Round Lake Campground

For Michiganders dreaming of a serene escape where the shimmering waters of a lake meet the quiet embrace of the forest, Round Lake Campground in National City offers an inviting retreat. This beautiful campground, nestled within the expansive Huron-Manistee National Forests, provides a classic Michigan outdoor experience, perfect for those seeking tranquility and direct access to water recreation. It embodies the rustic charm that many locals cherish, promising a peaceful getaway with stunning natural backdrops right here in our own backyard.

Imagine waking up to breathtaking lake views right from your campsite, the fresh Michigan air filling your lungs, and the gentle lapping of waves as your morning soundtrack. Round Lake Campground isn't about extravagant amenities, but rather about providing a genuine connection to nature. Whether you're an avid angler, a keen paddler, or simply someone who enjoys relaxing by the water and appreciating picturesque sunsets, this campground caters to those who value simplicity and the stunning natural beauty that makes our state so special. It's an ideal spot for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking to unwind and create lasting memories in Michigan’s beautiful outdoor spaces.

Round Lake Campground is conveniently located at 2180 Latham Rd, National City, MI 48748, USA. This places it directly on the shores of Round Lake, within the picturesque Huron-Manistee National Forests in Iosco County. For Michigan residents, reaching National City is typically straightforward, with well-maintained state routes leading to the general area. From there, Latham Road guides you directly to the campground, indicating relatively easy access.

Its direct lakefront location is a significant draw, providing immediate access to the water for swimming, fishing, or launching a small boat. The paved roads within the campground, along with paved aprons at each site, contribute to a smoother and more accessible experience, even for those with RVs or trailers. While the campground offers a quiet, natural setting, its accessibility ensures that you don't have to venture too far off the beaten path to find this serene escape. For Michiganders across the state, this location strikes a perfect balance between feeling wonderfully immersed in nature and being reasonably convenient to reach, making it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation by the water.

Here’s a detailed look at the services and facilities available at Round Lake Campground:

• Campsites: The campground offers a number of "good size campsites," many with beautiful views directly of Round Lake. These sites are equipped with paved roads and aprons, making them accessible and convenient for a variety of camping setups, from tents to small trailers. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring for traditional campfire cooking and enjoyment.

• Rustic Toilets: For essential sanitation, the campground provides pit toilets (outhouses), which campers have noted are "as clean as possible," indicating a good level of maintenance for rustic facilities.

• Potable Water: A hand-pump well is available for potable water. One unique observation from a camper was that the water "kinda looks like ginger ale," which suggests a natural mineral content, but it is provided for drinking purposes.

• Boat Launch: The campground includes a hard-surface boat launch directly into Round Lake, making it incredibly convenient for campers to launch canoes, kayaks, or small fishing boats directly from the site.

• Day Use Area: In addition to camping, Round Lake Campground offers a day-use area, which is suitable for picnicking, relaxing by the lake, and enjoying the scenic views without an overnight stay.

• Trash Collection Services: The campground typically provides trash collection, helping campers dispose of waste properly and maintain the cleanliness of the area.

Round Lake Campground is celebrated for several key features and highlights that make it a truly appealing destination for Michigan outdoor enthusiasts:

• Direct Lakefront Access and Views: This is undoubtedly the campground's most prominent highlight. Many campsites offer "beautiful views right from our campsite" of Round Lake. This direct access is perfect for swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of the water. The boat launch provides easy entry for water activities.

• Good Size Campsites: Campers consistently note the "good size campsites," which provides ample space for setting up camp and enjoying a sense of privacy, even though not all sites may have dense natural barriers.

• Paved Roads and Aprons: The presence of paved roads within the campground and paved aprons at each site is a significant convenience. It makes navigating the campground easy for vehicles and provides a clean, stable surface at the campsites, particularly beneficial for RVs and trailers.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: While there have been some observations about local golf cart traffic, the general atmosphere of being a rustic campground on a lake within a National Forest still lends itself to a quieter experience than larger, more developed parks. It’s a place where natural sounds largely dominate.

• Fishing Opportunities: Round Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities. It's considered a good fishing lake, providing a chance to catch various species, which is a big draw for Michigan anglers.

• Wildlife Viewing: Being situated within the Huron-Manistee National Forests, the campground provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, from various bird species to deer and other forest inhabitants.

• Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite being a rustic campground, reviews note that the pit toilets are "as clean as possible" and the overall maintenance is positive, indicating a commitment to providing a pleasant experience.

As a U.S. Forest Service campground within the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Round Lake Campground typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis for its campsites. This means that, for individual sites, reservations are generally not accepted, and it’s advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season or popular weekends, to secure a spot by the lake. The campground is seasonally open, generally from early May to late October or early November, depending on weather conditions.

The camping fee for a single rustic site at Round Lake Campground is usually very affordable, typically ranging from $10.00 to $15.00 per night, representing excellent value for a lakefront camping experience. While Round Lake Campground itself doesn't offer specific commercial promotions, Michigan residents can significantly benefit from the Michigan Recreation Passport. This annual pass, available for a small fee when renewing your license plate or at state park entrances, provides year-round vehicle entry to all Michigan state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds (like Round Lake Campground), and non-motorized state trailhead parking. This is a substantial "special offer" for Michiganders who frequently enjoy the state’s extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, making repeated visits to beautiful spots like Round Lake highly cost-effective over an entire year. It’s the ultimate way to leverage Michigan’s commitment to public land access.

For inquiries or to obtain more information about Round Lake Campground, you can use the following contact details. This campground is managed by the Huron-Manistee National Forests, specifically through the Mio Ranger Station or a related local forest office.

• Address: 2180 Latham Rd, National City, MI 48748, USA

• Phone: (989) 739-0728

• Mobile Phone: +1 989-739-0728

This phone number connects to the local Huron-Manistee National Forests office responsible for the area. It is always a good practice to call ahead, especially during peak season, to inquire about site availability, current lake conditions, or any alerts that might affect your visit. While the campground itself is unstaffed, the local forest office can provide valuable, up-to-date information to help you plan your trip and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Round Lake Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Michigan locals seeking a beautiful and accessible lakefront camping experience. Its prime location on Round Lake, combined with well-maintained, good-sized campsites and paved access, makes it an attractive option for a wide range of campers, from those with tents to those with small trailers. For Michiganders who value stunning lake views, easy water access for fishing and paddling, and a generally peaceful atmosphere, Round Lake Campground delivers. While some observations about local golf cart traffic exist, the overall consensus points to a serene and enjoyable environment within the Huron-Manistee National Forests. The affordability of staying at a National Forest campground, especially with the Michigan Recreation Passport, further enhances its appeal, making it a fantastic and cost-effective option for frequent lake-centric getaways. Round Lake Campground offers a quintessential Michigan outdoor experience, perfect for creating cherished memories by the water, right here in our beautiful state.