Jones Lake State Forest Campground Introduce
Hello, fellow Michiganders! Are you yearning for a genuine escape into the heart of Northern Michigan, a place where tranquility reigns, and the natural beauty of our state truly shines? If the answer is yes, then Jones Lake State Forest Campground in Grayling, MI, is a destination that deserves a prime spot on your outdoor adventure list. As residents of the Great Lakes State, we are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by vast forests, pristine lakes, and a wealth of opportunities to disconnect and recharge. Among these natural treasures, Jones Lake stands out as a beloved "little place to camp" in the Lower Peninsula, offering a quintessential Northern Michigan experience.
Michigan’s diverse landscapes provide something for every outdoor enthusiast, from bustling lakeside resorts to remote wilderness sites. Jones Lake State Forest Campground leans towards the latter, offering a more rustic and peaceful experience. Our aim with this article is to provide you with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of this special place, drawing directly from available public information and the authentic feedback of fellow campers. This approach ensures you get an honest and inviting picture of what awaits you at this charming campground.
What truly sets Jones Lake apart, as echoed by its loyal visitors, is its unparalleled sense of peace and natural immersion. Imagine "nice clear lake for fishing and swimming" where "sunsets look amazing over it and not a soul to be seen looking across it." This speaks to the serene environment that encourages deep relaxation and appreciation for nature's quiet wonders. The sounds of "owls and coyotes at night are common," further solidifying its status as a truly wild and authentic outdoor retreat. This is not a place with extensive modern amenities, but rather a haven for those who seek the simplicity and profound beauty of primitive camping.
We'll delve into the specifics of its location and how to access this hidden gem, describe the type of services and highlights you can expect from a state forest campground, and explain why this particular spot is so well-suited for Michigan locals seeking an authentic outdoor adventure. So, if the idea of private campsites, a clear lake, breathtaking sunsets, and abundant trails sounds like your ideal getaway, read on to discover more about Jones Lake State Forest Campground, your next truly memorable Northern Michigan experience.
Jones Lake State Forest Campground is located in Grayling, MI 49738, USA. This address places it squarely within the vast state forest lands of Northern Michigan's Lower Peninsula, an area renowned for its natural beauty, extensive trail systems, and numerous lakes and rivers. Grayling itself is a well-known hub for outdoor recreation, particularly fly fishing on the Au Sable River, indicating that the campground is situated in a region deeply committed to preserving its natural heritage.
For Michiganders traveling from various parts of the state, accessing Jones Lake involves a journey into a more rural and forested environment. While the specific roads are not detailed, being a "State Forest Campground" suggests that while accessible by vehicle, the approach roads might be less developed than those leading to state parks. However, the overall accessibility is good enough that many consider it one of their "favorite little places to camp" in the Lower Peninsula.
Its location offers convenient proximity to other recreational points of interest. The mention of "an awesome little bar up the road in Lovells right on the North branch of the Au Sable" indicates that local amenities and unique experiences are within reach, blending the remote camping experience with the charm of Northern Michigan's small towns. This balance allows campers to enjoy the solitude of the forest while still having options for dining or local exploration if desired. The fact that the campground was "no more than 1/3 full when we visited on a Saturday in July" suggests that even during peak season, a sense of quiet and uncrowded enjoyment is often possible, a testament to its somewhat off-the-beaten-path nature despite being easily reachable for locals.
Primitive Campsites: As a State Forest Campground, Jones Lake offers primitive camping. This means amenities are basic, typically including a designated campsite, often with a fire ring and picnic table. Visitors should not expect water or electrical hookups at individual sites, and restroom facilities are generally vault toilets.
Hand Pump Drinking Water: The campground provides access to drinking water via a "hand pump," and a review confirms it "tasted fine," indicating a reliable water source on-site, though not potable at individual sites.
Swimming Beach Access: There is a "popular swimming beach" immediately adjacent to the campground, offering direct access to the lake for recreational swimming.
Boat Launch: An "immediately adjacent" boat launch is available, allowing campers to easily launch non-motorized or small motorized boats for fishing and exploring the lake.
Access to Trails: The campground provides access to "lots and lots of trails for 4 wheel exploring," indicating opportunities for off-roading, hiking, or other trail-based activities in the surrounding state forest.
Clear Lake for Fishing and Swimming: A standout feature is the "nice clear lake for fishing and swimming," indicating excellent water quality and suitability for aquatic recreation.
Amazing Sunsets: The sunsets over the lake are highlighted as "amazing," offering picturesque views and a serene atmosphere for evening relaxation.
Privacy and Seclusion: Reviewers appreciate the "numerous campsites, many offering nice privacy from neighboring sites" and the feeling of "not a soul to be seen looking across" the lake, emphasizing the peaceful and uncrowded nature of the campground.
Wildlife Observation: The common sounds of "owls and coyotes at night" are a significant highlight, reinforcing the immersive natural experience and opportunities for wildlife encounters.
Extensive Trail System: The presence of "lots and lots of trails for 4 wheel exploring" is a major draw for off-road enthusiasts and those who enjoy exploring the forest on foot or by mountain bike.
Uncrowded Atmosphere: Even on a Saturday in July, the campground was "no more than 1/3 full," suggesting that it remains relatively uncrowded, allowing for a more peaceful and authentic camping experience.
Proximity to Local Charm: The existence of an "awesome little bar up the road in Lovells right on the North branch of the Au Sable" provides a unique local flavor and a convenient spot for a meal or drink after a day of outdoor activities.
Address: Grayling, MI 49738, USA
Phone: No phone number provided in the given information.
Mobile Phone: No mobile phone number provided in the given information.
Jones Lake State Forest Campground is an exceptionally suitable and highly cherished destination for residents of Michigan, embodying the very essence of a Northern Michigan outdoor escape. Its location in Grayling, MI, deep within the state forest, means that a true wilderness experience is accessible without the need for extensive travel out of state. For Michiganders, this convenience allows for spontaneous weekend trips or longer, immersive vacations where the journey itself becomes part of the adventure into our state’s beautiful natural landscapes.
What truly sets Jones Lake apart and makes it ideal for locals is its authentic primitive camping experience combined with unparalleled serenity. In a world often dominated by crowded parks and bustling resorts, Jones Lake offers a quiet sanctuary. The clear lake, perfect for "fishing and swimming," combined with "amazing" sunsets where "not a soul to be seen," creates a profoundly peaceful environment. This caters perfectly to Michiganders who crave genuine solitude, a chance to unplug, and an opportunity to reconnect with nature on a deeper level. The sounds of "owls and coyotes at night" further immerse campers in the natural rhythm of the forest, providing a raw and authentic wildlife experience.
Furthermore, the privacy offered by "numerous campsites, many offering nice privacy from neighboring sites," along with the observation that even on a summer Saturday, the campground was relatively uncrowded, highlights its appeal for those who value personal space and tranquility. This contrasts sharply with more popular, often packed, camping destinations. The abundance of "lots and lots of trails for 4 wheel exploring" also caters to a significant segment of Michigan's outdoor community, offering robust opportunities for adventure right from the campsite.
Finally, the subtle blend of remote wilderness with a touch of local charm, like the "awesome little bar up the road in Lovells right on the North branch of the Au Sable," provides a balanced experience. It allows campers to fully embrace the rustic outdoors while still having an option for a local experience nearby. For Michiganders who appreciate clear lakes, stunning sunsets, abundant trails, and the peaceful sounds of nature, all within a reasonably accessible state forest setting, Jones Lake State Forest Campground is not just a campsite; it’s a beloved local treasure and an ideal haven for their next genuine outdoor adventure.
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Jones Lake State Forest Campground Reviews
It's one of my favorite little places to camp in the lower peninsula. Nice clear lake for fishing and swimming. Sunsets look amazing over it and not a soul to be seen looking across it. The sounds of owls and coyotes at night are common. Awesome little bar up the road in Lovells right on the North branch of the Au Sable. Lots and lots of trails for 4 wheel exploring. Just an awesome area all around.
May 24, 2025 · Barnasaurus !Numerous campsites, many offering nice privacy from neighboring sites. The campground was no more than 1/3 full when we visited on a Saturday in July. There's a popular swimming beach and boat launch immediately adjacent. Lake appears clear and clean. Hand pump drinking water tasted fine. Some of the inland loops of campsites were completely empty.
Nov 11, 2023 · Greg KruegerBeautiful campground. Biting flies, and mosquitoes are a HUGE problem. Hope that there’s nobody there to party because there’s no rangers to come in, and shut the party down, even when it’s still blaring at 4 am.
Jun 22, 2025 · Alex Garza*FIRST THE PROS..-This campground is beautiful, and so is the lake. The sunsets are beautiful.-A very nice clean beach, and good easy trails from the campsites to the lake.-This is a "catch and release" fishing lake, so not many people fishing.-At night it is quiet, with hardly any noise from the main road.-We camped at it for the first time last week (after Labor Day) from Tuesday to Friday morning, so the campground was pretty empty. The fall colors were very nice.*NOW FOR THE CONS...**UPDATE: After contacting the DNR they confirmed that despite what the local management office says, GENERATORS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT STATE FOREST CAMPGROUNDS!!)**-Lots of "no see-um" flies and mosquitoes. Bring your spray!-It is close to the main road, so during the daytime you hear the large trucks changing gears when they are going down hill, but this isn't that loud.-It is just south of "Range 41" that is part of an anti-tank bombing range for the Army. Around 10:00 am you will first hear this strange electronic "simulated bomb" sound - THEN you will hear the jet fly by that shot at a tank in the bombing area; which is just north of the campground. It isn't that bad once you understand what is going on, and they only do this for about 10 minutes, then they stop. At least this is what it was like when we were there.-This campground allowed GENERATORS except from 10pm to 8 am during quiet hours. This is despite the DNR rules posted at the entrance that say NO GENERATORS - under sub-section (o)! ***(See Update at beginning of post).-People tend to allow their dogs to roam and play on the beach, which is not allowed!-We were the ONLY CAMPERS in the 47 site campground until these knuckleheads (newbie campers with their first big new RV unit) and their large dogs camped right next to us and turned on their generator to cook dinner in their Microwave? At a "dry camp" primitive campground? They had the WHOLE campground to choose a site well away from us, but they just HAD to camp right next to us! We were the ONLY campers in the whole campground, but they just had to park next to us. We think being Newbie campers they were scared to be on their own in the woods. Their dogs were technically "on a leash" but they were just dragging the leashes around with them while he roamed where ever he liked. This included jumping on us, etc. Fortunately, they only stayed one night and left. After that it was very quiet and very nice!-After speaking with a family that came in on Friday for the weekend, they said they had camped here for many years, and that the "first loop" (campsites 1-7) is the "party loop" because it is close to the beach. This is during the regular summer camping season. After our noisy "newbie" neighbors left (with their generator) it was very quiet in site #4 of Loop 1.In conclusion, this is a very nice campground, but if you are looking for a camp where there are no generators allowed - this isn't it - although it should be. (Again, refer to Update). We can't imagine what it would be like in the summer when the campground is full and several campers have their generators running! Hopefully, the use of generators will be curtailed in the future, at this and other State Forest Campgrounds.
Jun 21, 2021 · A. JonesBeautiful lake. Sites have much privacy with foliage between each. 20 minute ride to grayling if u need a city. Outhouses are clean as can be expected. VERY LOW FLIES AMD MOSQUITOES. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Sep 02, 2018 · Johnny BallGame
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