Condon Lakes West
3.957 reviews650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Condon Lakes West
$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
Condon Lakes West Campground is a USFS site and does not charge camping fees. Free camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
About this campground
Tucked within the sprawling wilderness of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Condon Lakes West beckons adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry escape. This intimate dispersed camping area, featuring just six secluded sites along the shores of a pristine small lake, serves as a gateway to nature's bounty. Whether you're scanning the forest floor for prized morel mushrooms, filling baskets with wild berries, casting a line into the tranquil waters, or tracking game through the dense woodlands, this rustic retreat offers the perfect basecamp for those who prefer their camping experiences untamed and peaceful.
Condon Lakes West Campground is a dispersed camping site with no fees, offering five to seven campsites according to user reviews.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this particular spot may be quiet, the land whispers stories of generations who have sought solitude and sustenance in these woods.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Condon Lakes West with its own distinct palette. Summer arrives with golden sunshine filtering through the canopy and warm breezes rippling across the lake's surface, creating ideal conditions for water activities and evening campfires. As autumn approaches, crisp air and brilliant foliage transform the forest into a photographer's paradise, though occasional rain showers add drama to the landscape. Winter blankets the area in serene snow, turning the campground into a frozen wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here. Spring emerges with wildflowers, migrating birds, and that sweet spot of mild temperatures perfect for mushroom hunting, though muddy trails and April showers remind visitors to pack accordingly.
ElevationThe gentle terrain of this Michigan forest setting creates an accessible wilderness experience for campers of all abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mist rising from a mirror-smooth lake, surrounded by towering hardwoods and evergreens that shelter deer, wild turkey, and countless songbirds. The intimate scale of this small lake creates a sense of private paradise, where morning paddlers might have the water entirely to themselves. Forest trails wind through the undergrowth, revealing hidden groves perfect for mushroom hunting and secret fishing spots known only to regular visitors. This pristine pocket of wilderness offers the kind of unspoiled natural beauty that feels increasingly rare in our modern world.
Geological RegionNestled within the 3,300-acre expanse of the Huron-Manistee National Forests in Newaygo County, this region showcases Michigan's characteristic blend of mixed hardwood and coniferous forests interspersed with jewel-like lakes. The landscape, carved by ancient glaciers, has created the perfect conditions for the small kettle lakes and rolling hills that define this area. Condon Lake itself exemplifies these geological gifts, offering clear waters surrounded by the rich, diverse ecosystem that makes Michigan's national forests a treasure for outdoor enthusiasts seeking dispersed camping opportunities away from developed recreation areas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information was provided about accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeUser reviews consistently describe the campsites as small. Peter Claybaker states that there are five campsites and describes the campground as 'small simple,' providing additional context.
Sites Privacy"The sites themselves are within eye-site of each other and do not offer much privacy," according to user Kevin L.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPrivacy may be a concern as all campsites are within sight of each other. Visitors seeking a quieter experience should consider weekdays when fewer campers are likely.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers are not mentioned, but all six sites are similar in features.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours.
Check-out
Open 24 hours.
Stay Limit
No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (up to 74 people).
Guests Allowed Per Site
No maximum guest limit per site is specified.
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of six dispersed campsites near the lake. A vault toilet is available.
Open and Closed SeasonThis campground is open from May 1 to October 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; camping operates on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come-first-serve, with no reservations. Visitors report limited availability due to popularity.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system is available; all sites are free and first-come-first-serve.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting are identified as popular activities, with mushroom and berry picking also highlighted in authoritative sources.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are mentioned in authoritative sources, which list backpacking and day hikes as options. Detailed trail information is not provided.Fishing
Fishing (lake, pond, and ice fishing) is explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources. User Rebecca Sabin adds that 'just went fishing. Lots of nibbles but nothing to take home fishing on the shore.'Winter Activities
The campground allows ice fishing during the winter season.Water Sports
No specific water sports beyond fishing and boating were mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire policies are not explicitly stated, but campers should follow standard forest fire safety regulations.
- Quiet hours are not formally established, though disruptive noise has been noted by reviewers.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include the sandy, non-paved access road and occasional loud gunshots heard in the area, as noted by some visitors. Wildlife interaction and lack of potable water are additional considerations.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 49%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.5 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
The Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station is the closest emergency service for assistance and inquiries. For medical emergencies, details about nearby hospitals are not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season typically aligns with the open season (May 1–October 31).
Trash and recycling"No garbage collection. Carry out what you bring in," specified by Peter Claybaker, indicating campers must manage their own waste and recycling.
Proximity to water featuresCondon Lake is directly adjacent to the campground, offering opportunities for fishing from the shore or via the boat launch.
Common complaintsReviews highlight the lack of privacy, noisy and disrespectful behavior from some visitors, and the appearance of long-term campers creating a 'homeless camp' vibe.
HostNo campground host is mentioned.
Campground Map
650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Driving directionsAccess the campground via Algers Road/Forest Road 5536. The road is sandy and non-paved, which may require a capable vehicle like a Jeep for easier navigation. Parking is available for up to 3 vehicles, including trailers.
Road access is via Algers Road/Forest Road 5536, which is sandy and unpaved. The road may be challenging for less capable vehicles due to its condition. Seasonal closures are not mentioned in the sources.Nearby places
Baldwin is the nearest city, approximately null miles away. Distances to other nearby population centers are not specified.
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be acquired from Baldwin, the nearest town. Specific details about grocery stores, fuel stations, or camping supply shops are not provided.
Camper Reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Condon Lakes West has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe the area as peaceful but with limited privacy and occasional disturbances. The vault toilet and free camping are appreciated, but some users criticize the lack of amenities and poor behavior of other campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Free camping, peaceful surroundings, and opportunities for fishing are noted as positives. Quotes like 'A hidden gem. Beautiful forest with small lake,' by Rebecca Sabin emphasize the appeal of the...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include poor privacy, disturbances such as gunshots, and improper behavior by other campers. Kristina Elkins writes, 'The other people there were so loud and extremely trashy with no...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend arriving early to secure a site, as noted by Chase Bueche: 'It's free, but limited sites.'
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months appear popular, but visitors report disturbances and crowded conditions during high season. Winter allows for ice fishing but lacks extensive reviews.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The sites themselves are within eye-site of each other and do not offer much privacy.' (Kevin L) 2. 'Free camping, first come first serve.' (Rebecca Sabin) 3. 'Looks like a homeless camp.' (Boo...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground features five to seven campsites, as noted by multiple users. No specific site numbers or rankings were provided.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific mentions of accessibility experiences were found in user reviews.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information about pet policies or experiences was provided.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025