Camp Seven Lake Campground
4.2960 reviewsP.O. Box 171, Munising, MI 49862, USA
Camp Seven Lake Campground
$24.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$28.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$80.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees vary based on site type: Standard Electric ($28-$56), Standard Nonelectric ($24), Group Picnic Area ($80). Additional charges may include reservation service fees ($8 online, $9 contact center, $3 in-person).
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About this campground
Nestled alongside the pristine waters of 60-acre Camp Seven Lake, this hidden gem offers the perfect blend of aquatic adventure and peaceful forest retreat. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling across mirror-smooth waters, or simply soaking up the sun from your private, shaded campsite, Camp Seven Lake Campground delivers an authentic Upper Peninsula experience. Choose from thoughtfully spaced single-family sites tucked beneath towering hardwoods, or opt for coveted lakeside spots where morning coffee comes with front-row views of the water.
Camp Seven Lake Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping, and group camping, offering a versatile experience for visitors.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm, pleasant days perfect for lake activities, though early-season visitors should come prepared for the occasional cloud of gnats that dance through the forest in late spring. As autumn approaches, the surrounding hardwoods burst into spectacular color. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, with temperatures dipping below freezing—a stark contrast to the bustling summer season.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits cradled within a tapestry of mixed hardwood forests, where maple, oak, and birch create a living cathedral overhead. Camp Seven Lake serves as the sparkling centerpiece, its 60 acres of clear water reflecting the ever-changing sky. For those eager to explore beyond the campground, the Van Winkle Lake loop trail winds through the surrounding wilderness, offering breathtaking vistas and intimate encounters with local wildlife. Keep your binoculars handy—the area's waterfowl put on quite a show, from graceful herons stalking the shallows to loons calling across the water at dusk.
Geological RegionSituated in the southern reaches of Michigan's legendary Hiawatha National Forest, Camp Seven Lake Campground occupies a special corner of the Upper Peninsula where water and woodland converge. This region, dotted with pristine lakes and blanketed in diverse hardwood forests, showcases the geological legacy of ancient glaciers that carved out countless water bodies across this remarkable landscape. Here, the forest floor tells stories millions of years in the making, while the surrounding waters continue to shape and nurture this extraordinary ecosystem.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers multiple accessible single-family campsites, accessible vault toilets, and a paved walking trail at the beach.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as large and spacious, accommodating both small and large setups, including those with big motorhomes.
Sites PrivacyMost campsites are shaded and private, with some located directly on the lake, providing scenic views and seclusion.
Total Campsites46 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the lake are recommended for scenic views; wooded sites offer privacy and shade.
Best CampsitesPopular campsites include Site 035 for spaciousness and proximity to amenities, and Site 033 for privacy and stargazing.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Single sites allow one RV with tow vehicle or one vehicle per tent site. Additional vehicles may incur fees.
Groups
The group picnic area accommodates up to 25 people and includes tables, a campfire circle, and a grill.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are organized into loops, with shaded, private, and lakeside options.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground operates from May 23 to October 7 during the reservable season. Off-season use may have limited availability.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov and its associated channels.
Walk-in AvailabilityA few sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis during the non-reservable season.
Cancellation PolicyReservations may be canceled anytime before the arrival date. $10 cancellation fee applies, along with loss of reservation fees and potentially the first night's use fee for late cancellations.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors, including boating, fishing, hiking, and swimming. The peaceful lake and natural surroundings make it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking
The Van Winkle Lake loop trail is a 2-mile hiking trail that winds through a paper birch stand and provides scenic views of Van Winkle Lake. It is well-maintained and suitable for both walking and biking.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with smallmouth bass, bluegills, and perch being common catches. Some reviewers reported catching fish directly from the dock.Swimming
A designated beach area offers a swimming spot with clear and warm water. Some reviewers noted additional options for dog swimming nearby.Boating
The 60-acre Camp Seven Lake accommodates boating, with a launch ramp provided. The lake is ideal for small boats, and its quiet nature enhances the boating experience.Wildlife viewing
Visitors can observe a variety of waterfowl and wetland wildlife along the trails and lake area. The serene environment is conducive to wildlife spotting.Beach activities
The beach area is well-maintained and offers opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and playing in the sand.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are popular water sports here, with visitors enjoying the calm waters of the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood is available for purchase.
- Quiet hours are not specifically noted, but noise complaints suggest enforcement is inconsistent.
Hazards
General hazardsPotholes in campground roads, occasional flying gnats, and non-compliant pets off-leash can pose concerns for visitors.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are in Munising, which is 45 minutes away. Manistique may offer additional resources, including a hospital.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - October 7 (Peak Season)
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but numerous complaints highlight overflowing dumpsters and inadequate pickups, leading to unpleasant odors and attracting critters.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Camp Seven Lake, with a beach, docks, and a boat ramp. Van Winkle Lake trail offers additional water views.
Common complaintsVisitors often mention potholes, overflowing dumpsters, inconsistent cleaning of restrooms, and lack of leash law enforcement.
HostCampground hosts are generally helpful, offering firewood and ice. Some reports highlight inconsistent host attitudes and service quality.
Campground Map
P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI 49862, USA
Driving directionsThe campground is 8 miles east of Forest Highway 13 and County Road 442. Forest Highway 13 runs between Highway 2 and State Route 28.
Roads leading to the campground have notable potholes, creating challenges for some vehicles, especially those hauling campers. Seasonal conditions may exacerbate these issues.Nearby places
Garden Corners (20 miles), Munising (approximately 45 minutes), Manistique (30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Linda's Breadbox, approximately 15 minutes away, offers convenience store items. Firewood is available near the campground, and ice is sold by hosts, subject to availability.
Camper Reviews
4.3
60 reviews
Camp Seven Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback on Camp Seven Lake Campground is diverse, with many praising its quiet, scenic environment and large, private campsites. However, there are consistent complaints regarding road conditions, overflowing dumpsters, and inconsistent maintenance of the vault toilets.
Review Summaries
Based on 60 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers highlighted the serene lake, spacious and private campsites, clean environment, and friendly camp hosts. The Van Winkle hiking trail and the beach area are frequently praised.
Based on 60 reviewsCommon Concerns
The most common complaints include unmaintained roads filled with potholes, overflowing dumpsters, and poorly cleaned vault toilets. Some visitors also noted issues with unleashed dogs and noise from...
Based on 60 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own shower setup if needed, and be prepared for limited amenities like no dump station or sewer hookups. Firewood and ice can be conveniently purchased from the camp host. Ensure to drive...
Based on 60 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with visitors enjoying swimming, fishing, and hiking. Spring visitors noted issues with bugs such as gnats. Fall offers quieter stays but with reduced amenities.
Based on 60 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Quiet, secluded, & serene," "The lake was very clean with a very nice swimming beach," "Vault toilets had NO toilet paper all day Sunday," "Trash dumpster over full," "The vault restrooms were clean...
Based on 60 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Positive reviews often highlighted specific sites near the lake for their privacy and scenery, such as campsites 033 and 035. However, users also flagged issues like dumpsters near some sites causing...
Based on 60 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible vault toilets and paved walking trails are praised; however, complaints about maintenance and road conditions may deter some visitors with mobility challenges.
Based on 60 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
While pets are allowed, unleashed dogs were a recurring issue, with some reviewers noting aggressive behavior and lack of enforcement of leash rules.
Based on 60 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025