Benton Lake Campground
Open for the 2026 season as of May 2. The campground operates early May through mid-October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Heat Advisory issued July 14 at 10:38PM EDT until July 15 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 103. * WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest, and west central Michigan. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Air Quality Alert issued July 14 at 10:59AM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Alert for July 15, 2026, for elevated levels of fine particulate due to wildfire smoke. Pollutants within those areas are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with the potential for Unhealthy, especially north. This is a Statewide Air Quality Alert Plumes of smoke from Canadian wildfires are expected to move into the region this week. The plumes will reach the upper peninsula this evening, sinking into the northern lower peninsula overnight. Models are showing the smoke plumes will reach the Michigan/Indiana border Wednesday evening. It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory conditions like asthma. Watch for symptoms including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes. You can help reduce air pollution by limiting activities, such as: - outdoor burning; - use of residential wood burning devices. Tips for households: - Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters. For up-to-date air quality data for Michigan visit the MiAir site: Michigan.gov/MiAir For up-to-date air quality data nationally visit EPAs Air Now site: AirNow.gov For further health information, please see MDHHS Wildfire Smoke and Your Health site: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/environmental-health/your-health- and-wildfire-smoke Air Quality Alert Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy July 14, 2026
About
Benton Lake Campground occupies a peaceful setting on a 33-acre lake entirely surrounded by Huron-Manistee National Forest land. The campground's 24 sites are divided between two loops, with sites 1-12 in the first loop and 13-24 in the second. Most sites are large and grassy, equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities with two piers available for campers, plus a boat launch for motorized and non-motorized watercraft. Swimming is permitted directly from the shoreline. The North Country National Scenic Trail passes about 2 miles east of the campground entrance off Pierce Drive, providing access to longer hiking routes. This campground draws steady crowds during hunting season but remains relatively quiet during the summer months. Facilities are rustic but well-maintained, with vault toilets and potable water from faucets. The paved internal roads and parking areas accommodate various vehicle types.
Directions
From White Cloud, travel north on M-37 for 10.5 miles. Turn left (west) on Pierce Drive and continue 5 miles. The campground entrance is on the right.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (231) 745-4631 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Photos
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