National Forest
Au Sable Loop Campground
Mio, Michigan
Campground in Michigan.
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About SOLDIER LAKE
Federal campground in Michigan.
Nestled in the heart of Michigan's beautiful national forest landscape, Soldier Lake offers RV campers an authentic woodland retreat that captures the essence of outdoor adventure. This campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the natural splendor of Michigan's forested regions, where towering pines and peaceful waters create a serene backdrop for your camping experience.
The lake itself is the centerpiece of this destination, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and water activities that draw visitors throughout the season. Whether you're an angler hoping to catch walleye or pike, a paddler seeking quiet mornings on the water, or simply someone who wants to relax by the shoreline with a good book, Soldier Lake accommodates various water-based interests. The surrounding national forest provides miles of trails perfect for hiking and nature exploration, allowing campers to venture into pristine woodlands and discover Michigan's native flora and fauna.
This location appeals to a wide range of RV travelers. Families enjoy the relatively protected environment where children can safely explore nature and participate in outdoor activities. Fishing enthusiasts appreciate the lake's reputation and the accessibility that an RV park provides as a comfortable base camp. Those seeking a genuine forest camping experience without venturing too far from amenities find Soldier Lake strikes an excellent balance. Retirees and weekend getaway travelers often return season after season, drawn by the peaceful atmosphere and genuine connection to Michigan's natural heritage.
The national forest setting means you'll experience Michigan's seasonal beauty in dramatic fashion. Spring brings wildflower blooms and renewed wildlife activity, summer offers warm days perfect for water recreation, fall transforms the landscape into brilliant colors, and winter creates a quiet, snow-covered wonderland for those who appreciate cold-weather camping.
The park's solid 4.4-star rating from numerous visitors speaks to the quality of the experience and the dedication to maintaining this special place. Whether you're planning a week-long adventure or a quick weekend escape, Soldier Lake delivers the authentic Michigan camping experience that keeps people coming back.
The lake itself is the centerpiece of this destination, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and water activities that draw visitors throughout the season. Whether you're an angler hoping to catch walleye or pike, a paddler seeking quiet mornings on the water, or simply someone who wants to relax by the shoreline with a good book, Soldier Lake accommodates various water-based interests. The surrounding national forest provides miles of trails perfect for hiking and nature exploration, allowing campers to venture into pristine woodlands and discover Michigan's native flora and fauna.
This location appeals to a wide range of RV travelers. Families enjoy the relatively protected environment where children can safely explore nature and participate in outdoor activities. Fishing enthusiasts appreciate the lake's reputation and the accessibility that an RV park provides as a comfortable base camp. Those seeking a genuine forest camping experience without venturing too far from amenities find Soldier Lake strikes an excellent balance. Retirees and weekend getaway travelers often return season after season, drawn by the peaceful atmosphere and genuine connection to Michigan's natural heritage.
The national forest setting means you'll experience Michigan's seasonal beauty in dramatic fashion. Spring brings wildflower blooms and renewed wildlife activity, summer offers warm days perfect for water recreation, fall transforms the landscape into brilliant colors, and winter creates a quiet, snow-covered wonderland for those who appreciate cold-weather camping.
The park's solid 4.4-star rating from numerous visitors speaks to the quality of the experience and the dedication to maintaining this special place. Whether you're planning a week-long adventure or a quick weekend escape, Soldier Lake delivers the authentic Michigan camping experience that keeps people coming back.
4.4
Rating
69
Reviews
Park Details
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Dafter 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 Dafter.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Dafter. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
SOLDIER LAKE Reviews
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Holly Kinnear
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Holly Kinnear
Camped for a week. Had fun. Didn't see the hosts much. The bathrooms were clean when we arrived but by the time we left today we only seen host sweep it once the just opened all the doors and called it good. Our site was huge only downfall was all the bees but other than that we had a blast. The fire pits were very low to the ground as well making the part you can grill on a trip hazard.
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Jerry Wontorcik
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Jerry Wontorcik
We came in towing a 30' TT. Nice that the road in is paved all the way around the lake and in great shape. Try to not park under the pines as they can weep pine tar, very hard to remove. Community water is easily and abundantly available. Water has high iron content, and left to sit will turn yellow and stain. Not good for RV faucets unless filtered. Bring a water bandit and filter if you need to... We came in towing a 30' TT. Nice that the road in is paved all the way around the lake and in great shape. Try to not park under the pines as they can weep pine tar, very hard to remove. Community water is easily and abundantly available. Water has high iron content, and left to sit will turn yellow and stain. Not good for RV faucets unless filtered. Bring a water bandit and filter if you need to fill a tank. Found a level site next to the lake. Site 8. But there are many sites that can accommodate a 30 footer and larger RV. Reservations can be made but we found most sites were available FComeFS. There's a 15' grade down to the lake a number of sites have access to where you could slide a kayak down on the sandy shore. 8 does. Got spotty digital TV channels (some 20+ on clear days, only 3 good). Verizon data was weak and spotty, only 1 bar and very slow. Generators are ok but typical quiet hours are in effect.
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Ron Remondini
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Ron Remondini
Nice place to camp. Paved road throughout. Accommodates rigs to 35 ft. Back in only. No pull through sites. As expected, no hook-ups. Very clean vaulted toilets. Fresh water is available near the bathrooms. Very well maintained. Friendly campground hosts. Plenty of space between sites. Lots of walk in lake access. Good hiking trails. Very quiet. We had the entire park to ourselves. Stayed in late... Nice place to camp. Paved road throughout. Accommodates rigs to 35 ft. Back in only. No pull through sites. As expected, no hook-ups. Very clean vaulted toilets. Fresh water is available near the bathrooms. Very well maintained. Friendly campground hosts. Plenty of space between sites. Lots of walk in lake access. Good hiking trails. Very quiet. We had the entire park to ourselves. Stayed in late June, lots of mosquitos and wood ticks; but that is expected at this time of the year. Will stay again.
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Mark Lustila
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Mark Lustila
Great primitive campground. Potable water had a brown tint to it after a while, but otherwise a great spot. Clean pit toilets, nice spot to swim. No electric or dump station at this campground.
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chelle mouse
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by chelle mouse
Beautiful primitive National Forest Service Campground. Running water and clean pit toilets. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring. We enjoyed our stay.
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