Sulak Campground
4.5127 reviews650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Sulak Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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 at Sulak Campground is free. No fees are required for this site.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Sulak Campground beckons those seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience. This hidden gem offers the increasingly rare gift of free, first-come-first-served camping in a pristine wilderness setting. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, tracking game through ancient forests, or gathering your family around a crackling campfire, Sulak provides the perfect basecamp for outdoor adventures. While the amenities are refreshingly simple—fire rings, picnic tables, and a vault toilet—the memories you'll create here are anything but basic.
Sulak Campground primarily offers primitive camping facilities. It is a rustic site with no modern amenities, making it suitable for adventurers seeking a back-to-basics camping experience.
Historical SignificanceSulak Campground rests within the storied Manistee National Forest, a testament to America's conservation legacy. These protected lands have witnessed centuries of change—from ancient forests that sheltered Native American tribes to the logging era that nearly stripped them bare, and finally to their restoration as a cherished public treasure. Today, camping here connects you to this rich tapestry of natural and human history.
Weather and SeasonsSulak Campground transforms with the seasons, offering unique experiences throughout the year. Spring brings wildflowers and rushing waters, summer welcomes warm nights under star-filled skies, and autumn paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons. During the off-season, the campground embraces its wild side—facilities close and maintenance pauses, allowing nature to reclaim its domain. Winter adventurers should note that access roads and parking areas remain unplowed, creating opportunities for those equipped for snow camping and solitude.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery, the campground's position within Michigan's rolling forest landscape provides gentle terrain perfect for exploration and relaxation.
Natural Features and SceneryThe crown jewel of Sulak's setting is its proximity to the Pere Marquette National Scenic River, whose pristine waters have earned federal protection for their exceptional beauty and ecological importance. Dense forests create a living cathedral overhead, where sunlight filters through ancient canopies and wildlife thrives in abundance. From the haunting call of barred owls at dusk to the splash of river otters at play, the campground immerses you in a world where nature still reigns supreme.
Geological RegionSulak Campground occupies a special place where the Pere Marquette National Scenic River winds through the vast Huron-Manistee National Forests. This remarkable geological region showcases Michigan's diverse landscapes—from river valleys carved by glacial meltwater to moraines and sandy soils that tell the story of ice ages past. The interplay of water and forest creates a dynamic ecosystem that has captivated visitors for generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly mentioned. The rustic nature and remote location of the campground may pose challenges for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites are described as large and spacious. One user review mentioned that the sites are big enough for a 30-foot travel trailer.
Sites PrivacyCampsites provide some privacy from the main gravel road, but campers may still notice their neighbors. According to one user: 'All the sites (USFS only) have some privacy from the main gravel road, but you do notice your neighbors.'
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are well-spaced and offer privacy, though proximity to neighbors is noted.
Best CampsitesNone specified.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open all day
Check-out
Open all day
Stay Limit
No specified limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specified limits on guests.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutTwelve sites spread across forested terrain, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 - October 31.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations required, first-come-first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll twelve campsites are walk-up and first-come-first-serve.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as the site is free and first-come-first-serve.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sulak Campground provides a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing and hiking. The nearby Pere Marquette River is a popular spot for anglers. Additionally, there are trails leading to the river for hiking.
Hiking
Trails are available for hiking, including one that leads to the Pere Marquette River. Specific details about trail lengths or difficulty levels are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is a highlight of this campground due to its proximity to the Pere Marquette River. This river is well-known for its fishing opportunities. As one user stated, 'Great place to camp & fish.'Boating
The campground has a boat launch located at the far east of the site, making it a convenient spot for boating enthusiasts. According to one user review, 'The boat launch is located at the far east of the site and cars and boats were coming and going until dark.'Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant near the campground. According to one user, 'Wildlife is abundant, so use common sense or else the bears, squirrels, etc will be into your lunch!'Winter Activities
This site is not maintained during the winter months, and no winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Kayaking opportunities exist due to the campground's proximity to the Pere Marquette River. A user expressed their regret for not bringing kayaks: 'Wish we had kayaks!'Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within fire rings.
- Quiet hours are No specified quiet hours, but user reviews mention noise ceases by bedtime.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as bears and squirrels may pose risks. Some user reviews mention issues with road conditions during rain.
Active alertsNone specified.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 67%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.6 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, approximately 10 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch-April and September-October are noted as busy periods from user reviews.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the source materials. Campers are advised to pack out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresShort, 0.25-mile walk to the Pere Marquette River.
Common complaintsComplaints about rain turning the area muddy ('turns to soup'), lack of stocked toilet paper, and brightness/music from neighbors affecting privacy.
HostNo camp host information provided.
Campground Map
650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Driving directionsFrom Baldwin, travel west on 52nd St. for 8.5 miles. Turn right and travel north on S. Branch Rd. for 2.5 miles. The site is located on the right.
Accessible via gravel roads. The bridge over the river was noted as being closed during late June, requiring campers to approach from the south.Nearby places
Baldwin: Approximately 10 miles
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies found in Baldwin, approximately 10 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
27 reviews
Sulak Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Sulak Campground receives positive reviews for its rustic charm, spacious sites, and proximity to the Pere Marquette River. Common themes include its suitability for fishing, hunting, and family camping. However, some users noted issues such as overcrowding, lack of stocked facilities, and disruptive local traffic.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praised the spaciousness of the sites, the availability of fire rings and picnic tables, and the campground's proximity to the Pere Marquette River. Comments like 'Great little rustic...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Issues raised by users include the lack of amenities such as potable water and stocked vault toilets. Overcrowding during peak seasons and disruptive local traffic were also noted. One user stated,...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early to secure a spot as the campground can fill up quickly. It's also advised to bring all necessary supplies, including toilet paper and potable water. One user...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during the peak fishing seasons of March-April and September-October. Off-season visits may be more peaceful but come with limitations like unmaintained facilities and road...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Great free place to camp when spots are open, however when it rains everything turns to soup.' 2. 'Wildlife is abundant, so use common sense or else the bears, squirrels, etc will be into your...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific information indicates that all 12 sites are equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. Sites are first-come, first-serve, and can accommodate a 30-foot trailer.
Based on 27 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not explicitly addressed in user reviews, but the rustic nature of the campground may pose challenges for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 27 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
User reviews do not explicitly mention pet policies or experiences with pets at the campground.
Based on 27 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025