McCollum Lake State Forest Campground

Are you a Michigander yearning for a true escape into the tranquil beauty of our state's vast state forests? If the idea of a peaceful lakeside campsite, excellent fishing opportunities, and quiet evenings under the stars appeals to you, then McCollum Lake State Forest Campground in Curran, Michigan, is a destination you'll want to add to your list. This rustic gem, part of Michigan’s extensive state forest campground system, offers an authentic 'up North' experience that resonates with locals who cherish simplicity and natural immersion.

McCollum Lake State Forest Campground is celebrated for its serene atmosphere and direct access to the beautiful McCollum Lake. As one satisfied camper noted, it's a "Great place to camp, very quiet," and another happily shared, "Caught my dinner of blue gills," highlighting the excellent fishing. These brief but powerful testimonials underscore the campground's primary appeal: a tranquil setting where you can genuinely relax and enjoy the bounty of Michigan's outdoors.

Managed by Clinton Township in cooperation with the Michigan DNR, this campground offers a no-frills, natural experience. It's designed for those who appreciate the basics of camping – a fire ring, a picnic table, and access to water and vault toilets – allowing the stunning natural surroundings to be the main attraction. For Michigan residents who seek solace away from crowded commercial parks, McCollum Lake offers that perfect blend of accessibility and peaceful seclusion.

This article will delve into the location and accessibility of McCollum Lake State Forest Campground, detail the essential services and features it provides, and ultimately, explain why this quiet lakeside retreat is perfectly suited for locals seeking their next genuine outdoor adventure in Northern Michigan.

Location and Accessibility

McCollum Lake State Forest Campground is situated at 3520 Mc Collum Lake Rd, Curran, MI 48728, USA. This places it in Oscoda County, within Michigan's Lower Peninsula, an area celebrated for its vast state forest lands, numerous inland lakes, and proximity to the famous Au Sable River. Curran is a small, unincorporated community that embodies the quiet, natural essence of Northern Michigan.

For Michigan residents, reaching McCollum Lake State Forest Campground is generally a pleasant drive. It's accessible via state highways like M-72, and then connecting to well-maintained county and forest roads. While it offers a feeling of being remote and deeply immersed in nature, it's not overly difficult to find for those familiar with navigating Michigan's quieter routes. Travel times are manageable for weekend trips, with estimated drives of about 1 hour 41 minutes from Bay City and 1 hour 52 minutes from Traverse City.

The campground's most significant location highlight is its direct frontage on McCollum Lake. This means campers have immediate access to the lake for fishing, paddling, and enjoying the water. Furthermore, being entirely surrounded by state forest lands offers boundless opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting (in designated areas), ensuring a comprehensive outdoor experience right from your campsite.

The area around Curran is part of the larger Huron-Manistee National Forests region, providing even more extensive opportunities for exploration. The Au Sable River, a renowned trout stream, is also within a reasonable driving distance (approximately ten miles south), making McCollum Lake a fantastic base camp for anglers looking to explore different waterways. This blend of lakefront camping with access to expansive forests and rivers makes its location highly desirable for Michiganders seeking diverse outdoor activities.

Services Offered

McCollum Lake State Forest Campground provides rustic amenities typical of Michigan State Forest Campgrounds, focusing on essential services to ensure a natural and peaceful camping experience:

• Campsites: The campground offers 20 rustic campsites. Of these, three are walk-in sites specifically for tent-only camping, appealing to those seeking a more secluded experience. Eleven sites are designed to accommodate larger vehicles and trailers, up to 40 feet in length, providing flexibility for RV and trailer campers.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and regularly maintained vault toilets are available on-site, providing basic but essential sanitation facilities for campers.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is accessible from a hand-pump well within the campground, ensuring campers have a source of fresh water during their stay.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for meal preparation and outdoor dining, and a fire ring for campfires, cooking, and warmth, integral to the rustic camping experience.
• Boat Launch: The campground features an adjacent boat launch with ramp access directly on McCollum Lake. This is a significant convenience for campers bringing their own boats or kayaks for lake activities.
• Fishing Opportunities: Direct access to McCollum Lake provides excellent fishing for pike, bass, walleye, and panfish. The nearby Au Sable River (ten miles south) offers additional opportunities for brown, brook, and rainbow trout fishing.
• First-Come, First-Served: The majority of the sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations required. This allows for spontaneous trips, though it's wise to arrive early during peak season to secure a spot.
• Affordable Nightly Fee: A nominal nightly fee (typically $20, but subject to change) is charged for campsites, making it an extremely affordable option for extended stays or frequent visits.
• Pets Welcome: Like most Michigan State Forest Campgrounds, pets are welcome, provided they are leashed and well-behaved, allowing for family camping that includes furry companions.

Features / Highlights

McCollum Lake State Forest Campground offers several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Michigan locals seeking a rustic and relaxing outdoor experience:

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently praised in reviews, the campground is known for being "very quiet." This tranquility is a significant draw for those looking to escape the noise and bustle of daily life and truly unwind in nature.
• Beautiful Lake Access: The "Beautiful lake" of McCollum Lake is a central highlight, providing direct access for various water activities. Campers can enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and, as one reviewer can attest, excellent fishing for their "dinner of blue gills," along with pike, bass, and walleye.
• Authentic Rustic Camping: For Michiganders who appreciate a more traditional and less commercialized camping experience, McCollum Lake delivers. Its primitive sites, vault toilets, and hand-pump water emphasize a genuine connection to the outdoors.
• Surrounded by State Forest: Being situated within Michigan State Forest lands offers extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation beyond the lake, including hiking, wildlife observation, and access to state land open to hunting.
• Affordable Outdoor Getaway: The first-come, first-served system combined with the low nightly fee makes McCollum Lake State Forest Campground an incredibly accessible and budget-friendly option for Michigan families and individuals.
• Variety of Site Types: With both walk-in tent-only sites and sites accommodating larger RVs (up to 40 ft), the campground can cater to different camping preferences while maintaining its rustic character.
• Proximity to Au Sable River: For serious anglers, the short drive to the renowned Au Sable River adds another layer of appeal, offering world-class trout fishing opportunities.
• Managed by Clinton Township: While a state forest campground, its management by Clinton Township suggests a local interest in maintaining the quality and accessibility of the site for visitors.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding McCollum Lake State Forest Campground, including current conditions, specific rules, or questions about the surrounding state forest lands, Michigan locals can contact the managing authorities. While a direct phone number for the campground itself might not be publicly listed for direct calls, inquiries are typically directed to the township that manages it or the relevant DNR office.

Address: 3520 Mc Collum Lake Rd, Curran, MI 48728, USA

Clinton Township (Managing Entity) Phone: (989) 848-8545

Michigan DNR Parks and Recreation: (989) 348-6371 or DNR-ParksAndRecreation@michigan.gov

It's important to note that since this is a first-come, first-served campground, reservations are not taken. However, calling the Clinton Township number or the DNR Parks and Recreation number can provide valuable information on the best times to visit, current conditions, or any specific alerts regarding the campground or surrounding state forest. Checking the Michigan DNR website (Michigan.gov/DNR) for "McCollum Lake State Forest Campground" is also highly recommended for the most up-to-date information on operating dates, fees, and amenities.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

McCollum Lake State Forest Campground in Curran, MI, is an exceptionally suitable and highly appealing destination for Michigan locals, embodying the very essence of a peaceful and authentic 'up North' outdoor experience. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, affordability, and tranquility that resonates deeply with residents seeking a genuine escape.

For Michiganders, its location directly on McCollum Lake within state forest lands is a significant draw. This provides immediate access to excellent fishing, serene paddling, and quiet enjoyment of a beautiful inland lake, a quintessential Michigan experience. The surrounding forest offers additional opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and just soaking in the peaceful ambiance that is often a cherished part of our state's wilderness.

The rustic nature of the campground, coupled with its first-come, first-served system and low nightly fee, makes it incredibly accessible and budget-friendly. This allows more Michigan families and individuals to experience the joys of camping without the need for extensive planning or high costs, promoting greater access to our state's public lands. The consistent feedback praising its quiet environment further solidifies its appeal as a true retreat from daily life.

Ultimately, McCollum Lake State Forest Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an invitation to reconnect with the simpler pleasures of Michigan's great outdoors. Its blend of affordability, natural beauty, and a deeply peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for any Michigander looking for an authentic and memorable camping adventure in the heart of our beautiful state.

McCollum Lake State Forest Campground

3520 Mc Collum Lake Rd, Curran, MI 48728, USA