Baldwin, Michigan: Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

May 2021, Weekday, 1-night, Campsite 5

Fishing dock on Leverentz Lake next to the boat ramp at the state forest campground

Arrival

We stayed in this state forest campground for one night on our way to Ludington for the weekend. We missed the campground road the first time we drove by. There is a mailbox at the road entrance, and we mistakenly thought it was someone's driveway. We realized too late, that this is also the campground entrance. Fortunately, we were able to turn around before we got too far past on US -10.

US-10 to Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

If you have never been here before, be aware that the dirt road back to the campground is almost 1 mile off US-10. Although this was our first time camping at this location, we had been back to the campground once before, and I did not recall that it is that far off the main road. The road was in good condition with no large ruts; however, it is not very wide (typical for most state forest roads). I was glad we did not encounter any trailers leaving when we arrived.

State forest campgrounds are self-registration, and the rate was $15 a night. You also need to have a Michigan Recreation Passport. There is a fresh water hand pump next to the registration kiosk, although the water color was yellowish-brown. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring.

Campsite 5 at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

Campsite 5 at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

There was only one other camper in the park when we arrived. We chose campsite 5 because it was level enough that we did not have to completely unhook for our brief stay. This is one of the largest sites in the campground. 

Campsite 5 at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

All of the campsites on Big Leverentz Lake have views of the lake. We did not check out the sites on Little Leverentz Lake.

Looking toward site 4 from site 5 at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

Campsite 5 may not be such a great site on the weekend, unless you are camping with the people on site 4, as they are close together with nothing in between when you get away from the road. 

Looking at campsite 5 from site 4

I have included a few more campsite photos. Campsite 6 photo was taken from the road. The lake is visible from this site when you walk up by the fire ring.

Campsite 6 at Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground 

Recreation: hiking, fishing

The blue marked trail (Sheep Ranch Pathway) that goes through this campground is about 4½ miles total. The only trail map we could find was an old tattered one on a pole near the registration kiosk.

Stream along the trail that flows into Big Leverentz Lake

We did not have time to hike the entire trail, and are planning to visit this campground again this year.

Big Leverentz Lake

There is a small boat ramp on the lake next to the fishing dock (dock photo at the top of this post). We saw ripples in the water and fish jumping every time we walked out by the water.

Misc. and overall

We think this is a great little park, and we are looking forward to our next visit. We are planning to fish, put our kayaks in the lake, and hike. I imagine the lake is quite beautiful in the fall after the leaves change color.

Let me know if you have any questions. Safe travels!