Sunrise Lake State Forest Campground

For our fellow Michiganders seeking a genuine, unpretentious outdoor experience, where the focus is truly on nature and tranquility, Sunrise Lake State Forest Campground in Le Roy offers an ideal retreat. This beautiful, rustic campground is a testament to the simple pleasures of Michigan's vast natural landscapes, providing a serene setting for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of a state forest. It’s a perfect spot for individuals, families, or small groups who appreciate peace, lakeside access, and the authentic feel of traditional camping, far from the crowds and bustling amenities of more developed sites.

Sunrise Lake State Forest Campground is celebrated by local visitors for its rustic charm and inviting atmosphere. Reviews consistently highlight its beauty and the personal feel of its campsites. It’s a place where you can truly enjoy being outdoors, whether you're seeking solitude or a quiet gathering with loved ones. The direct access to Sunrise Lake, just across the road, is a significant draw for those who love fishing, paddling, or simply enjoying the water. This campground embodies the essence of Michigan's state forest camping—providing fundamental necessities while allowing the natural surroundings to be the main attraction. It encourages a deeper connection with the environment, making it a beloved spot for those who cherish authentic outdoor adventures right here in our beautiful state.

Sunrise Lake State Forest Campground is conveniently located at 14868 15 Mile Rd, Le Roy, MI 49655, USA. This address places it within Osceola County, in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, an area renowned for its dense forests, numerous lakes, and abundant recreational opportunities. For Michigan residents, reaching this campground is generally straightforward via well-maintained state and county roads, making it an accessible destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. Its position "directly across the road from the Sunrise Lake access area" is a key aspect of its accessibility and appeal, ensuring that campers have immediate and easy entry to the lake for various activities.

While the campground offers a rustic experience, its accessibility is a significant advantage for campers who want to feel immersed in nature without being completely isolated. The community of Le Roy, though small, provides basic services and supplies within a reasonable driving distance, allowing campers to resupply if needed. This balance of being close enough to essential amenities while still providing a secluded, natural environment makes Sunrise Lake State Forest Campground an ideal choice for many Michiganders. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the convenience of relatively easy travel combined with the serenity of a genuine forest and lakeside setting.

As a rustic state forest campground, Sunrise Lake provides essential services focused on core camping needs rather than extensive modern amenities. These offerings are designed to support a traditional, close-to-nature camping experience, aligning with the expectations of many Michigan outdoor enthusiasts.

Services Offered:

• Individual Campsites: The campground offers a number of personal, individual campsites suitable for tents, pop-ups, and smaller RVs (check specific size limitations). Each site typically includes a firing and a picnic table.
• Vault Toilets: Well-maintained vault toilets (often referred to as "porta johns" by users, though typically more permanent structures in state forest campgrounds) are available, providing basic restroom facilities.
• Hand Pump Well: Potable water is accessible via a hand pump well, offering a traditional method for obtaining drinking water.
• Easy Payment Drop Spot: The campground operates on a self-registration system with a convenient payment drop spot, making arrival and setup simple and efficient.
• Lake Access Area: While not directly on every site, a dedicated Sunrise Lake access area is located directly across the road, providing entry to the lake.
• Boat Launch: The lake access area includes a boat launch with "plenty of room to maneuver your boat's launch and load," suitable for non-motorized or small motorized boats.
• Fire Rings and Picnic Tables: Every campsite is equipped with a fire ring for campfires and cooking, and a picnic table for meals and gathering.

Sunrise Lake State Forest Campground is highly regarded for its specific features and highlights that cater to a rustic, peaceful, and water-centric camping experience. These attributes are what make it a beloved spot for many Michiganders.

Features / Highlights:

• Rustic and Beautiful Setting: Consistent reviews highlight the "beautiful, rustic campground," indicating a natural, undeveloped charm with a focus on the inherent beauty of the forest and lake environment. This appeals to those seeking an authentic outdoor experience.
• Direct Lake Access (Across the Road): The immediate proximity to Sunrise Lake, with a dedicated access area just across the road, is a major draw. This means easy reach for water-based activities without a long commute.
• Excellent for Fishing and Paddling: With lake access and a boat launch, the campground is ideal for fishing enthusiasts and those who enjoy non-motorized boating like kayaking and canoeing. While swimming might be prohibited at the launch, visitors are encouraged to "paddle out for your swim" with flotation devices, suggesting a friendly approach to water recreation.
• Personal and Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the "nice personal sites," implying that campsites offer a good degree of privacy and space, allowing for a more secluded and comfortable experience, whether alone or with a small group.
• Tranquil Atmosphere: The rustic nature and emphasis on "being outside" alone or with a few friends contribute to a quiet and peaceful environment, perfect for unwinding and escaping noise.
• Simple, Traditional Camping: For those who love the classic camping experience—fire pits, hand-pump water, and vault toilets—this campground delivers, making it an authentic choice for seasoned campers or those wanting to experience camping as it once was.
• Opportunity for Social Connection: While quiet, the suggestion to "Meet some new people and make a few friends" indicates a friendly, respectful community of campers who are open to casual interaction.
• Well-Maintained Basic Facilities: The mention of "porta johns" (likely referring to vault toilets) and a hand pump well being present and functional assures campers that essential facilities, though rustic, are available.

For inquiries, additional information, or to confirm specifics about Sunrise Lake State Forest Campground, please use the following contact information. It's always advisable to call ahead, especially during peak seasons, for the most up-to-date details.

Contact Information:

Address: 14868 15 Mile Rd, Le Roy, MI 49655, USA

Phone: (989) 386-4067 (This is the phone number for the DNR Roscommon Customer Service Center, which typically manages state forest campgrounds in this region.)

Mobile Phone: +1 989-386-4067

In conclusion, Sunrise Lake State Forest Campground in Le Roy is a fantastic and highly suitable choice for Michigan locals seeking a genuinely rustic, peaceful, and water-oriented camping experience. Its beautiful natural setting, combined with essential yet simple amenities like vault toilets, hand pump water, and personal campsites, creates an authentic outdoor retreat. The direct access to Sunrise Lake, perfect for fishing and paddling, is a significant draw, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in Michigan's aquatic beauty. For those who value tranquility, respectful neighbors, and the traditional joys of state forest camping—whether alone, with family, or friends—this campground truly delivers. It's more than just a place to set up camp; it's a beloved Michigan gem where you can truly relax, reconnect with nature, and savor the quiet moments that our stunning state forests so generously offer, right here in our own backyard.

Sunrise Lake State Forest Campground

14868 15 Mile Rd, Le Roy, MI 49655, USA