Merrill Lake Campground

The Good

It’s remote, it’s very pretty, the lake is peaceful and the water is warm, I’d say, around 65F even in the early mornings

Even the drive to the CG along USFS Rd 81 is PRETTY with continuous tree canopy

Pit toilets that were not bad

It’s also free with Discover Pass

The Bad

This is mostly tent camping. There is space for one RV, Site #1 which is the Camp Host site. I had a 25ft van and it’s about as large a vehicle I would take here

There is a sign at the turn off to USFS Rd 81 that says Tent Camping only even though the DNR site says RVs are accommodated

The saving grace is that there are various pullouts along USFS Rd 81 that will do in a pinch

The Ugly

It’s untidy! Not quite filthy but with enough visible trash ( plastic bags, paper towels, etc.) to detract from what would otherwise be a 5 star place

I took out about 2 bags of trash and there was atleast another 3-4 bags worth strewn around

People!! 🤷🏽‍♂️🥴

4.5 Miles up a National Forest road you get to Merrill Lake CG. There is One site that an RV can fit in, the rest are for Tent Campers. Very Pretty, But Very Squatchy. I would not stay here because I believe in Sasquatch and I was scared. If you are not a believer. I would recommend.

Great place. Only one at the entire site on a weekday night. Quiet, peaceful, and remote.

We tried to go to this campground yesterday and the road was blocked by a gate.