Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park Overview
Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park OverviewBockman Campground is a medium-sized campground in the center of State Forest State Park. The campground sits in a wide-open mountain valley between Clark Peak and North Diamond Peak. The campgrounds here are well-maintained and can accommodate tents, campers, and most RVs.
The north fork of the Michigan river is nearby offering excellent fly fishing. This campground offers amazing views of the peaks nearby. There is ample opportunity here for wildlife viewing and photography. There are also some great hiking opportunities to enjoy while you are camping here.
Note: Campsites at the Bockman Campground are listed under State Forest State Park sites 302-352
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Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park Campsites
The campsites here at Bockman Campground are open and flat. There are very few trees in the campground. And what trees remain are threatened by the heavy bark beetle infestation in the area. So be sure to bring your own shade, bring sunblock and reapply it several times each day. It can also feel crowded here when the campsite is full. Please be respectful to your neighbors as they are only a few feet away.
Like many other campsites, the official campsite areas here are trimmed with rail road ties. Inside each is compacted gravel which is well tended and flat. Each site has at least one standard size tent pad. These tent pads are only 12×12 so large cabin tents may not fit inside the pad. Depending on the site, campers may be able to pitch a second tent in a grassy area.
Campsite Amenities at Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park
Each campsite in the Bockman Campground has a metal grate picnic table. Remember to bring a tablecloth. Some soft bench covers would be nice to have as these tables are not terribly comfortable. The tables are not secured to the ground but are quite heavy. If you arrive and find your table is out of place, make sure to put it inside the rail road ties. The heavy table and the foot traffic around it can do a lot of damage to the wild plants in the campground.
The fire rings in the campsites at Bockman Campground are low profile, so be careful with your fire in the wind. The bark beetle problem in this area is very bad. An accidental fire here will quickly get out of control. Never leave your fire unattended. Please make sure any fires are dead out when you go to bed or leave the campsite. Completely dousing them to make ash soup is the best way to be sure they are out. These low-profile fire rings are nice for the heat they provide on colder nights. The fire ring grills do swing over which makes it easier to switch between a cooking fire and a story telling fire.
Remember to use local wood to help stop the spread of bark beetles. Never burn green wood or chop down living trees! Wood bundles can be picked up at Walden just down Highway 14. They may also have them at the camp host sites at North Michigan Campground.
There are no hookups at the campsites at Bockman Campground. Fresh water can be found at North Michigan Campground.
If you have stayed at the Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park, please leave a comment below. Remember to mention the exact campsite. This will really help other campers that are thinking about going to Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park.
Amenities at Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park
There are not a lot of campground amenities at Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park. This is probably due to it being so far into the interior and past most of the other attractions of the park.
However, there are a couple of trails here, popular for horseback riding. There are a few horse corrals that can be used if you happen to bring your horses up with you camping.
There is no electricity at any of the Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park sites. Cell service cannot be expected here either. You may be able to get a bad signal but it is not something to count on when camping here.
This is an excellent place to watch wildlife. There is huge diversity here. Careful and patient campers can expect to be rewarded. Make sure to have your camera ready so you can catch those moments when you spot wildlife. The meadow also makes a fine place to watch for birds. The lush wildflowers draw all kinds of birds from all over the region. Binoculars or a spotting scope are great to have when camping at Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park.
Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park is a remote location. Expect to see wildlife in and around the campground. Quiet campgrounds will definitely see deer and elk. You may even see a moose or two. Give wildlife their space. Enjoy them at a distance. Even though it might be tempting, never feed any wildlife.
The north fork of the Michigan River runs just south of Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park and offers some decent stream fishing. The willows are very thick in places so parts of the river can be difficult to fish. It is a small river and not large enough for kayaking or rafting. If small stream fishing is your thing, you will love it.
Activities Around Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park
North Michigan Reservoir is a few miles west north down the main dirt road. It is a great place for large boats to fish, sail, kayak and more. There are several great areas for picnics and fishing.
The city of Walden is just about 24 minutes away from Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park. It takes about 40 minutes to get there. It is a bit far but on a stormy day it is a good place to find reprieve from the weather. It can be a good place to pick up more supplies when needed.
Final Thoughts on Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park
Bockman Campground is a great place to camp outside of peak times, such as early or late in the season and even during the week. The trouble comes during peak times and the weekends. The campsites are close together and there are very few trees. When the campground is full it can seem crowded and noisy.
Bockman Campground often acts as “spillover” for those campers that wanted to stay at North Michigan Lake Campground but arrived to find it full.
The views here are amazing. There is something quite majestic about camping in the valley below two huge mountains of the continental divide. Camping down in the center of the valley affords good sight lines all around the area. Spotting scopes are a must for anyone wanting to watch wildlife. Telescopes can also be a treat here as the night sky seems extra dark with the mountains looming all around you.
Bockman Campground is one of the more remote campgrounds in State Forest State Park. It is a good alternative to other areas that may be full. It’s great for wildlife viewing and hiking though does not offer many other amenities. If you are looking for the midrange “roughing it” camping, Bockman Campground might be just the right spot for you.
Reserve a Campsite at State Forest State Park Today!If you have stayed at the Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park, please leave a comment below. Remember to mention the exact campsite. This will really help other campers that are thinking about going to Bockman Campground in State Forest State Park.
