About Mack Lake ORV Campground
Overview Mack Lake ORV Campground is the largest campground on the Mio Ranger District. Southeast of Mio, Mack Lake is 175-acres of shared private and federal ownership. An embedded day use area provides visitors with a picnic area as well as water access and a swimming area surrounded by buoys. With an ORV trailhead located within the campground, Mack Lake ORV Campground is a popular location for ORV trail riders. Recreation Water Activities: A day use area inside the Beaver Loop of Mack Lake ORV Campground is designed for picnicing and water activities such as beach play, swimming, fishing, and boating. Carry-in boat access is available through the day use area. Anglers can hope to catch sunfish, perch, and walleye. ORV Riding: Mack Lake ORV Campground is a popular location with ORV riders. With the trailhead for the Mack Lake Trail System starting in the campground, ORV riders can enjoy the section near Maltby Hills for easier trail riding or head to Bull Gap Hill Climb for a challenge. The trail is mostly on a 0 - 10% grade, with some short sections at a 30% grade Facilities The campground provides handpump wells for drinking water, several vault toilets, and trash collection services. The embedded day use area also provides visitors with picnic tables and grills. Campsites at Mack Lake have picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts. Natural Features The 175-acre lake is surrounded by rolling jack pine plains and is a good location for wildlife viewing. Nearby Attractions Contact Info This location has limited staffing. Please call (989) 826-3252 for general information.Charges & Cancellations All reservation changes, cancellations, and refunds are managed through Recreation.gov.
How to Get There
From Grayling: Travel east on M-72 for 30 miles. Turn right and travel south on M-33 for 6 miles. Turn left and travel east on County Rd. 604 for 4 miles. Turn left and travel north on FR 4460 for 1 mile. Turn left and travel west on County Rd. 489 for 1 mile.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
- 🩳
Light shorts/skirt
Loose-fit, breathable.
- 🧢
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
- 🕶
Polarized sunglasses
Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.
- ☔
Rain jacket / shell
41% chance of precipitation in the forecast.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- 🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Mack Lake ORV Campground
Heading to Mack Lake ORV Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Mack Lake ORV Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Mack Lake ORV Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10297720) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Mack Lake ORV Campground?
From Grayling: Travel east on M-72 for 30 miles. Turn right and travel south on M-33 for 6 miles. Turn left and travel east on County Rd. 604 for 4 miles. Turn left and travel north on FR 4460 for 1 mile. Turn left and travel west on County Rd. 489 for 1 mile.
How do I contact Mack Lake ORV Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 989-826-3252 or email: sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov.
References & Official Resources
