State Forest · Michigan
Garey Lake State Forest Campground
State Forest · Michigan, United States
- Sites
- 12
- Hookups
- 12 no hookups
- Season
- Year-round
- Cost
- $20 per night; a Recreation Passport is required on the vehicle
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Showers
- No
- Boat launch
- Yes
- Elevation
- 886 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile weak · AT&T weak · Verizon weak (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Phone
- 231-276-9511
Site map
The imagery of the campground. Press and hold the map to drop your own pins and notes; the operator publishes no site points here. Your ratings, notes, pins and photos are kept with the campground on your Saved list, the same list the camping map and the drive page keep.
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About
This charming, rustic campground, once a bustling apple orchard, now offers a peaceful escape on the shores of beautiful Garey Lake. With 13 rustic campsites open to equestrian use, it's a perfect spot for pan fishing on the lake or exploring nearby trails. You'll enjoy direct access to the famous Shore-to-Shore Trail and close proximity to the Lake Ann Pathway. Plus, there's a larger group camping option, Garey Lake Trail Camp, just a stone's throw away.
The Shore-to-Shore Trail is a sprawling 420-mile system for hiking and horseback riding, stretching east-west from Empire to Oscoda, with additional northern and southern spur trails. The Michigan Trail Riders Association helps maintain this incredible resource.
Planning an equestrian group ride? You might need a permit. For events using multiple Shore-to-Shore campgrounds, call the Cadillac Operations Service Center at 231-775-9727 x. 6006. If your event uses only one campground, contact us directly at 231-276-9511. For maps and more information on the Shore-to-Shore Trail, visit the MTRA website or call 989-723-1425.
12 equestrian campsites, $20 a night. Open all year; the road may not be plowed in winter. First come, first served; register at the campground kiosk on the day you arrive. Vault toilets and a hand-pump well for drinking water; no electricity or hookups. One camping unit and six people per site, 15 nights at most. Managed from Interlochen State Park (231-276-9511).
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27° | 17° | -3° | 45° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 28° | 17° | 2° | 47° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 37° | 26° | 10° | 66° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 49° | 34° | 17° | 74° | 7 of 11 |
| May | 60° | 45° | 30° | 78° | 1 of 11 |
| June | 68° | 55° | 44° | 85° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 75° | 63° | 55° | 85° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 75° | 64° | 57° | 84° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 70° | 59° | 50° | 81° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 56° | 46° | 36° | 71° | 0 of 10 |
| November | 41° | 35° | 19° | 61° | 5 of 10 |
| December | 33° | 26° | 8° | 58° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Trails nearby
- Empire Bluff Trail · 6.0 mi as the crow flies
Empire Bluff Trail 0.8 mi Hike · Drive there - Otter Creek Loop Trail · 6.7 mi as the crow flies
Platte Plains Trail Otter Creek Loop 4.5 mi Hike · Drive there - Platte Plains Trail Otter Creek Loop · 6.7 mi as the crow flies
Platte Plains Trail Otter Creek Loop 4.5 mi Hike · Drive there - Heritage Trail - Bar Lake Road Trailhead · 6.7 mi as the crow flies
SB Heritage Trail Paved 12 mi Hike · Drive there - Bass Lake Loop Trailhead · 6.8 mi as the crow flies
Platte Plains Trail Bass Lake Loop 3.5 mi Hike · Drive there
All 23 trails in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Trailheads the Park Service and the Forest Service map, within 10 miles as the crow flies; each trail's page has its length, climbing and the Service's description.
Nearby campgrounds
- Garey Lake Trail Camp · State Forest · 0 mi
- Empire Township Campground · City, County & Regional Parks · 3 mi · 60 sites
- Lake Ann State Forest Campground · State Forest · 6 mi · 30 sites
- White Pine Backcountry Campground Permits · National Park Service · 8 mi · 7 sites
- Veterans Memorial State Forest Campground · State Forest · 8 mi · 24 sites
All public campgrounds in Michigan · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-09-17. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.