About Wagner Lake (MI)
Overview Wagner Lake Campground is a small but popular 12 site campground set on the banks of Wagner Lake. This shallow lake is surrounded by National Forest System lands. Recreation Water Activities: Wagner Lake provides visitors with an area for beach play and swimming. Visitors may also carry-in non-motorized watercraft such as canoes and kayaks for use on Wagner Lake. Fishing: Anglers can try their luck fishing from shore, a boat, or wadding into the lake. Wagner Lake has excellent bass and pan fish fishing. Facilities Wagner Lake Campground has handpump wells for drinking water, vault toliets, and garbage collection services. Each campsite has a picnic table, a campfire ring, a lantern post, and a paved parking pad. Natural Features Wagner Lake Campground is surrounded by a mixed hardwood forest. Wagner Lake is shallow sandy bottom lake. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (989) 826-3252.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 7 miles. Turn right and travel west on Wagner Lake Rd. for 1 mile. The site is located on the left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (47°F low → 75°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 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.
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 Wagner Lake (MI)
Heading to Wagner Lake (MI)? 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 Wagner Lake (MI)?
No central reservation system listed for Wagner Lake (MI). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10214334) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Wagner Lake (MI)?
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 Rd. for 1 mile. The site is located on the left.
How do I contact Wagner Lake (MI)?
You can reach the park at phone: 989-826-3252 or email: sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov.
References & Official Resources
