A view of Kneff Lake and Kneff Lake Day Use Area beach.
A vault toilet in the Kneff Lake Campground
Looking up a flight of stairs from the Kneff Lake Day Use Area.

Kneff Lake Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates May 1 through September 30 annually. Water has been shut off for winter; visitors must bring their own water including drinking water. The site is gated when closed.

Winter Storm Warning issued December 29 at 10:21PM EST until December 30 at 1:00AM EST by NWS Gaylord MI

December 29th, 10:21 PM — 1:00 AM

* WHAT...Snow showers. Additional snow accumulations up to two inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph, producing blowing and drifting snow. * WHERE...Crawford and Missaukee Counties. * WHEN...Until 1 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Visibilities may drop below 1/4 mile due to falling and blowing snow. Plan on slippery road conditions.

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.

About

Kneff Lake Campground is a popular camping area on the far west side of the Mio Ranger District in Huron National Forest near Grayling. The campground features 27 sites with an onsite host during the operating season. Situated around a 20-acre lake with shared private, state, and federal ownership, the campground provides access to a designated trout lake that is stocked with rainbow trout each spring. Anglers can also fish for perch from shore, by wading, or from non-motorized boats. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 40 feet. The campground includes an embedded day-use area with an accessible ramp to the beach and marked swimming area. All campsites feature picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts. Sites 1-18 offer crushed stone parking pads while sites 19-27 have asphalt parking pads. The surrounding forest consists largely of oak and pine. Visitors can bring canoes, kayaks, and rafts to explore the lake, but motorized boats are not permitted. The campground provides hand-pump wells for drinking water during the season, several vault toilets, and trash collection services.

Directions

From Grayling: Travel east on M-72 for 6.5 miles. Turn right and travel south on Stephan Bridge Road for 1 mile. Turn left and travel east on FR 4003 and drive about 1 mile.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
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 $15

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov
Phone +1 (989) 826-3252

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

A view of Kneff Lake and Kneff Lake Day Use Area beach.
A vault toilet in the Kneff Lake Campground
Looking up a flight of stairs from the Kneff Lake Day Use Area.
The sign at the entrance to the Kneff Lake Campground
A view of Kneff Lake and the Kneff Lake Day Use area beach from a staircase.
A photo of water access and information kiosk at Kneff Lake Campground

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