A photo of water pump Wagner Lake (MI)
A photo of day use parking Wagner Lake (MI)
A photo of day use facility Wagner Lake (MI)

Wagner Lake

Closed — Closed for the season and gated. The campground operates May 1 through November 30. Water systems are shut off for winter.

Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 2:12AM EST until January 20 at 11:00AM EST by NWS Gaylord MI

2:12 AM — 2:15 PM

* 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 Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 1:50AM EST until January 20 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Gaylord MI

1:50 AM — 2:00 PM

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 4 inches along with blowing and drifting snow. * WHERE...Gladwin, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, and Presque Isle Counties. * WHEN...From 7 AM this morning to 7 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes with periods of rapid drops in visibilities.

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

Wagner Lake Campground is a small but popular 12-site campground set on the banks of Wagner Lake in the Huron National Forest. This intimate campground is surrounded by mixed hardwood forest and offers direct access to a shallow, sandy-bottom lake that is entirely encompassed by National Forest System lands. The lake provides excellent recreational opportunities including swimming at a designated beach area, fishing for bass and panfish, and paddling for canoes and kayaks. Anglers can fish from shore, by wading, or from a boat launched at the gravel boat ramp. Only non-motorized watercraft are permitted on the lake, maintaining its peaceful atmosphere. Each of the 12 campsites includes a picnic table, campfire ring, lantern post, and paved parking pad. The campground offers vault toilets and hand-pump wells for drinking water during the operating season. Garbage collection services are provided. The facility is gated when closed and has no staff on-site, with management handled by the Mio Ranger District office.

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 Road for 1 mile. The site is located on the left.

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 No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

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

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

A photo of water pump Wagner Lake (MI)
A photo of day use parking Wagner Lake (MI)
A photo of day use facility Wagner Lake (MI)
A photo of a vault toilet and trash receptacle at Wagner Lake (MI)
A photo of water pump Wagner Lake (MI)
The view of the shoreline along Wagner Lake from the Wagner Lake Campground Beach.
A view of Wagner Lake and the Wagner Lake Campground Beach.
Wagner Lake Campground entrance sign.

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