Hovey Lake Campsites
4.1310 reviewsHovey Lake Campsites
$3.00 - $8.00 / 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
Fees for campsite reservations vary based on the method of payment: $8 for online reservations, $9 for contact center reservations, and $3 for in-person reservations.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the serene wilderness, Hovey Lake Campsites offer a tranquil escape where families can disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. Each thoughtfully placed campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, creating the perfect basecamp for your outdoor adventures. While the peaceful waters beckon paddlers to explore every hidden cove, the lake's shallow, soft-bottomed character makes it a paradise for canoeists and kayakers rather than swimmers. Here, the loudest sounds you'll hear are the gentle splash of paddles and the evening chorus of wildlife settling in for the night.
Hovey Lake Campsites offers primitive camping options with 4 designated sites. The area is rustic and ideal for self-sufficient campers.
Weather and SeasonsWinter's grip holds tight through early spring at Hovey Lake, where mid-April visitors have encountered snow drifts reaching two feet deep. During these colder months, temperatures can dip as low as 15.8°F, climbing to a brisk 26°F on warmer days. The crisp, dry air and moderate 9.6 mph winds create perfect conditions for those seeking a true winter camping experience. As seasons change, the landscape transforms from a snow-blanketed wonderland to a verdant haven for warm-weather adventurers.
ElevationNo elevation data provided.
Natural Features and SceneryHovey Lake rewards patient anglers with impressive northern pike, feisty black bass, and abundant panfish hiding beneath its calm surface. For bird enthusiasts, the shoreline serves as a natural amphitheater where countless species perform their daily rituals. Whether you're gliding silently through morning mist in your kayak or watching sunset paint the water in shades of gold from your canoe, the lake's scenic beauty creates moments that linger long after you've returned home.
Geological RegionNestled on the eastern shore of Hovey Lake, these campsites occupy a special place where the headwaters of the Indian Wild and Scenic River begin their journey. The surrounding Hiawatha National Forest embraces the area with ancient trees and diverse ecosystems. While the lake's characteristically shallow waters and soft, mucky bottom tell the story of centuries of natural sediment accumulation, they also create the perfect habitat for the abundant wildlife that calls this pristine wilderness home.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options for individuals with disabilities were not mentioned.
Sites SizeEach site is suitable for standard tent camping and small setups.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites offer a quiet and isolated experience, although some reviews mention crowding during peak times.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended Campsites"If you see multiple cars in a site," advises user Andrea Braatz, "you may want to invest in a site at a nearby campground instead." User Roc recommends bringing bug spray and toilet paper.
Best CampsitesUser J B describes "great lakeside sites" with "fire rings and picnic tables," though only four are marked as dispersed.
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site is equipped with a table and fire ring, but no specific limit on guests per site is mentioned.
Groups
Group camping is not available at this site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThere are four dispersed campsites, each equipped with a table and fire ring.
Reservation PlatformsCamping is free and managed on a first-come-first-served basis, not requiring reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come-first-served; no reservations required.
Cancellation PolicyCamping here is first-come-first-served. Cancellation policies for reserved campsites do not apply.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers at Hovey Lake can enjoy birdwatching, canoeing, and fishing. The serene setting makes it ideal for relaxation. However, the lake is not suitable for swimming due to its shallow and mucky conditions.
Fishing
The lake offers fishing opportunities for northern pike, black bass, panfish, and trout. According to the official description, the lake serves as the headwaters of the Indian Wild and Scenic River, which is known for good trout fishing.Boating
A carry-in boat access is available near the campground entrance, making it easy to launch canoes and kayaks. Reviewers highlighted the ease of launching watercraft and the scenic paddling experience.Wildlife viewing
The secluded and natural setting offers opportunities for birdwatching, as noted in the official description.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, although one review notes that the area is covered in snow during winter months, making access challenging.Water Sports
The lake is well-suited for non-motorized water sports like canoeing and kayaking, as noted in the official description and user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Each site has a fire ring.
- Quiet hours are None explicitly mentioned, though Andrea Braatz notes late-night noise.
Hazards
General hazards"There are a lot of mosquitoes at night," notes user Roc. "The lake is mucky and shallow," which limits swimming opportunities but is suitable for kayaking.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.1 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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific information was provided about trash and recycling facilities. However, one review mentioned that some visitors do not respect the land, implying a need for stricter oversight.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Hovey Lake, offering carry-in boat access and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsComplaints include mosquitoes, difficulty accessing the campground, and late-night noise from campers partying, as noted by Andrea Braatz.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom the intersection of M-28 and M-94 drive southwest on M-94 6.4 miles to Forest Road 2254. Turn left (south) and drive 4 miles southeast on FR 2254 to Forest Road 2473. Turn right (south) on 2473 and drive 0.5 mile to FR 2367 where you turn right (west) and continue to the campsites.
"Review by Ashley Tuminella states: "This place was not easy to find." Reviewer Nissim Mashmoor mentions that it is "Very hard to get to" and "complicated" if pulling an RV. These reviews suggest that access may be challenging, especially for larger vehicles."Camper Reviews
4.1
10 reviews
Hovey Lake Campsites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's serene lakeside setting and opportunities for canoeing and fishing. However, they also mention issues such as mosquitoes, noise from other campers, and the lake's unsuitability for swimming.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers praised the peaceful atmosphere, scenic lake views, and good fishing and canoeing opportunities. One user specifically mentioned the "beautiful small lake to paddle around the perimeter and...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some visitors cited issues with noise from late-night parties, an abundance of mosquitoes, and the lake's mucky bottom, which makes it unsuitable for swimming. A reviewer noted that "free camping...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring mosquito repellent and toilet paper, as the facilities are basic. It's also recommended to avoid the busiest times if seeking a quiet experience. According to one user,...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Mosquitoes are a notable issue during warmer months. Winter camping is challenging due to deep snow, as one user described walking to the site after their car couldn't access it.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nice lake, not as busy as others in the area," said one reviewer, while another highlighted, "The campground was amazing, it was clean and everyone was very friendly." However, one user said, "Very...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One review noted that each site has a picnic table and fire ring, although one site was missing a fire ring. Another user mentioned that the campground was full in late July, with some campers...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressed accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressed pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025