Garey Lake State Forest Campground

For Michiganders seeking a genuine escape into the heart of nature, Garey Lake State Forest Campground offers an inviting and authentic rustic camping experience. Tucked away in Benzie County, just a short drive from the picturesque village of Empire, this charming campground provides a serene setting adjacent to the beautiful Garey Lake. Far from the bustling crowds of larger parks, Garey Lake State Forest Campground harks back to simpler times, inviting campers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in Michigan's natural splendor. It’s managed by Interlochen State Park, ensuring a certain standard of care and upkeep for its rustic appeal.

Once an apple orchard, the campground retains a peaceful and secluded ambiance, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate quiet evenings under the stars and days filled with outdoor adventure. Whether you're an avid equestrian looking to hit the trails, a keen angler hoping to catch some panfish, or simply someone yearning for a tranquil retreat from daily life, Garey Lake State Forest Campground provides an ideal backdrop. Its commitment to a rustic experience means fewer distractions and more opportunities to connect with the environment, creating memorable moments for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike. This isn't just a place to sleep; it's a destination where Michigan's natural beauty truly shines.

Garey Lake State Forest Campground is strategically located at 14000 County Line Rd, Empire, MI 49630, USA. While the address places it within the broader Empire area, it's important for local users to know its precise location within Benzie County. The campground is situated approximately eight miles southeast of Empire, accessible via M-72, Plowman Road, and Pettengill Road. This routing ensures a relatively easy drive, even for those with trailers.

The accessibility of Garey Lake State Forest Campground is one of its notable advantages. Its position provides convenient access to a variety of natural attractions and trail systems. For equestrian enthusiasts, the campground offers direct access to the renowned Shore-to-Shore Trail, a vast 420-mile trail system that stretches across Michigan, connecting Empire on Lake Michigan to Oscoda on Lake Huron. This direct access makes it an unparalleled base for horseback riding adventures. Additionally, the campground is in close proximity to the Lake Ann Pathway, which offers additional opportunities for hiking and mountain biking just six miles northeast. While embracing a rustic feel, its location allows for exploration of both the tranquil campground area and the wider network of Michigan's state forest lands and trails, making it a versatile hub for various outdoor pursuits. The campground’s setting by Garey Lake also offers immediate water access for fishing and small boating, further enhancing its appeal for those who enjoy lake activities.

As a state forest campground, Garey Lake is designed to offer a more traditional and less developed camping experience, focusing on essential amenities to support outdoor recreation.

• Campsites: The campground features 12 rustic campsites. These sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, meaning no reservations are accepted. This often appeals to spontaneous campers or those looking for a truly "get away from it all" experience. There is also a separate, nearby group campground known as Garey Lake Trail Camp, specifically designed for larger equestrian groups.
• Vault Toilets: For restroom facilities, Garey Lake State Forest Campground provides clean and regularly maintained vault toilets. These are standard for rustic state forest campgrounds and contribute to the authentic outdoor feel.
• Potable Water: Campers have access to potable water via a well-hand pump. This means fresh, safe drinking water is available, though it requires manual pumping. For equestrian campers at Garey Lake Trail Camp, a submersible pump requiring a 5,000-watt generator is available for water access.
• Boating Access Site: There is a designated boating access site within the campground, offering a ramp for easy entry to Garey Lake. This is ideal for those bringing canoes, kayaks, or small fishing boats.
• Equestrian Facilities: While the individual sites are rustic, the campground is open to equestrian use and has direct access to the Shore-to-Shore Trail. While picket posts are not available at the main campground sites, the nearby Garey Lake Trail Camp (a group site) is specifically equipped for horses, with picket poles and an equestrian-focused setup.

Garey Lake State Forest Campground offers several unique features that make it a compelling choice for Michigan campers.

• Rustic Charm: The campground maintains a truly rustic atmosphere, which is a major draw for those seeking a primitive and authentic camping experience away from the crowds and noise of more developed campgrounds. Its origins as an apple orchard add a historical and natural character.
• Lakeside Setting: Situated right on the shores of Garey Lake, campers have immediate access to water activities. Garey Lake is known for its pan fishing opportunities, including perch, pike, and bluegill, making it a popular spot for anglers.
• Shore-to-Shore Trail Access: A significant highlight is its direct connection to the 420-mile Shore-to-Shore Trail. This makes Garey Lake State Forest Campground an exceptional destination for hikers and especially horseback riders who wish to explore Michigan's extensive trail network. Many equestrians utilize this campground as a stop or starting point for their multi-day rides.
• Quiet and Secluded: The small number of sites (12) and the first-come, first-serve policy often contribute to a quieter, more intimate camping experience. Visitors praise its peaceful environment, providing a true retreat from urban noise.
• Close to Other Recreational Opportunities: Beyond the Shore-to-Shore Trail, the campground is conveniently located near the Lake Ann Pathway for additional hiking and mountain biking. It also offers access to state land open to hunting, providing diverse outdoor activities for visitors. Nearby Glen Lake and Pearl Lake also offer additional fishing and boating options.

As a state forest campground operated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and managed by Interlochen State Park, Garey Lake State Forest Campground typically operates on a standardized fee structure. Individual campsites are generally available for a low nightly rate, usually around $20. These are rustic sites, and the fees contribute to the maintenance of the facilities. Special promotions or discounts are not commonly offered for individual sites at state forest campgrounds, as their pricing is already designed to be highly affordable and accessible.

It’s important to note that a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks, recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds, and state trail parking lots. This annual pass provides excellent value for frequent users of Michigan’s public lands. While there are no specific "promotions" in the traditional commercial sense, the overall value and low cost of camping at Garey Lake State Forest Campground can be considered a significant benefit for Michiganders seeking an affordable outdoor experience. For equestrian groups planning large rides along the Shore-to-Shore Trail that utilize multiple campgrounds, it is advisable to contact the Cadillac Operations Service Center for potential permitting and coordination, which might involve specific arrangements for larger gatherings at the nearby Garey Lake Trail Camp.

For those planning a visit or seeking more information about Garey Lake State Forest Campground, here is the primary contact detail:

Address: 14000 County Line Rd, Empire, MI 49630, USA

Phone: (231) 276-9511 (This is the number for Interlochen State Park, which manages Garey Lake State Forest Campground).

For general inquiries about Michigan State Forest Campgrounds or for more detailed information about the Shore-to-Shore Trail, you might also find resources through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website or by contacting their general information lines. Remember that campsites are first-come, first-serve, so direct phone calls are recommended for any specific questions regarding current conditions or amenities. The campground is generally open seasonally.

Garey Lake State Forest Campground is an exceptional choice for Michiganders for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its commitment to a rustic camping experience truly embodies the spirit of Michigan's vast natural lands, offering a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For locals, this means easy access to a quiet retreat where they can reconnect with nature without needing extensive travel or expensive amenities. The affordable nightly rates make it a highly accessible option for families and individuals looking to enjoy the outdoors on a budget, enabling more frequent weekend trips or extended stays.

Secondly, its prime location on Garey Lake provides immediate access to fishing and small watercraft activities, appealing to those who love spending time on the water. More uniquely, its direct connection to the Shore-to-Shore Trail makes it an unrivaled destination for Michigan's vibrant equestrian community and avid hikers. This allows locals to explore extensive trail systems right from their campsite, fostering a deeper appreciation for the state's diverse landscapes. The first-come, first-serve policy, while requiring some flexibility, often means a quieter, less crowded experience than larger, reservation-heavy parks. In essence, Garey Lake State Forest Campground offers Michiganders an authentic, affordable, and deeply immersive outdoor experience that celebrates the state’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities, making it a perfect spot to create lasting memories in their own backyard.