HOUGHTON LAKE STATE FOREST
HOUGHTON LAKE STATE FOREST
50 sites for tent or small trailer use some of which will accommodate 40-ft vehicle/trailer. Located on the north shore of Houghton Lake with excellent boating and fishing. Rustic campground includes vault toilets and potable water from well hand pump. Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations. Check with State Forest Campground Manager for seasonal availability.
Houghton Lake State Forest, located in Roscommon County, Michigan, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Ojibwe (or Chippewa) people, who used the land for hunting, fishing, and gathering.
In the 19th century, European settlers arrived in the region and began logging activities, clearing large areas of the forest. By the mid-20th century, the state government recognized the need for conservation and established the state forest system.
Houghton Lake State Forest was designated as a state forest in the early 1930s, encompassing approximately 14,000 acres. The primary purpose of establishing state forests was to conserve natural resources, promote sustainable forestry practices, and provide public recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, and camping.
The state forest has been managed to balance these goals. Timber harvesting is carefully conducted to maintain a healthy ecosystem, while recreational facilities and trails are developed to accommodate visitors' needs.
Houghton Lake State Forest is situated near the shores of Houghton Lake, the largest inland lake in Michigan. The lake's popularity for boating, fishing, and other water activities has further contributed to the significance of the surrounding state forest.
Houghton Lake State Forest continues to be an important recreational area in Michigan, attracting visitors from around the state and beyond. The forest's diverse natural features, including forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats, provide opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to explore and enjoy the great outdoors.
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the
MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
1. Houghton Lake State Forest Campground: This campground offers 19 sites for tent and small trailer use, all of which are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
2. Reedsburg Dam State Forest Campground: Located within the forest area itself, this campsite has rustic camping facilities with vault toilets and potable water from well hand pumps.
3. Backus Creek State Forest Campgrounds: It provides 24 campsites that can accommodate tents or trailers up to 40 feet in length along with fire rings at each site.
4. Cut River Bridge State Roadside Park & Picnic Area: Although not technically a campground it does offer picnic tables and grills making it suitable for day trips or short overnight stays if you're self:contained (no amenities).
5. Twin Lakes state park: Offers modern camping on beautiful inland lakes with fishing opportunities.
6. Hilltop Family Camping Resort: A private resort located near Houghton lake offering full hook:up RV spots as well as cabin rentals.
7. Camp CoBeAc: Another privately:owned option just south of Prudenville; they have cabins plus spaces for both RVs/tents but also require adherence to Christian values/practices during your stay there.
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Houghton Lake (on site): Pike, Panfish, Bass, and Walleye.
Muskegon River (2 miles West): Panfish, Bass, and Pike.
Higgins Lake (6 miles North): Splake, Trout, Panfish, Bass, and Pike.