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Map showing campground location near Bitely, Michigan
Camper submitted image from Highbank Lake CampgroundView 22 Photos
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Highbank Lake Campground

6 ReviewsAdd Review

Multi-level campsites carved into the hillside create an unusual layout at Highbank Lake Campground, where visitors park above their tent sites and descend a few stairs to set up camp. This US Forest Service facility operates seasonally from mid-May through September, accommodating RVs up to 20 feet alongside tent campers in its nine sites.

The small lake provides direct water access for several sites, while others sit higher on the wooded slope with views through the trees. Art S. notes that "some sites are right on the small lake while others are more wooded." A sandy beach area attracts frogs, and one lakefront site occasionally floods when water levels rise. The campground's compact size means sites can be close together, though the terraced design provides some natural separation.

A vault toilet with accessibility features and a covered water station serve the entire campground. The dirt access road doubles as a walking route, and trail connections include nearby North Country Trail segments. Campers report the facility stays notably quiet, even during peak summer weekends. The nearby Sawkaw Lake campground offers an alternative for those seeking different amenities less than a mile away.

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Location

Public Campground

Highbank Lake Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Baldwin - Travel south on M-37 for 9 miles. Turn right and travel west on 15 Mile Rd. for .5 miles. Turn right and travel northwest on Roosevelt Rd. for 1.5 miles. Turn left and travel west on FR 5561 until road terminates at the site.

Coordinates

43.77085364 N
85.88884267 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/3/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Drive Time

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Small rustic campground with unique multi-level wooded sites and quiet lake access. Basic facilities include vault toilets and water, though some noted odor issues. Most found it peaceful and reasonably priced at $20/night first-come-first-serve.

R. B.
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2021

quiet lake and forest sites

The campground is small and quiet, has a vault toilet and drinking water. The beach is sandy, lots of frogs and some sites right on the lake. Other wooded sites on a little hill with views of lake. Nearby NCT connector is great for dogs and walking/running in general. The road back to the campground is dirt and also nice for walking.

Site2
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Highbank Lake Campground by R. B., October 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Highbank Lake Campground by R. B., October 3, 2021
Bradley B.
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2020

Nice fun little park

Easy, small, quiet, weekend getaway, first come first serve for us. $20 for a night, small water station and restrooms in the middle of park. Little store about 1.5 miles away. Will be coming back again.

PS: Phone number is wrong on this app. Google the park for correct info.

  • Review photo of Highbank Lake Campground by Bradley B., July 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Highbank Lake Campground by Bradley B., July 12, 2020
Shawn Z.
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2020

Quiet and Quaint with great views.

Spent a few nights here with some friends over the weekend, but the funny thing is we ended up here on accident.  Got in late around 9:30 at night, but was able to find the last camp site.  The sites are small but are all equipped with several spots for tents.  It also includes a parking spot (obviously), a fire pit and a few stairs to either your parking spot or the road that connects all the sites.  There is a bathroom on site, but it was definitely stinkier than some of the other spots I've been to.  Water spigot available.  A great lake view for most of the sites; ours we could see through the trees from afar.  

Pretty easy access to and from the site.  City of Baldwin is close by and they have several places to shop for souvenirs, groceries, alcohol, firewood, flowers, jewelry, meats, fish, etc - Baldwin even has a cannabis dispensary - The Green Door.

One of the campsites close to the lake was flooded as the lake must have risen over the past several months.  

Fee is now $20 a night, not $18 like some websites might suggest.  

I will absolutely return again soon.

Site8
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Highbank Lake Campground by Shawn Z., June 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Highbank Lake Campground by Shawn Z., June 15, 2020
Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2019

Interesting campground design with fishing and ATV trails nearby

The multi-level campsites are interesting and fun. You park above and set up the tent down a few stairs. It’s a nice way to use the hilly area. There is still room to set up a rv on some sites. The water source has its own building. The vault toilet has a ramp for accessibility. 

The entire campground was empty when we showed up on a Thursday afternoon. Some sites are right on the small lake while others are more wooded. Some of the sites are close together so choose the style you prefer. Along the road in are a variety of off-road trails to explore. 

This quiet lake is a perfect spot to getaway from crowds.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Highbank Lake Campground by Art S., August 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Highbank Lake Campground by Art S., August 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Highbank Lake Campground by Art S., August 11, 2019
  • (9) View All
A
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2017

Nice small campground.

Visited during Labor Day weekend. Was able to find spot on this campsite. Smal campground with only 9 campsites with water & pithall toilet. 7 campsites can be yousd for camper. Very woody nice area. Lot of mushrooms. Access to trail from campsite.

Site8
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Highbank Lake Campground by Artem I., September 7, 2017
  • Review photo of Highbank Lake Campground by Artem I., September 7, 2017
  • Review photo of Highbank Lake Campground by Artem I., September 7, 2017
  • (7) View All
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Highbank Lake Campground located in Michigan?

Highbank Lake Campground is a small, secluded campground in Michigan situated on the shores of a lake. While the exact county location isn't specified, it features a natural setting with wooded areas and hills. The campground is accessible by road, though the access road may be somewhat remote. There's a small store approximately 1.5 miles from the campground for basic supplies. The campground is also connected to hiking trails, including a North Country Trail connector that's great for walking and running.

What amenities are available at Highbank Lake Campground?

Highbank Lake Campground offers basic rustic amenities. The small campground features 9 campsites, with 7 suitable for campers or RVs. Amenities include vault toilets with accessibility ramps, a dedicated water station building, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campground has a sandy beach area on the lake. Sites are $20 per night and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The multi-level campsites are uniquely designed to work with the hilly terrain - some sites have parking above with stairs leading down to tent platforms, while others offer lake views.

Are there photos available of Highbank Lake Campground?

Yes, photos of Highbank Lake Campground are available online. These images typically showcase the wooded campsites, multi-level camping areas, sandy beach, and lake views. Photos help illustrate the campground's unique features, including how the sites are designed to work with the hilly terrain. You can find these photos through the official campground website, Michigan DNR resources, or camping platforms. For the most current images that accurately represent the campground's conditions, it's recommended to check official sources.

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