Chimney Loop Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Operating season is April 15 through November 30. Water systems are shut off for winter. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
From Recreation.gov
USE CAUTION - KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! The recent ice storm on March 29, 2025 and subsequent wind events have left many downed and damaged trees across the Mio Ranger District of the Huron-Manistee National Forests that have interrupted recreation opportunities on motorized and non-motorized trails. Crews are actively working to clear trees and debris from Forest Service roads and trails. Visitors should expect down trees and other debris on trails and roads – Please slow down and use caution. Access to areas may be limited on the Forest. This may impact the ability of first responders, such as ambulance and fire first responders, to respond to an emergency. Hikers, equestrians and motorized trail users can locate affected trails on our website at or call the Mio Ranger District Office at (989) 826-3252. [**https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/huron-manistee/alerts**][1] [1]: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/huron-manistee/alerts
From Recreation.gov
The water at our facility has been shutoff for the winter season. Please bring all the water you’ll need for your visit, including drinking water.
Flash Flood Warning issued April 12 at 9:29PM EDT until April 13 at 3:45AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI
At 929 PM EDT, Dam operators reported high flows are being released through Mio Dam. This may result in flash flooding downstream on the Au Sable River. HAZARD...Flash flooding from a dam high flow release. SOURCE...Dam operator. IMPACT...Flooding of areas along the river immediately downstream of the dam. The nearest downstream town is McKinley...located about 9.5 miles from the dam. Areas downstream from the Mio Dam along the Au Sable River should be prepared for flooding. Flooding is occurring along the Au Sable River.
Flood Watch issued April 12 at 9:03PM EDT until April 15 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI
Periods of rain will confine to areas south of a Frankfort to Alpena line tonight. Some of this rain may be heavy at times, especially during any thunderstorms. Shower and thunderstorm activity should taper late tonight into Monday. More showers and storms return later Monday night, lasting through Tuesday night, with heavy rainfall once again possible. * WHAT...Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of Eastern Upper and Northern Lower Michigan, including the following areas, in Eastern Upper Michigan, Central Chippewa, Eastern Mackinac, Southeast Chippewa, Western Chippewa and Western Mackinac. In Northern Lower Michigan, Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Iosco, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon and Wexford. * WHEN...Through Wednesday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Chimney Loop Campground is a group camping site located on the shores of Wagner Lake in the Huron National Forest. The campground is set in a forest of oak and pine trees and provides a peaceful setting just a short walk from the lake. Wagner Lake is a shallow, sandy-bottom lake entirely surrounded by National Forest land, offering excellent bass and panfish fishing opportunities. Anglers can fish from shore, by wading, or from non-motorized watercraft such as canoes and kayaks. The lake also provides swimming and beach play opportunities. The campground can accommodate groups of up to 30 people and six vehicles. Facilities include a vault toilet, three picnic tables, three fire rings, and use of a historic chimney. Garbage service and hand-pump wells for drinking water are provided around the corner at Wagner Lake Campground during the operating season, though water is shut off in winter. The site is located just a short drive from the AuSable River and is close to ORV trails, making it an ideal base for groups seeking both water-based recreation and motorized trail access. Reservations are managed through Recreation.gov.
Directions
From 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 1.5 miles. The site is located on the left.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| 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 | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (989) 826-3252 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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