Garnet Lake Campground

For our fellow Michiganders seeking an authentic Upper Peninsula experience, where peace and natural beauty take center stage, Garnet Lake Campground in Naubinway offers a hidden gem. This isn't your sprawling, amenity-packed resort; it's a rustic, serene escape, now proudly owned and operated by Hudson Township after formerly being a State Forest Campground. Its charm lies in its simplicity, its affordability, and its deep connection to the wild heart of the U.P. For those who appreciate wide-open spaces, quiet nights, and direct access to outdoor recreation, Garnet Lake Campground is a destination worth discovering. This article will guide you through what makes this campground a special choice for locals, detailing its unique setting, the essential services it provides, its standout features, and why it's perfectly suited for your next Michigan adventure.

Garnet Lake Campground is located on Park Rd, Naubinway, MI 49762, USA. This places it squarely in Michigan's majestic Upper Peninsula, specifically in Mackinac County, east of the village of Naubinway. For Michigan residents, particularly those in the Lower Peninsula, the drive to the U.P. is part of the adventure, offering breathtaking scenery along the way. Once in the Naubinway area, the campground is easily accessible, though it’s noted as being "a ways off the heavily traveled roads," contributing to its quiet and secluded atmosphere. One reviewer even mentioned it was "Closer to gas and shops but still a ways off the heavily traveled roads," indicating a good balance between convenience for resupply and a true sense of being "away from it all." The road actually passes right through the campground, which is something to be aware of, but generally does not detract from the peacefulness. Its location in the eastern U.P. makes it an excellent base camp for exploring various nearby natural attractions, including other state forest lands, ORV trails, and larger bodies of water like Lake Michigan.

Garnet Lake Campground offers a rustic camping experience, providing essential services without the frills of more developed campgrounds. This focus on simplicity keeps the fees low and the natural feel intact.

• Rustic Campsites: Features 10 sites for tent and small trailer use.
• Affordable Fees: A very appealing fee of only $10 per night.
• First-Come, First-Served: No reservations are taken; sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Vault Toilets: Described by visitors as "best kept outhouses I’ve ever come across," indicating a high standard of cleanliness for this type of facility.
• Hand-Pump Well: Potable (drinking) water is available from a hand-pump well.
• No Electrical Hookups: Campers should be prepared for off-grid living, as no electrical service is provided.
• On-Site Firewood: Firewood is often available for purchase or by donation, a convenient service for campers.
• Pet Friendly: Allows pets, though specific leash requirements and waste disposal rules would apply.
• 15-Day Maximum Stay: Camping is limited to a maximum 15-day stay.
• Single Unit / Six Person Limit: One camping unit and six people are allowed per site.
• Recreation Passport Required: A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry.

The features and highlights of Garnet Lake Campground are what make it particularly appealing to Michigan residents seeking a traditional, peaceful, and budget-friendly camping experience in the Upper Peninsula.

• Incredibly Affordable: At "only $10 a night!", this campground offers exceptional value, making it highly accessible for many Michiganders looking for an economical outdoor getaway.
• Remarkably Clean Facilities: A consistent and resounding highlight is the cleanliness of the vault toilets, which one reviewer enthusiastically called the "best kept outhouses I’ve ever come across." This commitment to hygiene, even in a rustic setting, significantly enhances the camping experience.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Visitors consistently describe their experiences as "Very peaceful visit!" and praise the "Quiet" environment. This makes it an ideal spot for those looking to truly disconnect, relax, and enjoy the sounds of nature without the noise of larger, more crowded campgrounds.
• Spacious Campsites: Despite having only "10 sites," these "Campsites are big," offering ample room for tents or small trailers and providing a good degree of privacy between sites. A couple of these sites are even "lakeside," offering prime views.
• Beautiful Small Lake Access: The campground is situated on Garnet Lake, described as "small and pretty." While some note the water can be "a little silty and has some reeds" for swimming, it's generally considered "probably good for fishing" (specifically for northern pike and perch). The presence of a "sandy beach area" still offers a place for lakeside relaxation.
• Local Ownership & Operation: The fact that it's "now owned & operated by Hudson Township" suggests a local commitment to maintaining the campground for community and visitor enjoyment, often leading to more responsive management.
• Proximity to ORV Trails: The Newberry-Rexton Trail, which includes 66 miles of motorcycle-only trails and 5 miles of full-sized vehicle ORV routes, is just "one-mile southeast." This is a major draw for off-road vehicle enthusiasts in Michigan.
• Access to Broader U.P. Wildlife and Nature: The surrounding area of the Upper Peninsula offers opportunities for viewing bald eagles, gulls, deer, and black bear, especially in areas like Big Knob Forest (18 miles southwest), making it excellent for wildlife observation and nature photography.

For direct inquiries or more specific information about Garnet Lake Campground, now managed by Hudson Township, you can use the following contact details:

Address: Park Rd, Naubinway, MI 49762, USA

Phone: (906) 635-5281

Mobile Phone: +1 906-635-5281

For more information on the Michigan Recreation Passport requirement, it is advisable to check the Michigan DNR website.

Garnet Lake Campground is an excellent choice for Michigan locals, particularly those in search of an affordable, peaceful, and authentically rustic camping experience in the heart of the Upper Peninsula. Its low nightly fee and first-come, first-served availability make it a flexible and accessible option for impromptu getaways. The commitment to maintaining exceptionally clean vault toilets, even without full modern amenities, speaks volumes about the care put into the campground. For those who prioritize tranquility over bustling activity, the "quiet" atmosphere and "spacious sites" on a "small and pretty" lake provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation, fishing, and connecting with nature. While swimming might be limited by silty conditions, the fishing opportunities and the beauty of the surroundings more than compensate. The proximity to ORV trails and the vast natural landscape of the U.P. further enhance its appeal for a variety of outdoor pursuits. Garnet Lake Campground embodies the rugged charm of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering our local residents a genuine and unpretentious opportunity to unplug and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of their home state.

Garnet Lake Campground

Park Rd, Naubinway, MI 49762, USA