Benton Lake Campground
4.4115 reviews650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Benton Lake Campground
$16.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees range from $16 to $30 per night, depending on the season and site type. An additional fee of $10 is charged for extra vehicles.
About this campground
Nestled on the shores of a pristine 33-acre natural lake, Benton Lake Campground offers an authentic escape into Michigan's Manistee National Forest. This hidden gem invites you to cast a line into crystal-clear waters, take refreshing morning swims, or explore winding forest trails. As autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a haven for hunters, while summer visitors enjoy peaceful picnics beneath towering trees and the gentle lapping of lake waters against the shore.
The campground primarily caters to rustic camping enthusiasts, with a focus on tent camping and small RVs. All sites are first-come, first-served, and no reservations are accepted.
Historical SignificanceBefore welcoming campers to its tranquil shores, this land once echoed with the calls of domesticated turkeys from a thriving local farm. Today, this unique agricultural heritage adds another layer to the area's rich cultural tapestry, reminding visitors of the diverse ways humans have connected with this beautiful landscape throughout history.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full tapestry of Michigan's seasons at Benton Lake. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for cold-weather enthusiasts brave enough to face the freezing temperatures. As spring melts into summer, warm breezes rustle through the canopy while occasional afternoon showers refresh the forest and fill the air with the earthy scent of rain-soaked leaves.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 760 feet above sea level, Benton Lake Campground offers the perfect balance of accessibility and natural immersion. This moderate elevation creates ideal conditions for comfortable camping while maintaining the authentic wilderness atmosphere that draws visitors seeking respite from lowland heat and humidity.
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of mature mixed hardwoods creates a natural sanctuary around Benton Lake, where dappled sunlight filters through the dense canopy to dance across the forest floor. The rich, loamy soil tells the story of centuries of fallen leaves, though it can transform into a muddy adventure after rainfall. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in spotting deer at dawn, listening to songbirds throughout the day, and watching the lake's surface ripple with fish at sunset.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Huron-Manistee National Forests, Benton Lake showcases nature's artistry through its diverse ecosystem of mature mixed hardwoods thriving in nutrient-rich loamy soil. The centerpiece 33-acre natural lake serves as a testament to the region's glacial past, offering a window into Michigan's geological heritage while providing endless recreation opportunities for modern adventurers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair-friendly. No additional accessibility features were mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as spacious and able to accommodate multiple vehicles or larger tents.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are well spread out, providing a good level of privacy to campers.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommend choosing sites away from heavy generator-use areas for a quieter experience. Lake-facing sites offer the best views.
Best CampsitesCampsites along the lake shore are popular for their proximity to water and scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Open 24 hours
- check-in begins upon arrival.
Check-out
Standard check-out time aligns with forest quiet hours.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is limited to 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Guest limits are decided per site. Permits are required for large groups over 75 people.
Groups
There is no specific information about group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutComposed of two loops along the shore of Benton Lake. Sites include picnic tables and fire pits with grill attachments.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 4 through September 14.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are available for this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. Availability may vary during peak hunting and camping seasons.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservations available; sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Benton Lake Campground offers several recreational activities close to nature. The primary attractions include fishing, swimming, and hiking. The campground is also a popular destination during hunting season.
Hiking
The North Country National Scenic Trail is located only two miles from the campground entrance, providing opportunities for nature walks and trekking.Fishing
Benton Lake is well-stocked with northern pike, black bass, bluegills, sunfish, perch, and dogfish, making it a good spot for anglers.Swimming
Swimming is permitted in Benton Lake, but a user review notes that while the lake is better for fishing and kayaking, it still provides opportunities for swimming.Boating
Benton Lake allows power boating as well as non-motorized boating. There is a boat ramp available for access.Wildlife viewing
The natural surroundings of the National Forest provide opportunities for observing local wildlife. No specific details about species or recommended viewing areas are provided.Winter Activities
The campground is not maintained during winter, so activities like snowshoeing or ice fishing would need to be self-supported.Water Sports
Kayaking and other non-power water sports are permitted on Benton Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire pits at each site.
- Quiet hours are Forest quiet hours apply; however, enforcement has been inconsistent according to reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include soggy soil after rain, wildlife such as bears, and the risk of generators disturbing tranquility.
Active alertsNo current active alerts.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.3 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
Nearest emergency services are in Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station, located approximately 20 miles away in Baldwin, MI.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 6 - September 5.
Trash and recyclingThere is no mention of trash or recycling facilities at the campground, so campers should plan to pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresSituated directly on Benton Lake, providing access to fishing, boating, and limited swimming.
Common complaintsComplaints include disturbances caused by campers running generators, limited facilities for RVs, and the small swimming area.
HostCampground host is available but has received mixed reviews regarding quiet hours and generator usage.
Campground Map
650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Driving directionsFrom White Cloud - Travel north on M-37 for 10.5 miles. Turn left and travel west on Pierce Dr. for 5 miles. The site is located on the right.
Site is accessible via paved roads but requires navigating a gravel road on Pierce Drive. Road conditions may vary, and some sections are not plowed during winter.Nearby places
White Cloud (Approx. 15.5 miles, 25 minutes), Baldwin (Approx. 20 miles, 30 minutes), Brohman (Approx. 4.5 miles, 10 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest grocery store and supplies can be found in White Cloud, MI (approx. 15.5 miles away). Fuel stations are also available in White Cloud and Baldwin.
Camper Reviews
4.4
15 reviews
Benton Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews present a mixed but overall positive impression of Benton Lake Campground. Campers appreciate the peaceful, rustic atmosphere, spacious sites, and proximity to recreational activities. Complaints are largely focused on the noise from generators, which some felt disrupted the serene environment.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the campground's clean facilities, friendly staff, spacious campsites, and excellent fishing opportunities. Many users praised the natural, rustic feel.
Based on 15 reviewsCommon Concerns
Key issues raised in reviews include noise from generators, including one instance where the camp host ran a generator for their air conditioning, resulting in complaints about noise pollution. Some...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray and your own potable water. Consider visiting during the off-season for a quieter experience. Reviewers also recommend fishing and kayaking on the lake.
Based on 15 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is most popular during hunting season and summer months, with many reviews noting increased activity during these times. Off-season visits are quieter but come with limited amenities...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Absolutely love this campground! If you're looking for a rustic campground with an amazing lake for fishing or frog hunting, then this is the place for you.' - Spring River
2. 'The lake is...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsites are not mentioned, but users generally highlight the spacious and clean nature of the sites.
Based on 15 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility beyond the mention of wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed on leashes, and user reviews confirm that the campground is pet-friendly.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025