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Carney Lake State Forest Campground
Public Campground

Carney Lake State Forest Campground

Channing, Michigan
4.7 (36 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Carney Lake State Forest Campground

Campground in Michigan.

Carney Lake State Forest Campground offers RV travelers a authentic Michigan wilderness experience nestled within the natural beauty of the state forest system. Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this public campground provides an excellent base for exploring the region's pristine lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation opportunities that define the North Country landscape.

The campground sits adjacent to Carney Lake, a serene freshwater lake that serves as the centerpiece for outdoor activities throughout the year. The setting immerses visitors in classic Michigan forest scenery, with towering pines, hardwoods, and natural waterways that create a peaceful retreat from busier tourist destinations. The lake itself invites fishing, boating, and water activities, making it an ideal destination for anglers, paddlers, and water enthusiasts seeking a quieter alternative to crowded resort areas.

This location proves particularly appealing for travelers who appreciate genuine outdoor experiences and want to connect with Michigan's natural heritage. The state forest setting means you're surrounded by thousands of acres of protected natural area, offering miles of potential exploration beyond the campground itself. Hikers and nature walkers will find plenty of trails and forest roads to discover, while wildlife observers may spot deer, loons, and other forest inhabitants during their stay.

The Upper Peninsula location makes this campground ideal for road trips exploring Michigan's northern regions. Visitors can easily venture to nearby attractions including waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and other state forest areas. The quieter pace of the region appeals to families looking for screen-free time, couples seeking peaceful getaways, and anyone wanting to escape developed campground scenes in favor of more rustic surroundings.

For RV travelers planning extended stays or looking to use the campground as a base for regional exploration, the Carney Lake location provides access to authentic Michigan wilderness without the commercial atmosphere of many private facilities. The public nature of this state forest campground keeps it grounded in conservation values while welcoming visitors to experience the forest firsthand.
4.7

Rating

36

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Channing is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

Michigan weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Channing.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Channing. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Carney Lake State Forest Campground Reviews

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Jennifer Mason

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Jennifer Mason

I was heading home, downstate and needed a place to stay for the night. This was great camping right on the lake. I was there on a Thursday night in October and no one else was camping. It was so peaceful and beautiful. Kind of wish I could have stayed longer.

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Cole Neeley

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Cole Neeley

Very nice rustic campground. Large campsites. Half of the sites are right on the lake. There is also A nice picnic area right next to the campground.

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Candy Carter

Mar 23, 2026

3.0

Google Review by Candy Carter

The campground was beautiful and we had a great time, downside for our trip the woman's bathroom was absolutely awful, I would've hoped that before a bigger weekend like memorial weekend they would've been emptied. We ended up using the men's restroom until that one was also unusable... I will go back again, but I do hope they pay more attention to the restroom area's..

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Greg Krueger

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Greg Krueger

The five miles of dirt road to get in is best suited for a higher clearance SUV or pickup truck, but we made it in and out several times in small cars without any issue over our long weekend stay. This campground is actually quite well maintained considering how remote it is. Bathrooms were clean and had toilet paper stocked, though I never saw a DNR employee during my stay. About two thirds of... The five miles of dirt road to get in is best suited for a higher clearance SUV or pickup truck, but we made it in and out several times in small cars without any issue over our long weekend stay. This campground is actually quite well maintained considering how remote it is. Bathrooms were clean and had toilet paper stocked, though I never saw a DNR employee during my stay. About two thirds of the sites were occupied on Labor Day weekend when we stayed. Among our group of campers, we found T-Mobile had the best cell coverage here. Calls and web browsing both worked fine. Verizon and AT&T could complete calls but data was effectively unusable.

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Connie Bailey

Mar 23, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Connie Bailey

We stayed four nights. It was so peaceful. I loved being right on the lake so my dog could go swimming. We met some really nice people including the park ranger. He was able to provide some useful information. I like the fact that it is secluded but not to far from town should you forget something. We will definitely be back.

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