Garey Lake Trail Camp

For Michiganders who crave an authentic outdoor experience, especially those with a passion for horseback riding or group adventures, Garey Lake Trail Camp offers a unique and memorable destination. Nestled in the scenic landscape of Benzie County, just southeast of Empire, this rustic campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a dedicated hub for equestrian campers and a tranquil retreat for anyone seeking a true connection with Michigan's beautiful state forests. What was once an apple orchard now provides a charming backdrop for your next group outing or trail riding expedition.

Garey Lake Trail Camp stands apart from typical campgrounds. It's specifically designed to cater to larger groups and, most notably, those exploring the vast Shore-to-Shore Trail. This focus means you'll find facilities tailored to the needs of equestrian campers, fostering a community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're an experienced rider looking to embark on a multi-day journey or a group seeking a peaceful, rustic basecamp for hiking and fishing, Garey Lake Trail Camp provides the ideal setting.

Managed by Interlochen State Park, this trail camp promises a well-maintained yet primitive experience, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in nature. While it embraces rustic charm, it offers essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Visitors often appreciate the quiet, forested surroundings and the direct access to trails and Garey Lake. If your vision of a perfect Michigan getaway involves serene mornings by the lake, exhilarating days on horseback or hiking trails, and evenings spent around a crackling campfire with friends, Garey Lake Trail Camp is an excellent choice for your next adventure.

Garey Lake Trail Camp is conveniently located at 14000 County Line Rd, Empire, MI 49630, USA. This puts it in Benzie County, approximately 8 miles southeast of the charming village of Empire. Its strategic position offers a fantastic blend of secluded wilderness access and proximity to popular Northern Michigan attractions.

Accessing the campground is straightforward, typically involving a scenic drive. From Empire, you would generally take M-72, then turn onto Plowman Road, followed by Pettengill Road. The campground itself is situated on County Line Road. While the roads leading to the camp are generally well-maintained, be prepared for rustic conditions common in state forest areas, including unpaved sections or gravel.

One of the major draws of Garey Lake Trail Camp's location is its direct connection to the Shore-to-Shore Trail. This extensive trail system stretches 420 miles across Michigan, from Empire on the west to Oscoda on the east, with additional northern and southern spur trails. For equestrian campers, this means immediate access to countless miles of riding and hiking opportunities without needing to trailer your horses far. The proximity to Garey Lake itself also offers easy access for fishing and non-motorized boating. Furthermore, the camp is within a reasonable driving distance of other popular destinations like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan, providing additional recreational possibilities for day trips. This blend of accessibility and natural immersion makes it an ideal spot for Michiganders looking to explore the western Lower Peninsula.

Garey Lake Trail Camp provides essential services tailored for a rustic camping experience, particularly for equestrian groups and large gatherings. While it’s not a full-service campground with modern hookups, it offers crucial amenities to support your stay in the wilderness.

• Group Camping Area: The campground primarily features a large group camping area, capable of accommodating up to 200 people. This makes it ideal for organized trail riding groups, family reunions, or other large gatherings.
• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are provided through vault toilets, offering a necessary convenience in a rustic setting.
• Potable Water: A submersible pump is available for potable water access. It's important to note that this pump requires a 5,000-watt generator to operate, meaning campers will need to bring their own power source for water.
• Picket Poles: For equestrian campers, picket poles are provided for securing horses, a crucial amenity for trail riders.
• Campfires: Fire rings are available at sites, allowing for safe and enjoyable campfires, a quintessential part of the camping experience. Campers should plan to bring their own firewood or purchase it locally.
• Boat Launch: There is a boat ramp located within the trail camp on Garey Lake, providing easy access for small watercraft like canoes, kayaks, and fishing boats.
• First-Come, First-Serve Sites: Campsites are generally available on a first-come, first-serve basis, meaning no reservations are typically taken for individual sites. For large groups planning events, contact with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is advisable.

It's important for campers to be prepared for a rustic experience, bringing all necessary supplies including a generator for water, and practicing Leave No Trace principles to maintain the natural beauty of the area.

Garey Lake Trail Camp boasts several key features and highlights that make it a standout choice for certain types of campers in Michigan. Its unique design and location offer a rich blend of outdoor activities and natural beauty.

• Equestrian Focus: A major highlight is its design and facilities for equestrian campers, serving as a vital stop along the 420-mile Shore-to-Shore Trail. This makes it a prime destination for horse owners and riders looking for extensive trail access.
• Direct Trail Access: The campground provides direct access to the Shore-to-Shore Trail, a vast system open to both hiking and horseback riding. This allows campers to embark on long-distance excursions right from their campsite.
• Garey Lake Access: Situated on the shores of Garey Lake, the camp offers excellent opportunities for fishing. Garey Lake is known for perch, pike, and bluegill, providing a relaxing angling experience. A boat launch is available for easy water access.
• Group Camping Capacity: With a maximum capacity of 200 people in its group camping area, it’s exceptionally well-suited for large organized events, family reunions, or educational programs.
• Rustic Charm in a Former Apple Orchard: The campground is set in what was once an apple orchard, adding a unique historical and natural charm to the rustic setting.
• Secluded Forest Environment: Surrounded by state forest land, the camp offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere away from urban noise, ideal for wildlife viewing and enjoying nature’s tranquility.
• Proximity to Other Recreational Opportunities: While rustic, the camp is conveniently located near other popular Michigan attractions. Glen Lake (6 miles north) and Pearl Lake (0.5 mile southeast) offer additional fishing and boating opportunities. The Lake Ann Pathway, a 5.75-mile trail system, is also within close proximity for hiking and mountain biking.
• Hunting Access: The campground provides access to state land that is open to hunting, appealing to those interested in Michigan’s hunting seasons.

These features collectively define Garey Lake Trail Camp as a premier destination for equestrian enthusiasts and groups seeking a genuine, rustic Michigan outdoor adventure.

As a state forest campground managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Garey Lake Trail Camp typically operates on a standardized fee structure and generally does not offer seasonal promotions or discounts in the way a private commercial campground might. The pricing for state forest campgrounds is usually quite affordable, reflecting the rustic amenities provided.

However, it's important for potential campers to be aware of the standard fees and any relevant state passes:

• Standard Nightly Rate: The typical nightly fee for a rustic campsite at Garey Lake State Forest Campground (which is affiliated with the Trail Camp) is around $20.00. This is subject to change, so verifying current rates with the DNR is always recommended.
• Recreation Passport: A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into all Michigan state parks and recreation areas, including state forest campgrounds. This annual pass (or daily pass for out-of-state vehicles) covers entry fees for your vehicle and is an excellent value for frequent visitors to Michigan's outdoor spaces. It can be purchased when renewing your license plate.
• Group Reservations: While individual sites are first-come, first-serve, large equestrian or group events may require permits or contact with the DNR's Cadillac Operations Service Center if multiple campgrounds along the Shore-to-Shore Trail are utilized. This isn't a "promotion" but a necessary step for organized group planning.

The primary "value" or "special offer" of Garey Lake Trail Camp lies in its inherent affordability as a rustic state forest campground, coupled with its unparalleled access to the Shore-to-Shore Trail and a peaceful natural environment. For the cost-conscious Michigander seeking an authentic outdoor experience, the camp provides excellent value without needing specific promotional deals. Always check the Michigan DNR website or contact the camp for the most up-to-date fee information and any operational changes.

For inquiries about Garey Lake Trail Camp, reservations for large groups, or general information regarding state forest campgrounds in Michigan, here’s how you can get in touch:

• Address: 14000 County Line Rd, Empire, MI 49630, USA
• Local Campground Information (Interlochen State Park manages this campground):
• Phone: (231) 276-9511
• For Group Events Utilizing Multiple Campgrounds (Cadillac Operations Service Center):
• Phone: (231) 775-9727, ext. 6006
• Michigan Trail Riders Association (for Shore-to-Shore Trail information and maps):
• Phone: (989) 723-1425
• Website: It's best to refer to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on state forest campgrounds, including Garey Lake Trail Camp. Searching "Garey Lake Trail Camp DNR Michigan" will typically lead you to the correct page.

Remember that individual campsites are generally on a first-come, first-serve basis, so direct reservations for single sites are not typically made via phone. However, contacting the listed numbers is crucial for large group planning or any specific questions about the camp's current conditions.

For Michigan residents, Garey Lake Trail Camp offers a distinctive and highly suitable camping experience, especially for those who cherish authentic outdoor adventures, equestrian pursuits, or quiet group retreats. Its unique characteristics align perfectly with the preferences of many Michiganders seeking an escape into nature.

Firstly, its strong emphasis on equestrian camping makes it an invaluable resource for Michigan's vibrant horse-riding community. Direct access to the renowned Shore-to-Shore Trail allows riders to embark on extensive journeys, knowing they have a dedicated, horse-friendly basecamp. This niche focus fulfills a specific need that many other campgrounds simply do not address, making it a premier choice for local horse owners.

Secondly, the rustic and peaceful environment is a significant draw. In an increasingly urbanized world, the ability to disconnect and immerse oneself in the serene natural surroundings of a former apple orchard in Benzie County is a treasured luxury. For locals, it represents a readily accessible opportunity to de-stress, enjoy the quiet sounds of the forest, and reconnect with the simple joys of camping, far from crowded tourist hubs. The affordable rates of state forest campgrounds also make this genuine experience accessible to a wider range of budgets.

Furthermore, its suitability for group camping is a key advantage. Whether it’s a gathering of friends, a family reunion, or an organized outdoor club, the large capacity and dedicated facilities cater to communal experiences, fostering camaraderie amidst nature. The presence of Garey Lake itself, with its pan fishing opportunities and boat launch, adds another layer of recreational appeal, perfect for leisurely days by the water.

Finally, Garey Lake Trail Camp's location near Empire means it provides a fantastic blend of secluded wilderness and proximity to other Northern Michigan attractions. While you can enjoy the quiet solitude of the camp, you're also within a reasonable drive of Lake Michigan's stunning shoreline, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and other charming towns. This allows locals to customize their trip, balancing rustic tranquility with opportunities for broader exploration of Michigan’s iconic landscapes. For those seeking an unpretentious, nature-focused, and particularly equestrian-friendly camping experience in the heart of Northern Michigan, Garey Lake Trail Camp is an ideal destination.