Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground

4.56

16 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Official fee schedule not listed on the campground detail page. Public reviews note a recent rate of $15 per night (previously $11), subject to...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(906) 786-2351

What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 16 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietshadehikinglake

Some mention

small

"Reviewers generally praise the campground as quiet, scenic and well-suited for anglers, paddlers and trail users; many 5-star reviews highlight the trails, lake access and secluded wooded sites. Common criticisms include minimal facilities (rustic toilets, occasional supply issues), rough access roads and occasional noisy campers."

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Best Time to Camp at Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground

Summer brings warm days ideal for paddling and fishing, though you'll want to pack bug spray for the mosquitoes that call this wetland paradise home. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, and while the campground stays open year-round, unplowed roads mean you'll need to embrace true backcountry access. Come prepared for classic Upper Peninsula weather—dramatic seasonal shifts that make each visit feel like a completely different adventure.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed (winter access requires appropriate vehicle/gear).

About Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground

Escape to Anderson Lake West, where 13 first-come, first-served campsites nestle beneath towering white pines on a peaceful hillside above the lake. This rustic state forest gem offers the simplicity of vault toilets and hand-pumped water, plus immediate access to the scenic 6-mile Anderson Lake Pathway—perfect for those seeking an authentic, off-the-grid camping experience.

Small, fully rustic lakeside state forest campground with 13 first-come, first-served sites for tent and trailer use.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm days ideal for paddling and fishing, though you'll want to pack bug spray for the mosquitoes that call this wetland paradise home. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, and while the campground stays open year-round, unplowed roads mean you'll need to embrace true backcountry access. Come prepared for classic Upper Peninsula weather—dramatic seasonal shifts that make each visit feel like a completely different adventure.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through a cathedral of mature white pines and mixed hardwoods, with Anderson Lake's pristine shoreline just steps away. The gently rolling terrain weaves through forested hills and quiet wetland pockets, creating a haven for wildlife and solitude-seekers alike. As darkness falls, you'll discover what true northwoods nights look like—inky skies brilliant with stars, the kind of silence that anglers and paddlers dream about, and a shoreline that remains beautifully undeveloped and wild.

Geological RegionCentral Upper Peninsula (Marquette County)

Campsite details

Total Campsites13 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed (winter access requires appropriate vehicle/gear).

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (note: this campground is first-come, first-served; no reservations).

Amenities available

Potable water

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Small, rustic lakeside campground good for paddling, fishing, hiking and quiet wildlife viewing; trail access within the campground supports hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing.

Hiking

The Anderson Lake Pathway trailhead is in the campground and provides about 6 miles of looped, rolling trails for hiking (also used for biking and skiing).

Fishing

Anderson Lake offers fishing for panfish and northern pike; reviewers and park information note good opportunities for anglers.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsRough/gravel campground and approach roads in spots; seasonal roads not plowed in winter. Limited to moderate cell coverage expected. Typical U.P. wildlife present; campers are advised to store food securely and plan for insects. No electricity or hookups at sites.

Weather at Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 73%

Wind: 10.6 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsMinimal amenities (vault toilets only; one reviewer reported an extended shortage of toilet paper), rough/rutted access road conditions, small number of sites that fill quickly on busy weekends, and occasional noisy or inconsiderate campers.

Campground Map

Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground

Driving directionsLocated 5 miles southwest of Gwinn via County Road 577.

Accessible via County Road 577; campground is reached on gravel/seasonal roads.

Nearby places

Gwinn — about 5 miles (nearest services).

Nearby supplies

Gwinn (about 5 miles) — gas, small stores, takeout (local options mentioned such as Rodney's pizza).

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.6

16 reviews

Top-Rated

Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers generally praise the campground as quiet, scenic and well-suited for anglers, paddlers and trail users; many 5-star reviews highlight the trails, lake access and secluded wooded sites. Common criticisms include minimal facilities (rustic toilets, occasional supply issues), rough access roads and occasional noisy campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Quiet, secluded setting; shaded sites under large white pines; good fishing and paddling on Anderson Lake; on-site Anderson Lake Pathway provides 6 miles of trail for hiking, biking and skiing;...

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Sites are first-come, first-served—arrive early on weekends to secure a lake-side site; bring toiletries, insect protection and supplies (potable water is from a hand-pump); expect minimal services...

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Nice, quiet campground.”; “It’s Beautiful there, trails are great for cross country skiing, Hiking and running.”; “Nice rustic campground but toilets were out of toilet paper for 1 1/2 days...”;...

Based on 16 reviews