Carney Lake State Forest Campground

Carney Lake State Forest Campground is a quiet, rustic lakeside option near Iron Mountain with large, often secluded campsites—many directly on the water. Access is via about five miles of dirt road, so higher‑clearance vehicles are recommended though smaller cars have managed. Facilities are basic: bathrooms and water pumps are available, but some visitors have reported occasional maintenance issues during busy holiday weekends; the pump and outhouses are not always adjacent to every site. Vegetation limits some shoreline access, so a small boat helps for fishing. Mosquitoes and intermittent cell service (T‑Mobile often best) are common—bring repellent and plan accordingly.

Our summary of 38 traveler reviews.