Otsego Lake State Park - Gaylord, Michigan

Chris H.

A very pleasant little State Park located on if course Ostego Lake. The view is spectacular. When you drive in the beach is in front of you and is very nice. However what you can't see right away is there are no dogs allowed on that beach. Which we were told off by the staff. However it turns out they do have a Dog Beach. The bad news is, it is horribly labeled. Signs don't cost that much how about a little help! Anyways you follow the path North from the parking lot, starting behind the Bathrooms. You'll walk about a half mile and finally see the one sign Dog Beach with an arrow down the stairs. Once you get down the stairs you immediately see a sign that says no dogs on Beach, that's it. So you continue going North and about a quarter to a third of a mile down you'll see a dog baggy station, so I guess at that point you've arrived.

Anyways the view here is also spectacular and they have benches. This us always a big plus to me and I wish all beaches had benches! The Dog loved it and thought everything smelled intriguing.

Overall a 4 star review. Needs better signage, but a great place to spend some time. Would I return? Absolutely!

emily B.

Nice beach, friendly staff and camp host. It’s pretty clean. Tons of trees so the sights get shade and stay cool. Stayed on lot 57 could hear a little bit of road noise but nothing terrible. Bathrooms on the north end are dated and poorly lit. (They are getting redone next year I guess) the ice cream shop/store closes about 10-15 minutes earlier than scheduled time. If you have blonde hair be prepared with your purple shampoo if you use their water. Oh also the have a dog friendly beach!!

Amanda J.

Beautiful Lake. The water is usually warm during the summer as it’s an inland lake unlike Lake Michigan which doesn’t seem to have enough time to warm up during our very short summers. The park offers Kayak Rentals and Camping for RV’s and Tents. 🏕️

Tara K.

Beautiful sandy beach with many amenities including volleyball courts,boat launches,snack shack with hot and cold food options. They also have. Camping sites right behind the beach. Very clean state park with that being said it does require a recreation passport

Joy S.

Beautiful fall day. First time there. Very nice walking and did a little fishing too.

Beth S.

It was kind of chaos from the get go at this park...they didn't have our reservation in their computer, so had to start all over before getting our site. The check-in girls were super helpful and sweet to help to get us all set up though...sooo thankful for that!!! Our site was really big and right at the top of the Boardwalk going down to the beach. Interesting that you share your electrical box with your neighboring sites though but it worked out fine. You get a nice firepit and picnic table at each site. Lots of huge trees all around campground. Beach for the most part was nice and went of forever with really nice sand. Lots of picnic tables and benches to sit at if your not in the water. They have a nice Pavillion/Store too to buy ice cream, other treats and supplies at. Also Firewood to purchase for $7.00 and Ice for $4.50. Not the best scenario for fishing from shore at this place, very shallow but people were catching small sunfish. We had a good crowd around us at our site location so we were thankful for that! If you want peace while staying there come at the beginning of the week but weekend are crazy and a bit loud there. We thought it was fine camping there but think we will try somewhere else next time in this area.

Rebel R. C. C.

Stay at Otsego two nights on our Yooper Run trip to Symco Wisconsin. Nice large sites, the lower loop had a nicer restroom/ shower facility. We think the upper loop is scheduled to be upgraded. Wooded with nice scenic views of the lake.

Matthew H.

Ostego lake state park is a quiet family friendly campground with 2 beaches and very small outdated playground. Campstore on site with ice and some small items. Almost all sites are sloped because of the hilly terrain. Bring extra chocks. Very good layout and nice staff.