trail Camp, Michiganders can tap into a rich network of trails, enjoy tranquil lake activities, and experience the quiet solitude of their home state's wilderness, making it a perfect retreat for those who appreciate Michigan's untamed and expansive natural heritage.

Garey Lake Trail Camp

14000 County Line Rd, Empire, MI 49630, USA