Brush Lake Campground
4.1814 reviewsBrush Lake, Huron-Manistee National Forests
Brush Lake Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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 are $10.00 per night for a single site. Payments must be made using cash or checks.
About this campground
Escape to the untamed wilderness of Brush Lake Campground, where primitive camping meets pristine natural beauty deep within the National Forest System lands. This off-grid sanctuary beckons those who seek authentic outdoor experiences—from dawn anglers casting lines into mirror-still waters to hunters tracking game through ancient forests, and wildlife enthusiasts discovering the rich tapestry of creatures that call this remote haven home.
Brush Lake Campground caters to primitive and tent camping enthusiasts, with limitations for larger RVs due to challenging access conditions.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this secluded campground remains as quiet as its peaceful shores, the land itself tells countless stories through its ancient trees and undisturbed wilderness, inviting visitors to create their own legacy of outdoor memories.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Brush Lake with its own distinctive palette. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and warming breezes, while summer transforms the landscape into a verdant paradise perfect for lakeside adventures. Autumn steals the show as the surrounding hardwoods burst into a spectacular display of crimson, gold, and amber. Winter brings a hushed tranquility to the campground, though adventurers should note that roads remain unplowed and facilities unmaintained during the snowy months, creating a true backcountry experience.
ElevationNestled at the gentle elevations characteristic of Michigan's northern forests, the campground offers comfortable camping conditions throughout the warmer months, though specific elevation details await discovery by those who venture here.
Natural Features and SceneryBrush Lake serves as the crown jewel of this wilderness retreat, its pristine waters reflecting the endless canopy of surrounding National Forest. Here, where civilization yields to nature's design, visitors find themselves immersed in an unspoiled landscape where morning mist dances across the lake's surface and evening brings a symphony of wilderness sounds. The untouched beauty reaches its crescendo in autumn, when the forest erupts in a breathtaking display of fall foliage that transforms the campground into nature's own masterpiece.
Geological RegionCradled within the expansive embrace of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Brush Lake Campground occupies a special corner of Michigan's geological heritage. This protected landscape, shaped by ancient glaciers and nurtured by centuries of forest growth, offers visitors a glimpse into the region's natural history. The serene lake environment, completely surrounded by National Forest System lands, provides an uninterrupted wilderness experience where the only boundaries are the horizons of forest and sky.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information about accessibility features is available.
Sites SizeReviewers have noted challenges with accessing certain sites due to road conditions and the presence of berms, suggesting uneven access for larger vehicles.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is minimal according to user reviews, as one noted, 'If there were more people camping it would probably be much louder and there's not much privacy.'
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSmaller rigs recommended due to narrow roads and berms at site entrances (Corianne Kellems, Juan Pottin).
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite numbers are indicated as being particularly popular.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No official check-in time provided.
Check-out
No official check-out time provided.
Stay Limit
Camping restricted to 8 people and 2 dwellings per site as per user input.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Campground rules limit each campsite to 8 people.
Groups
No details about group camping sites are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes looped turnarounds, as noted by users.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 to October 31 annually.
Reservation PlatformsNo online reservation platform mentioned. Payment is via honor system.
Walk-in AvailabilityYes, based on honor system payment drop box. "I believe it's an honor system payment set up," user Jake Smith.
Cancellation PolicyNo details on cancellation policies provided.
Amenities available
Cell phone service
Activities you can enjoy
The Brush Lake Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for anglers, hunters, and those interested in wildlife viewing. The lake and its surrounding areas provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Fishing
Fishing is noted as a major activity. One reviewer shared, 'The lake is nice, but there are a lot of turtles that can make fishing difficult if you're not careful to avoid them.'Swimming
Swimming is mentioned as an available activity in the authoritative content, though there are no further details about designated areas or safety.Boating
Boating is highlighted as a key activity, with motorized and non-motorized options available. The site has a drive-in boat launch on the eastern shore and a smaller carry-in boat launch within the campground.Wildlife viewing
The area is a popular wildlife viewing site and a recommended stop for observing fall colors.Winter Activities
The campground is not maintained during the winter season, with no plowed access roads or toilet facilities.Water Sports
Opportunities for motorized and non-motorized boating are available, though descriptions of other water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned.
- Quiet hours are No quiet hours specified.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are prevalent during warmer months, as mentioned by Jerry Wontorcik. Turtles in the lake can pose challenges for fishing (Madalynn Lefler).
Weather forecast
55
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station and District located at 650 North Michigan Ave., Baldwin, MI 49304. Phone: (231) 745-4631. Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (closed on federal holidays).
Good to know
Peak season datesApproximately Memorial Day to Labor Day considered popular dates based on user feedback.
Trash and recyclingThere is no specific mention of trash or recycling facilities in the campground's description or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresBrush Lake is the main water feature, providing opportunities for fishing, non-motorized boating, and wildlife observation.
Common complaintsSome users mention maintenance concerns about overgrown trees and grass (Corianne Kellems). Others cite a lack of privacy and noise when the campground is crowded (Madalynn Lefler, Lori Hilborn).
HostNo hosts are explicitly mentioned.
Campground Map
Brush Lake, Huron-Manistee National Forests
Driving directionsFrom White Cloud - Travel north on M-37 for 2.5 miles. Turn right and travel east on Monroe St./Old M-20 for 6 miles. Turn left and travel north on Poplar Ave. for 3.5 miles. Turn right and travel east on 6 Mile Rd. for 1.5 miles. Turn right and travel south on FR 5534, road terminates at site.
The campground is accessible via a combination of paved and dirt roads. "The county road is paved and only the last mile to the forest road turn-off is dirt" (Jerry Wontorcik). "The forest road is one lane but maybe only a 1/2 mile back to the campground" (Jerry Wontorcik). Seasonal considerations include no plowing during winter.Nearby places
White Cloud, MI (Approximately 13 miles, 20 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are likely available in the nearest town, White Cloud, MI, approximately 13 miles away. No specific stores are mentioned in the provided data.
Camper Reviews
4.2
14 reviews
Brush Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Brush Lake Campground are mixed, highlighting its peaceful and scenic environment while also pointing out maintenance issues and challenges for RV campers. Some users appreciated the rustic and quiet nature, while others criticized the prevalence of mosquitoes and overgrown vegetation.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the serene and natural setting, affordable $10 per night fee, good Verizon cell signal, and the campground's appeal for fishing and boating.
Based on 14 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent complaints focus on unmaintained and overgrown sites, mosquitoes, lack of privacy, and difficulties for larger RVs due to narrow roads and uneven sites.
Based on 14 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users suggest bringing bug spray and mosquito nets, and advise that the campground is best suited for smaller rigs and tent camping. One reviewer recommended a weed whacker or lawn mower to manage...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
In peak season (May to October), the campground was described as peaceful but could become crowded and noisy with more visitors. Winter reviews highlight its lack of maintenance and accessibility...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Good Verizon signal, 6 OTA TV channels.' 2. 'Brush lake campground is beautifal peaceful cheap and worth the 10 dollar a night fee.' 3. 'My family has been camping here for 50+ YEARS! It’s...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback indicates challenges for larger RVs. One user stated, 'Found only 1 spot that could barely fit us.' Another noted, 'There is a 12" to 14" berm up to the roadway.'
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews from users with disabilities were encountered.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No pet-related reviews were found.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025