Is Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground?

Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground is open Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed (winter access requires appropriate vehicle/gear).. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground?

Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground have?

Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground?

Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground

4.05

22 reviews

Top 18% in MIWinter

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

1,165 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,165 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Overnight fees ($20 for most sites) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(906) 786-2351

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground

46.2231, -87.4945

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).

Weather at Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground

Summer is the most popular season, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low-80s and nights in the 40s to low-60s. Mosquitoes and black flies are persistent at dawn and dusk, so bring repellent and a bug net. The campground stays open year-round, but winter access depends on unplowed roads. Expect backcountry conditions. Seasonal weather shifts can be dramatic, so plan accordingly.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Most popular season; good hiking, paddling, fishing though insects at dawn/dusk noted.

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

Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground sits on a wooded hillside above Anderson Lake in Marquette County, about 13 miles from Gwinn. The 13 first-come, first-served sites are shaded by mature white pines and offer direct access to the 6-mile Anderson Lake Pathway. Amenities are minimal: vault toilets and a hand-pump well.

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

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the most popular season, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low-80s and nights in the 40s to low-60s. Mosquitoes and black flies are persistent at dawn and dusk, so bring repellent and a bug net. The campground stays open year-round, but winter access depends on unplowed roads. Expect backcountry conditions. Seasonal weather shifts can be dramatic, so plan accordingly.

Natural Features and SceneryTall white pines and mixed hardwoods shade the campground, which overlooks Anderson Lake's undeveloped shoreline. The terrain rolls gently through forested hills and small wetland pockets. Loons call from the lake at dawn and dusk. At night, the lack of light pollution makes for good stargazing. The surrounding state forest feels quiet and wild, with few signs of development beyond the trail system.

Geological RegionCentral Upper Peninsula (Marquette County)

Scenic ViewsSome sites are lake-adjacent or back-in with partial lake access/views; most sites are wooded and shaded with limited open beach. Reviewers note better water access from sites near the boat launch.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

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

Total Campsites13 campsites

Best CampsitesSites closest to the boat launch and shoreline offer the quickest water access and partial lake views. Reviewers favor the heavily shaded back-in sites under large white pines for privacy and cooling shade in summer.

Amenities available

Rustic state forest campground with vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. Thirteen first-come, first-served sites; no reservations and minimal development (no electricity or hookups).

Potable water

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRough/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.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.1

22 reviews

Satisfactory

Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 22 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 22 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 22 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 22 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Pike and panfish anglers or paddlers who want a quiet U.P. lake with no crowds most weekdays. Sites near the boat launch get the best water access, and $15 a night for shaded pines and loon calls is hard to beat.

Skip if

Arrival timing is everything here since there are no reservations and only 13 sites. Weekends fill fast. Add rough access roads, no showers, vault toilets with spotty supply history, and unreliable cell service, and comfort campers will be miserable.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Bass Lake State Forest Campground (Marquette)

Bass Lake State Forest Campground sits on the eastern shore of Bass Lake in Michigan's central Upper Peninsula, about 20 minutes from Gwinn. The 22-site campground operates first-come, first-served and attracts anglers, paddlers, and campers comfortable with rustic facilities. Mature hardwoods and conifers shade most sites, and several have direct lake access.

Little Lake State Forest Campground

Little Lake State Forest Campground sits on the eastern shore of Little Lake in Marquette County, offering 16 first-come, first-served sites beneath a mix of hardwoods and conifers. The campground features vault toilets, hand-pumped potable water, and a small sandy beach at the center of the loop. There are no hookups, showers, or trash service.

Gene's Pond State Forest Campground

Gene's Pond State Forest Campground sits on the wooded shores of a Menominee River backwater in Dickinson County's upland hardwood forest. This rustic, first-come first-served site draws campers seeking quiet and easy water access. Sites are primitive with vault toilets and hand-pump water.

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Forest Lake State Forest Campground

Forest Lake State Forest Campground sits on the shore of Forest Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, 26 first-come, first-served sites in dense northwoods forest. Most sites claim waterfront views. The campground has vault toilets, hand-pump water, fire rings, and a boat launch. Cell service is spotty. This is rustic camping for people who want quiet and fishing over amenities.

RAPID RIVER/MANISTIQUE RANGER DISTRICT, 8181 US HWY 2, Rapid River, MI, USA

Bass Lake Campsite sits in Hiawatha National Forest near Rapid River, Michigan, offering free primitive camping at a small lakefront site managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This rustic spot draws anglers and paddlers seeking a quiet base on a small inland lake, with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping on a first-come basis, with a 14-day stay limit and seasonal operation during warmer months.

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Indian Lake West Campground

Indian Lake State Park

Indian Lake West Campground sits on the quiet western shore of Indian Lake in Michigan's central Upper Peninsula, offering 72 first-come, first-served sites with 20-amp electrical hookups and vault toilets. The rustic West unit trades showers and modern restrooms for seclusion and peace, operating mid-June through Labor Day at $20 per night.

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campgrounds

Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground

From Michigan DNR

Official information for Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

This secluded, rustic campground is shaded by large white pines near Anderson Lake. The lake offers excellent opportunities for fishing and paddling. The Anderson Lake Pathway trailhead is located within the campground and offers 6 miles of looped trails open to cross-country skiing, hiking and biking. There are 13 sites for tent, small trailer and large trailer use. Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. The campground is located 5 miles southwest of Gwinn via County Road 577. Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations. View Campground closing and opening dates .

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