Kneff Lake Campground

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Kneff Lake Campground is a popular camping area on the far west side of the Mio Ranger District near Grayling. The campground has 27 sites and an onsite host during the season. Kneff Lake is a 20-acre shared private, state, and federal ownership. Kneff Lake day use area provides accessible beach access for all who wish to boat, fish, swim, or enjoy beach play.

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 Kneff Lake have picnic tables, campfire rings, and lantern posts. Sites 1-18 have crushed stone parking pads and sites 19-27 have asphalt parking pads.

Notifications and Alerts

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
Kneff Lake Day Use Area Closed for Improvements.
Through funding allocated by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), the single largest investment in public lands in United States history, Kneff Lake day use area will be receiving several improvements including water system upgrades, a new tiered boulder wall to expand the main beach area, and a kayak boat roller system on the existing west staircase.
Campsites are open for the 2025 season, but visitors can expect an increase in construction traffic and noise.

Need to Know

As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you online or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders:

- Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02

- Occupancy and Use - Developed Recreation Areas, Dispersed Areas, Being Publicly Nude, Marine Prohibitions, Parking and Sanitation; R904-14-03
Forest quiet hours apply.
Some sites are available on a first-come, first serve basis.
You must occupy your site within 24 hours of the start of your reservation. Contact the Forest Service to request a late arrival or your site may be forfeited.
Do not tie or tack anything to standing trees, including but not limited to pets, laundry lines, or garbage bags.
You may use downed wood for firewood. Keep fires within the fire ring. Do not leave hot campfires unattended. Make sure your ashes are cool to the touch before you leave.
Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information
Fireworks and use of fireworks are not permitted.
ORVs may only be operated on roads and trails signed as open for their use. ORVs may not be used within campgrounds.
This site is gated during the off season.

Natural Features

Kneff Lake Campground is centered around the 20-acre Kneff Lake. The forests in and around the campground are largely oak and pine. This small portion of federal land is surrounded by state and private lands.

Recreation

Water Activities: Kneff Lake day use area beach is accessible to all by way of an access ramp. The swim area has bouys marking the permiter. Non-motorized boats such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts are welcome to be carried in for use on Kneff Lake.
Fishing: Kneff lake is It is a designated trout lake and is stocked with rainbow trout in the spring. Anglers can also hope to catch perch by boating, fishing from shore, and wading. The maximum water depth is 40 ft.

Changes & Cancellations

All reservation changes, cancellations, and refunds are managed through Recreation.gov.

Contact Information

Mailing

Mio Ranger Station 107 McKinley Road Mio MI 48647

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 989-826-3252

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Grayling:

- Travel east on M-72 for 6.5 miles.

- Turn right and travel south on Stephan Bridge Rd. for 1 mile.

- Turn left and travel east on FR 4003 and drive about 1 mile.

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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