Hemlock Recreation Area
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens May 7, 2025 and operates through September 5.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 2:12AM EST until January 20 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Gaylord MI
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 16 below expected. * WHERE...Alcona, Crawford, Iosco, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Roscommon, and Wexford Counties. * WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 11 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills as low as 15 below zero could result in hypothermia or frostbite if precautions are not taken. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure.
Winter Storm Warning issued January 19 at 1:50AM EST until January 20 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Gaylord MI
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 5 and 9 inches with locally higher amounts. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph and will lead to blowing and drifting snow. * WHERE...A portion of Northern Lower Michigan. * WHEN...Until 7 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes.
About
Hemlock Recreation Area sits on the western shore of Lake Mitchell, a 1,600-acre lake near Cadillac in the Manistee National Forest. The campground offers a quiet setting at the lake's marshy end, which attracts wildlife but is not suitable for swimming due to milfoil and other aquatic plants. The lake itself is nearly surrounded by residences, giving the area a more developed feel than typical national forest campgrounds. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets and a boat launch for accessing Lake Mitchell. Campers should note that potable water is not available on-site. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. The facility can accommodate trailers with parking for up to 20 vehicles with trailers. The campground operates seasonally from May through early September and is managed by the Cadillac Ranger District of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Sites are available for reservation. The location provides convenient access to other nearby recreation areas including Caberfae Scenic Overlook and several cross-country ski and mountain bike trail systems.
Directions
From Cadillac, travel west on M-55 for 1.3 miles. Turn right and travel north on S. Mitchell Lake Drive for 1.4 miles.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (231) 848-7090 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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