Otsego Lake County Park - Gaylord, Michigan

Sean S.

Otsego Lake County Park is a hidden gem in northern Michigan! Whether you’re looking for a peaceful camping trip, a fun day at the beach, or a scenic place to relax, this park has it all. The campground is well-maintained, with clean restrooms and spacious sites, many of which offer beautiful views of the lake. The towering trees provide plenty of shade, making it a perfect spot for a summer getaway.

The lake itself is stunning—crystal-clear water, great for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. There’s a nice boat launch if you want to get out on the water, and the sandy beach is perfect for families. The park also has picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a great place for kids.

One of the best parts about this park is how peaceful it is. Even during busy summer weekends, it never feels overcrowded. The staff is friendly and helpful, always keeping the park in great shape. If you’re looking for a relaxing, nature-filled escape, Otsego Lake County Park is definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re camping for a weekend or just stopping by for the day, you won’t be disappointed!

Baylee E.

This park is amazing. I would stay here over a state park any chance I get.
Not only is the park well-maintained, but the staff is extremely friendly.
The two office girls who look to be in theyre twenty’s were so kind; they greeted my dog with treats, waved at every drive by and were so kind checking us in. I will be back

Debra L.

Stay here if you like cold showers from rusty faucets. Rules aren't enforced with dogs on a leash because I saw 2 large dogs loose on a site run to a leashed dog. The State Police came to visit the same guy the day before for fighting but was still allowed to stay? Not good for kids to see let alone adults.

Nate K.

Let me tell you, this place was great for a weekend getaway. Nice little cabin. Bunk space was a little tight and bathroom blow dryer is a little weak, but hot water and hot showers no problem. Very cost friendly and nice environment. If we decide to book a weekend getaway in the area again, we'd definitely go here. Well done to the owners and staff of keeping this place up. Star rating isn't really fair. It's more 4.5 than it is 4 star. Do yourself a favor if you're thinking about booking here, and just do it. You'll relax in comfort.

kelly B.

Most campsites are a good size, a few are a little small, but overall fairly nice campsites. The beach area, play area, and pavilion are fairly nice and offer a lot of possibilities for a group.

That being said the showers are not properly maintained and several of them drain out into the road leaving a pool of hair and soap scum which is unacceptable. The price per lot is fine but the additional charge per vehicle is a bit excessive. I would even call it predatory because it's not well advertised so you show up and you are informed your actual price is 35 or 39 a night. At the end of the trip it's only another 10 or 20 bucks but it's really just the premise that upsets me.

Andrew P.

It's an nice park that has two use areas. It has a camping area and a day use area.
The camping area is nice and seems well maintained. The facilities are older but reasonable and are kept clean. There is two restroom buildings with showers for campers in the lower area and only a vault in the site's numbered in the 60s. The sites are reasonably level and do not require to much effort to level a trailer. Not all of the sites have grass and are rather sandy and a few of the sites are prone to collecting water in a heavy rain. However being sand they perk and drain quickly. They do have some handicapped accessible camp sites and there is a couple of cabins for rent as well but I have never seen inside them. The park also has a fill and clean out station with flush water available.
The day use area has a large pavilion and is located near the swimming area next to the lake. It also has a boat launch and some parking areas.
The swimming area is mostly grass and has some sand play areas for kids but is not a sandy beach. There are a few entry points to the water but does have a sandy bottom. I believe they have the grass and rock in place of sand due to erosion.
If you are camping, using the day use area, or launching a boat you must purchase a pass for using the park.
We like the park and usually camp here once or twice a season.
They have updated the beach to include a greater amount of sand and I believe they have increased the cleaning frequency.

Jason K. A.

I grew up going here regularly and since that time can say the park is great. Nice clean area with swimming, basketball, picnic pavilions, and camping. This is a great place to come and camp. The sites don't feel too tight and if you want a little more privacy you can book the North camping area. The staff is friendly and willing to help you out too. The only item I would like to see updated would be to add another stall at the dump station, but the space may not allow for this. Go and check this place out!

Michelle M.

Nice campground with electric sites and dump station. Toilets at the south end are vaulted, north end has plumbing for toilets and showers. Staff was nice at check in and helpful. Sites on the south end are a great size and spaced out nicely. North end is kind of packed in but great if you are camping with a group. Biggest downfall, no sandy beach for kids. It has a boat launch and 2 big pavilions.