Round Lake
4.2940 reviews2180 Latham Road
Round Lake
$14.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$14.00
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
The recreation use fee for standard non-electric campsites is $14 per night during the peak season (May 15 to September 30). Reservation fees of $8-$9 may apply based on the booking method. Additional change or cancellation fees may also apply.
About this campground
Nestled within two peaceful loops, Round Lake Campground offers 33 secluded sites where the forest meets the water's edge. This hidden gem provides the only public gateway to the pristine 91-acre Round Lake, drawing anglers, swimmers, and paddlers seeking an authentic Michigan wilderness experience. Each thoughtfully spaced site comes equipped with its own picnic table and campfire ring, while vault toilets and regular garbage service ensure comfort without compromising the rustic charm. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or watching the sunset paint ripples across the lake, this wooded retreat promises the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility.
Round Lake Campground accommodates tent camping and RVs, with rustic sites divided into two loops. Group camping and cabins are not available.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Round Lake transforms into an outdoor paradise blessed with pleasantly moderate temperatures and predominantly clear, sunny skies. Summer days invite long hours on the water, while comfortable humidity levels make evening campfires and morning hikes equally enjoyable. The reliable weather patterns during peak season create ideal conditions for everything from lazy afternoon swims to early morning fishing expeditions.
Natural Features and SceneryRound Lake's 91 acres of crystal-clear water lie cradled in a basin of towering trees, creating an intimate natural amphitheater where wildlife thrives and serenity reigns. The surrounding forest canopy filters sunlight into dappled patterns on the sandy beaches that rim the lake's edge, while the rustic landscape remains largely untouched by development. As the sole public access point to this aquatic treasure, the campground serves as your personal gateway to secluded coves, hidden fishing spots, and stretches of shoreline where the only footprints in the sand might be your own.
Geological RegionSituated within the vast expanse of Michigan's Huron-Manistee National Forest, Round Lake Campground exemplifies the region's signature blend of dense woodlands and pristine waterways. The landscape tells the story of ancient glaciers that carved out this 91-acre jewel, leaving behind rolling terrain clothed in mixed hardwoods and evergreens. This corner of the national forest preserves the rustic character that has defined Michigan's north country for generations, offering campers an authentic taste of the Great Lakes State's natural heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe campsites are noted to be spacious, providing ample room for an extra tent, as stated by user Hollie M: "The campsites are large with plenty of room for an extra tent."
Sites PrivacyThe campsites offer varying levels of privacy, with some described as secluded. User Alyssa T mentioned, "We stayed at SPOT 9 and it was secluded from everyone."
Total Campsites33 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 7 is recommended for optimal lake views. Reviewers mention that Site 9 offers seclusion but has misleading lakefront photo descriptions.
Best CampsitesSite 7 is frequently praised for its lake views and spacious layout.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out must be completed by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights per reservation.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number of guests permitted to stay per site is unclear.
Groups
No group camping sites are available at Round Lake Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features two camping loops with a mix of tent and RV sites. Approximately a quarter of the sites have access to water.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground opens May 15 and closes September 30. Reservable start dates begin June 21.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or its contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly stated; reservable sites are highly prioritized.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before the check-in date incur a $10 fee plus reservation fees. Late cancellations for individual campsites (starting from midnight 1 calendar day before check-in) also forfeit the first night’s recreation use fee. Reservation changes outside the original dates may incur a $10 change fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Round Lake Campground provides diverse recreational opportunities including fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, bird watching, and hunting. It features a sandy beach and a gravel boat ramp.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available nearby, but some user reviews mentioned they require driving to access. User Judith M stated, "You also have to drive to find hiking trails."Fishing
Fishing is allowed, with opportunities to catch sunfish, bass, and pike. However, user Andrew B noted, "Fishing was not that great, definitely no lunkers in those lakes."Swimming
Swimming is possible at the sandy beach area; however, user Lily M found the swimming area small and crowded with boats: "The swimming area was really small and too many boats around."Biking
Biking is an enjoyable activity in and around the town according to user Andrew B: "Riding a bike around the town was cool."Boating
Users can engage in boating activities, with facilities such as a gravel boat ramp provided. Hollie M shared, "Love that you can drop a boat in and fish or paddle around in a kayak."Wildlife viewing
Bird watching opportunities are present, as mentioned in the authoritative material.Beach activities
Beach-related activities are possible at the sandy beach area, noted by users as relaxing and family-friendly.Cultural and Educational Programs
Nearby Lumberman's Monument Visitor's Center hosts educational programs, located less than 15 miles from the campground.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the authoritative resources or user reviews.Water Sports
Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities at Round Lake, as described by user Delanie M: "Had a great time! We got out on the kayaks it was beautiful and quiet."Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be kept within designated fire rings and must be extinguished before departure.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include gypsy moth infestations, as reported by campers. Vault toilets may emit strong odors during peak usage. Mosquitoes are prevalent, especially near the lake.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.2 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
Closest emergency services include Lumberman’s Monument Visitor’s Center, located less than 15 miles away, and local facilities in Tawas City.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15, 2025 - September 30, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided. Users are reminded to "pack it in, pack it out" and ensure campsites are left clean in accordance with park rules.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground provides direct access to Round Lake, with a gravel boat ramp and sandy beach area available.
Common complaintsFrequent issues include gypsy moth infestations and noisy neighbors during weekends. Other concerns mentioned are small tent setups, water quality issues, and latrine odors.
HostHosts are noted for maintaining clean facilities and marking reserved sites clearly.
Campground Map
2180 Latham Road
Driving directionsFrom the west, leave M-55 approximately 6 miles east of its intersection with M-65, turn north on Sand Lake Road for 3 miles to Indian Lake Road. Turn left and travel 2.5 miles to Latham Road, then left for 1/2 mile. From the east, leave M-55 at its intersection with Plank Road near Tawas City and follow Plank Road for 7 miles. Curve left on Indian Lake Road for 1/4 mile, then turn right on Latham Road for 1/2 mile.
The campground is accessible via paved roads for most of the route; however, the final stretch on Indian Lake Road and Latham Road may include narrower or rural roads which require careful navigation.Nearby places
Tawas City (~10 miles, ~15 minutes), Sand Lake (~2 miles, ~5 minutes), Au Sable (~15 miles, ~20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and fuel are available in the village of Sand Lake and nearby Tawas City.
Camper Reviews
4.3
40 reviews
Round Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm, spacious sites, and family-friendly atmosphere. However, seasonal issues such as gypsy moth infestations and noisy visitors were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 40 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the campground's cleanliness, scenic lake views, and spacious campsites. Many described it as peaceful and ideal for family outings.
Based on 40 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints included gypsy moth infestations during certain seasons, noisy campers, small swimming areas, smelly latrines, and lack of potable water at certain sites.
Based on 40 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
User recommendations included bringing bug spray for mosquitoes and gypsy moths, visiting nearby attractions like Lumberman's Monument, and selecting secluded sites such as #9 for privacy.
Based on 40 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are popular but may bring challenges like gypsy moth infestations and noisy campers. Quiet weekdays are preferred by some users.
Based on 40 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Rustic. Vault toilets and no electricity. Hand pumps for water." - Dawn Guiliani. "Love that you can drop a boat in and fish or paddle around in a kayak." - Hollie M. "We stayed at SPOT 9 and it was...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #9 was described as secluded and scenic. Site #7 was considered one of the best lake view sites. Site #13 had issues with proximity to smelly bathrooms. Site #1 was noted for being level and...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility-specific feedback is not provided in user reviews.
Based on 40 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
User Karen M noted the campground is "dog-friendly." Pets are allowed, but must be leashed at all times as per park rules.
Based on 40 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025