Black Lake State Forest Campground

Black Lake State Forest Campground Overview

Rating

Phone (231) 627-2811

Address 2000 Eisen Trail, Cheboygan, MI 49721, USA

Website https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=626&type=SFCG

Hours

Black Lake State Forest Campground Location & Map

Michigan Cheboygan County Cheboygan Eisen Trail

Black Lake State Forest Campground About

Introduction / Overview

For those of us in Michigan seeking an authentic and versatile outdoor experience, Black Lake State Forest Campground in Cheboygan offers an "amazing location" that truly caters to diverse camping styles. This gem, nestled by the beautiful Black Lake and surrounded by lush forests, provides a distinct and compelling option for our next Michigan adventure. What sets this campground apart is its unique two-tiered system: an upper unit designated for Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) enthusiasts, allowing direct access to thrilling trails, and a lower unit offering a tranquil, ORV-free haven right on the lake. Regardless of your preference, you'll find "very large and comfortable" lots, a remarkably "clean, spacious, well kept and overall quiet" environment, and seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. It's the kind of place where you can easily enjoy a "wonderful weekend getaway" or an extended stay, immersing yourself in the serene beauty and recreational opportunities that make Northern Michigan so special.

Location and Accessibility

Black Lake State Forest Campground is situated at 2000 Eisen Trail, Cheboygan, MI 49721, USA. This location places it perfectly within the stunning natural landscape of Northern Michigan, offering both seclusion and reasonable accessibility for Michiganders. Cheboygan County, where the campground is located, is a prime destination known for its vast state forest lands, numerous inland lakes, and extensive trail systems. Accessing the campground typically involves a scenic drive through wooded areas, contributing to the feeling of getting away from it all. While the address includes "Unnamed Road" in some broader references, the provided address of 2000 Eisen Trail is more specific, directing visitors to the core of this expansive natural area. The campground is approximately 11 miles north of Onaway via M-211, County Road 489, Black Mt. Road, and Doriva Beach Road, with Eisen Trail being a final turn. This ensures that while you're deep in the wilderness, you're not completely isolated. The relative ease of navigation, combined with the picturesque journey, makes it a convenient and desirable choice for those seeking to immerse themselves in Michigan's wild side without excessive travel complexities.

Services Offered

Dual Campground Units: The campground is divided into an upper and lower portion. The upper unit is ORV-friendly, designed for those who wish to access ORV trails directly from their site, while the lower unit is ORV-prohibited (for parking and use within the campground), offering a quieter experience on Black Lake.
Spacious Sites: Campsites are noted for being "very large and comfortable," providing ample space for campers and their equipment.
Wooded Sites: The sites are predominantly wooded, offering natural shade and a sense of privacy amidst the forest.
Fire Ring and Picnic Table: Each campsite includes a fire ring for campfires and outdoor cooking, along with a picnic table for dining and gathering.
Vault Toilets: Rustic campgrounds typically provide vault toilets, which are available for camper use.
Potable Water (Hand Pump Well): Drinking water is available from a hand-pump well, offering a traditional state forest camping experience (it's always wise to bring extra water or purification methods as a backup).
Recycling and Trash Dumpsters: Facilities for waste disposal are provided, encouraging cleanliness and environmental responsibility.

Features / Highlights

Exceptional ORV Access (Upper Unit): For off-road vehicle enthusiasts, the upper campground is explicitly "Off Road Vehicle Approved," allowing direct ORV access to nearby trails, including Trail 99 which runs through the campground. This is a significant draw for adventure seekers.
Tranquil Lakeside Experience (Lower Unit): The lower unit is located directly on Black Lake, offering a peaceful setting with "beautiful" lake views and direct access to the water for swimming, boating, and fishing. ORV use is strictly prohibited in this section, ensuring a quieter experience.
Extensive Trail System: Beyond ORV trails, the Black Mountain Recreation Area, accessible from the campground, offers over 30 miles of pathways for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and even horseback riding, providing "seemingly endless opportunities to hike and trail ride."
Beautiful Black Lake: As Michigan's seventh-largest inland lake, Black Lake provides excellent fishing for species like Musky, Pike, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, and Small-mouth Bass, along with opportunities for paddlesports and enjoying the water from a "nice beach area."
Clean and Well-Kept: Reviews consistently highlight the campground as "very clean, spacious, well kept," and "overall quiet," contributing to a pleasant and comfortable stay.
Nearby Dining Option: The presence of a "restaurant near by that served good food and drinks," just a "3 minute walk" away, is a convenient and unexpected highlight for a rustic state forest campground.
Secluded and Natural Ambiance: Being "tucked back into the woods" ensures a natural and peaceful setting, allowing campers to truly disconnect.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a state forest campground operated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Black Lake State Forest Campground typically does not offer formal "promotions" or "special offers" in the way commercial campgrounds might. State forest campgrounds generally operate on a set fee schedule, which is posted at the information kiosk. Most sites at Black Lake State Forest Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not typically taken, particularly for the rustic sites. However, it's worth noting that some state forest campground sites can occasionally be reserved through the DNR's recreation portal. For the most precise and up-to-date information on fees, availability, and any specific operating dates or policies (like the 15-day maximum stay limit), it is best to check the official Michigan DNR website for Black Lake State Forest Campground or call the park managing office at (231) 627-2811 or +1 231-627-2811.

Contact Information

Address: 2000 Eisen Trail, Cheboygan, MI 49721, USA

Phone: (231) 627-2811

Mobile Phone: +1 231-627-2811

These direct contact numbers provide a convenient way for prospective campers to inquire about site availability, ORV regulations, current conditions, or any other questions they might have before heading out to this versatile Northern Michigan gem.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For us Michiganders, Black Lake State Forest Campground in Cheboygan is an outstanding choice that perfectly encapsulates the diverse outdoor experiences our state has to offer. Its unique division into an ORV-friendly upper campground and a tranquil, ORV-prohibited lower campground directly caters to a wide spectrum of local outdoor enthusiasts, ensuring everyone can find their ideal retreat. This versatility is a huge plus for families or groups with varying interests.

The location on Black Lake, one of Michigan's beautiful inland lakes, provides ample opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing – activities deeply ingrained in our state's recreational culture. The "seemingly endless opportunities to hike and trail ride" on the vast Black Mountain Pathway system directly appeal to our love for exploring Michigan's natural landscapes, whether on foot, bike, or ORV. The fact that sites are "very large and comfortable," "mostly wooded," and the overall campground is "very clean, spacious, well kept and overall quiet" speaks to the quality and comfort we expect from our state forest campgrounds.

Even with its rustic charm, the convenience of a nearby restaurant within a "3 minute walk" is an unexpected bonus that makes a stay here even more enjoyable without needing to venture far for a meal. For Michiganders seeking an authentic, peaceful, yet adventure-filled camping experience that truly connects them with our state's natural beauty and recreational opportunities, Black Lake State Forest Campground is an exceptional choice. It's a place where we can unwind, explore, and make lasting memories in the heart of Northern Michigan.

Customer Reviews

4.0

77 reviews

Hyper L

Oct 14, 2024

Amazing location. Upper campground allows ORV access for parking and lower had them completely prohibited (even to park). The lots were very large and comfortable. We stayed for 3 nights and loved our experience. Seemingly endless opportunities to hike and trail ride. Just a wonderful weekend getaway.

Dirty Jak & The Dusty Bean

Nov 01, 2022

Wow, this campground is fantastic! There are a upper and lower portion, lower is on Black Lake and the upper is typically where more spacious wooded sites are that is Off Road Vehicle Approved. Very clean, spacious, well kept and overall quiet during our stay. There is a restaurant near by that served good food and drinks, we were only a 3 minute walk from it and did not hear it at night (we were there in the fall maybe in the summer it is different, who knows). Black Lake is beautiful, the trails are excellent, overall great stay here.

Danielle Demaestri

Jun 26, 2023

Weekend hotspot! Favorite childhood memories were made here and I'm so happy to make the same memories for my kids. Note: no showers.

Kendra Hancotte

Aug 01, 2019

Love Black Lake for camping. It is now one of my top favorite places to go.. Especially to camp right on the lake is beautiful..

colleen Davis

Jul 22, 2023

Favorite place to camp ❤️ Rustic bathroom. Camping lower by the lake. $20 a night. Great place to ride your side x side. So many trails to explore. Good morning starter ☕