Wagner Lake Campground
4.3713 reviewsWagner Lake Rd, Mio, MI 48647, USA
Wagner Lake Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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 campground charges $15 per night for single sites. No additional amenities or discounts were mentioned.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Michigan's pristine wilderness, Wagner Lake Campground offers an intimate escape where time slows down and nature takes center stage. This hidden gem cradles a crystalline 26-acre spring-fed lake within a tapestry of mature hardwood forest, creating a sanctuary that whispers rather than shouts its charms. The campground's thoughtfully terraced sites cascade gently toward the water's edge, each offering its own private window to the lake's tranquil beauty. Here, anglers cast their lines into waters that mirror the sky, swimmers find refreshment in the lake's pure depths, and those seeking solitude discover it in the rustling leaves and gentle lapping of waves against the shore.
Wagner Lake Campground is designed for tent camping and combines sites, but it does not offer RV pull-throughs or primitive camping features.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this peaceful haven remains unwritten in formal documents, the land itself tells stories through ancient trees and worn paths that speak of generations who have found solace in these woods.
Weather and SeasonsFrom the tender awakening of spring through the golden farewell of autumn, Wagner Lake transforms with the seasons like a living canvas. Summer days unfold with comfortable warmth, temperatures climbing to a pleasant 80°F—perfect for lakeside lounging and forest exploration. Spring arrives with a symphony of birdsong and wildflowers, though evenings call for an extra layer around the campfire. As autumn paints the hardwoods in brilliant amber and crimson, crisp mornings give way to mild afternoons ideal for hiking. While summer's warmth brings out nature's smaller residents—including mosquitoes—savvy campers come prepared and find the minor inconvenience a small price for such unspoiled beauty.
ElevationPerched at 1,420 feet above sea level, Wagner Lake occupies a sweet spot in Michigan's varied topography—high enough to catch cooling breezes on summer evenings, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping throughout the season.
Natural Features and SceneryWagner Lake emerges like a sapphire set in emerald, its spring-fed waters maintaining remarkable clarity throughout the season. The surrounding National Forest lands create an unbroken canopy of mixed hardwoods—majestic oaks, soaring maples, and stately beeches—that filter sunlight into a soft, dappled glow. The campground's terraced design works in harmony with the natural landscape, allowing each site to feel both connected to and separate from its neighbors. Morning mists rise from the lake's surface like nature's own theater curtain, revealing the day's first scenes of herons stalking the shallows and deer coming to drink at water's edge.
Geological RegionSet within the vast expanse of the Huron-Manistee National Forest, Wagner Lake occupies a unique geological niche where ancient glacial activity carved out a natural basin now filled by pristine spring water. The surrounding mixed hardwood forest thrives on the rich soils deposited over millennia, while the campground's terraced sites follow the natural contours sculpted by time and water. This spring-fed oasis maintains its water levels naturally, creating a reliable aquatic ecosystem that supports both recreation and wildlife throughout the camping season.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites are described as large and roomy for a USFS campground.
Sites PrivacySome campsites offer privacy with spacing between sites, while others are terraced up a hillside overlooking Wagner Lake.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose terraced sites for better lake views and privacy. Campsites are noted for their spaciousness.
Best CampsitesSite #2 is described as tucked away and offering privacy. Site #5 provides a great camping spot with lake views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No information provided.
Groups
No group sites are mentioned in the source materials.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutTerraced sites provide varied elevation levels and lake views. All 12 sites include picnic tables and fire grilles.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 1 to November 30.
Reservation PlatformsNo online or phone reservations available; sites are walk-up only.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only with no reservation system in place.
Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly stated, but reservations are not required.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Wagner Lake Campground offers a handful of activities including fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. The spring-fed lake makes it ideal for quiet water activities like kayaking and fishing. Despite its small size, the lake offers good opportunities for catching bluegill, bass, and perch.
Fishing
Fishing is available on Wagner Lake, known for good bluegill, bass, and perch fishing. User reviews describe the experience as enjoyable but note that fish sizes may vary.Swimming
Swimming is permitted in Wagner Lake. User reviews highlight the lake as small but clear.Boating
Boating is allowed, but only non-motorized or electric-motor boats are permitted due to the lake's size and spring-fed nature.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned. The campground operates seasonally from May 1 to November 30.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and fishing are available. Power boating is limited to electric motors only due to the lake's size.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire grilles provided at each campsite.
- Quiet hours are Forest quiet hours apply but specific times are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes can be significant during the summer. No direct access to OHV trails from the campground.
Active alertsNo active alerts reported.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
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
Mio Ranger Station (107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647; Phone: 989-826-3252)
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1–September 3 (based on seasonal comments)
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to Wagner Lake, a spring-fed, 26-acre lake suitable for fishing and non-motorized boating.
Common complaintsReviews frequently mention noise from generators, particularly at night, despite quiet hour rules. Mosquito infestations are also noted.
HostNot specified.
Campground Map
Wagner Lake Rd, Mio, MI 48647, USA
Driving directionsFrom Grayling: Travel east on M-72 for 30 miles. Turn right and travel south on M-33 for 7 miles. Turn right and travel west on Wagner Lake Rd. for 1 mile. The site is located on the left.
The campground is located off Wagner Lake Rd, accessible via paved roads. Seasonal closures occur, with a gate present when closed.Nearby places
Grayling (30 miles, approximately 40 minutes), Mio (8 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Mio has general stores, fuel stations, and supply shops approximately 8 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Wagner Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the peacefulness and rustic nature of Wagner Lake Campground. Positive sentiments focus on its quiet atmosphere and clean facilities, while complaints center around generator usage and mosquitoes.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Users describe the campground as clean, quiet, and surrounded by natural beauty. "Beautiful and peaceful!" and "Good clean atmosphere. Very quiet. Large sites for a USFS campground," were common...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints primarily focus on generator usage disrupting quiet hours and issues with mosquitoes. "Worst camping trip of my life people running generators all night long" and "People need to have more...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing mosquito repellent due to thick mosquitoes at times and avoiding generators to respect quiet hours. Site-specific tips include choosing campsite #2 for privacy and site #5...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is quieter and less crowded during the off-season. Summer months tend to attract more visitors, with some bringing generators that may disturb the tranquility.
Based on 13 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This place is very quiet. Its peaceful it's what real camping is like but with neighbors." "Super nice little campground! Fishing was fun in a kayak and a quiet little place!" "Mosquitos can be...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #2 is described as tucked away, providing privacy, while site #5 is noted for its excellent location. "We had campsite 2. It is kinda tucked away." "We had site #5 was a great place to camp."
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility-related reviews are mentioned.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and the campground is described as dog-friendly. "Great sits. Dog friendly."
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025