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Huron-Manistee/Benton Lake
Overview
Benton Lake Campground offers a secluded retreat within the sprawling Huron-Manistee National Forests. This destination is less about modern luxury and more about an authentic connection with the Michigan wilderness. Visitors find themselves surrounded by towering hardwoods and the quiet waters of a 34-acre lake. It provides a peaceful atmosphere for travelers looking to unplug and enjoy a traditional camping experience far from the noise of major highways or crowded commercial RV resorts.
Location & Surroundings
Located just a short drive from the town of White Cloud, MI, this site sits in the heart of the western side of the state. The park is defined by its pristine shoreline and dense forest cover, which provides ample shade and privacy for each site. The secluded location ensures that night skies are exceptionally clear, making it a favorite spot for stargazing. The surrounding national forest land offers a vast network of dirt roads and trails perfect for exploration.
Amenities & Park Features
As a National Forest site, the amenities here are basic and cater to self-contained travelers. The campground features primitive RV sites without hookups, making it essential to arrive with full tanks. On-site facilities include vault toilets and a hand pump for potable water. Each campsite is equipped with a heavy-duty picnic table and a fire ring with a grill grate. There is also a small boat launch available for those bringing non-motorized watercraft like kayaks or canoes.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the North Country National Scenic Trail, which offers miles of hiking through diverse ecosystems. Benton Lake itself is popular for fishing and paddling, particularly for those seeking panfish or bass in a no-wake environment. A short drive away, the Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to view native Michigan flora along a well-marked interpretive trail system that is beautiful throughout the spring and summer seasons.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for adventurous boondockers and small to mid-sized RV owners who value tranquility over modern conveniences. It is a perfect fit for nature photographers, birdwatchers, and hikers who want a base camp deep within the forest. If you prefer the sound of wind through the pines over the hum of air conditioners, this rustic forest gem provides the quietude and natural beauty you are searching for during your Michigan travels.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
mystyk13
Benton Lake Campground is the best I have seen it in years! We just went last weekend, frequent it quite a bit each year. The new host Mike is amazing! Exactly what a host should be. Attentive, helpful, hard working, friendly. He not only cleans the bathrooms (outhouses) 3x daily, he also deep cleans them once a week. He makes his rounds and introduces himself but doesn't bother you. His generator is extremely quiet. No power there for the host so they need a generator for that. Great fishing lake and we love taking our kayaks on it. Most of the sites are very spacious. Campers seem to be quiet and respectful. I don't understand why this campground is not full all the time!
Triston Wilkes
Best campground around in my opinion! The camp host was super nice and friendly! Definitely will be back! The sites are grass and mowed!
Ed Schuitema
Been camping there for about 50 years, started going there with my parents, and now at 65 we will be back again this summer
Jean Coffman
Beautiful camping sites. Campsites are spacious and spread out with fire pits, lantern posts and picnic tables. There is water available.The vault bathrooms were very clean and taken care of, just a little dark inside though. There are 2 loops for camping. There is a little trail to the lake, which is very pretty. It did cost 24.00 a night, not 22.00 as posted on the website but well worth it. There were only 4 other people camping, so it was very peaceful & quiet. I will be returning next year! I did have cell phone service and Internet there. Wonderful experience! The Hosts were awesome people!
B Z
First time camping at Benton lake and was very surprised on how nice it was. Almost every campsite is really nice with a fire pit and table and lantern posts. I believe there was four pit toilets that where very well maintained a little dark in some of them. At least one water source for every loop. The host Bill and his wife where very nice and helpful. It is 24 dollars a night although the website says 22 but really worth it. Did not see much of a beach though, maybe we missed it as it was raining. There where a couple of very sketchy trees that had ribbons around them leaning over our car that where obviously dead and waiting to be cut down. We have full coverage so I did not mind. Just be aware!
Whitney Danielle
We visited during the off-season. The vault toilets were still accessible and stocked with toilet paper. It was quiet and while we could hear traffic from the nearby road, it was overall a quiet and peaceful experience. The lake is probably better for fishing and kayaking than swimming, but it is pretty secluded and private so you get that feeling that you are off the grid in wilderness but only you still have a cell phone signal and are not far from a grocery store.
Julie Wild
Really nice campground although the boat launch is a drive away from it
Steve Dilts
Met a hottie here! Good time!
chuck Johnson
Nice big and clean camp sites friendly host love to go camping at this place just could use a better swimming beach and play ground for little ones
Martineja Coats
Fell in love with this place. The campground is right on the lake I didn’t see any waterfront sites but the walk to the lake and docks are a short fun hike. The sites are spacious and the only downside are the generators. Large and rustic but you will have an out house and cell phone coverage. This was my first time here and will definitely be coming back to camp here. The lake is beautiful and the experience was great. .