Three Lakes Campground

Hey Michigan adventurers! Are you yearning for a camping experience that truly takes you back to basics, where the sounds of nature are your primary soundtrack and starry nights are your ceiling? If you love the idea of quiet, rustic camping in a secluded setting, then Three Lakes Campground in Strongs, Michigan, is a cherished gem waiting for your discovery. For generations of Michiganders, this campground has been a place where cherished memories are made, offering a genuine outdoor experience amidst the beauty of our National Forest.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula is renowned for its vast natural landscapes and opportunities for authentic wilderness experiences. Three Lakes Campground perfectly embodies this spirit, providing a serene and uncrowded environment for those who appreciate the true essence of outdoor living. This article will guide you through what makes Three Lakes Campground a unique and appealing choice for your next Michigan camping trip, from its peaceful location to the simple yet profound joys it offers, helping you decide if this rustic retreat is the perfect fit for your next U.P. adventure.

Three Lakes Campground is nestled in Strongs, MI 49768, USA. This location places it within the serene and expansive environment of a National Forest, providing the secluded, deeply natural setting that defines its charm. Strongs is a small community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, away from the major bustling tourist hubs, which contributes to the campground's quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

Accessibility to the campground itself is straightforward, even though it's designed for seclusion. Being in a National Forest, the roads leading to and within the campground are likely well-maintained for forest access, though they might be unpaved in sections, adding to the rustic feel. Critically, its identity as "Three Lakes" speaks to its unique hydrological setting, offering access to multiple bodies of water. Reviewers highlight the "lake behind the campground is great for swimming" and the opportunity to "fish a lot in the lake across from the campground entrance." This suggests excellent water-based recreation right on its doorstep. While it offers deep seclusion, it is still within a reasonable driving distance to local services in nearby communities, ensuring a practical balance for campers who appreciate being off the beaten path without being completely cut off.

Three Lakes Campground focuses on providing the essential services needed for a comfortable and truly rustic camping experience. Its offerings are geared towards campers who enjoy simplicity and self-sufficiency, immersing themselves in nature.

• Secluded Campsites: The campground is designed with a very limited number of sites, noted as "Only 10 campsites in the campground." This ensures maximum seclusion and privacy for each group.
• Rustic Environment: The sites are described as "rustic," meaning they likely offer basic amenities such as a cleared space for tents or small RVs, a fire ring, and a picnic table.
• Water Access: Proximity to lakes is a key service, specifically highlighting a lake "behind the campground is great for swimming" and another "across from the campground entrance" suitable for fishing.
• Quiet Atmosphere: A consistent service offered by the campground's design and location is its "very quiet" environment, perfect for relaxation and enjoying natural sounds.
• National Forest Setting: Being part of a National Forest, the campground provides access to the broader forest environment for activities like hiking and wildlife viewing.
• Space for Memories: While not a tangible service, the long-standing history of campers returning (one reviewer "been camping here since I was a kid") indicates the campground's inherent ability to facilitate the creation of cherished family memories.

Three Lakes Campground offers distinct features and highlights that set it apart, making it an ideal destination for those who cherish authentic, tranquil outdoor experiences in Michigan.

• Profound Seclusion and Quiet: This is the paramount highlight. The campground is described as "Very secluded" and "Very quiet," providing an escape from noise and crowds. With "Only 10 campsites in the campground," campers are guaranteed a private and peaceful experience.
• Truly Rustic Camping: For those who appreciate "real outdoor camping," this campground delivers. It maintains a "rustic" feel, suggesting a less developed environment that prioritizes natural beauty over extensive amenities, allowing campers to connect more deeply with nature.
• Excellent Swimming Lake: A significant feature is the "lake behind the campground is great for swimming." This offers a natural, refreshing body of water for campers to enjoy, adding a major recreational draw without needing to leave the campground.
• Fantastic Fishing Opportunities: The presence of a "lake across from the campground entrance" that is great for fishing highlights a key activity for anglers. This dual lake access caters to different water-based preferences.
• Beautiful and Unchanged Natural Setting: Reviewers describe the campground as "beautiful" and "as it's always been," implying a consistent, unspoiled natural environment that resists over-development. This preserves its charm and character.
• Ideal for Creating Lasting Memories: The testimony of a multi-generational camper ("been camping here since I was a kid... Great place to have a lot of memories") underscores its suitability as a place for family traditions and cherished moments.
• National Forest Immersion: Being within a National Forest offers access to vast tracts of wilderness, providing opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring a truly natural Michigan landscape beyond the immediate campground.

As a rustic campground located within a National Forest, Three Lakes Campground typically operates under the fee structure of federal lands and generally does not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the same way a private resort might. Its value proposition lies in its inherent affordability, natural beauty, and the type of experience it provides.

• Affordable Fees: National Forest campgrounds are usually known for their budget-friendly rates compared to many private or state park campgrounds. This makes "real outdoor camping" accessible to more Michiganders.
• America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series: For those holding passes such as the Senior Pass or Access Pass, there may be discounts on camping fees. It is always advisable to inquire if your specific federal pass applies to this campground's fees.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Many rustic National Forest campgrounds, especially those with very few sites like Three Lakes (only 10 campsites), operate on a first-come, first-served basis. While not a promotion, this offers a unique opportunity for spontaneous trips for those who prefer not to make reservations far in advance, provided a spot is available.

The true "special offer" of Three Lakes Campground is the rare chance to experience profound quiet, seclusion, and genuine rustic camping amidst Michigan's stunning National Forest at a reasonable price. This unique blend of tranquility and natural beauty is its primary appeal. For the most current information on fees, availability (especially if first-come, first-served), and any specific regulations, it is best to contact the managing National Forest service or use the provided phone number.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Three Lakes Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Strongs, MI 49768, USA

Phone: (906) 643-7900

Mobile Phone: +1 906-643-7900

As this is a rustic campground with a limited number of sites, it's highly recommended to call ahead to inquire about availability, especially during peak seasons. Given its secluded nature, it's also a good idea to confirm road conditions or any specific details about accessing the campground to ensure a smooth arrival.

For Michigan residents who truly appreciate the essence of traditional, quiet camping, Three Lakes Campground is an ideal destination. Its suitability for locals lies in its commitment to providing a "very secluded" and "very quiet" environment, a rare find in today's often crowded outdoor spaces. With only ten campsites, it guarantees an intimate and unhurried experience, allowing Michiganders to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the National Forest.

The direct access to a great swimming lake and a separate fishing lake offers immediate recreational opportunities, making it perfect for families looking to create cherished outdoor memories, just as generations before them have done. Its "rustic" nature appeals to those who seek "real outdoor camping" – a chance to enjoy Michigan's raw beauty without the distractions of extensive modern amenities. For those who grew up camping in Michigan or are looking to start new traditions centered on peace, natural beauty, and simple joys, Three Lakes Campground stands as a timeless retreat. It's a place where the beauty of the Upper Peninsula is preserved, offering a truly authentic and unforgettable Michigan camping experience right in our own backyard.