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

Andrus Lake 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 Andrus Lake State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Andrus Lake State Forest Campground has 4 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 Andrus Lake State Forest Campground?

Andrus Lake State Forest Campground is open Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.. 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 Andrus Lake State Forest Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Andrus Lake State Forest Campground?

Fire policies at Andrus Lake State Forest Campground: Fire rings and picnic tables are provided; one fire ring is noted in the picnic area. Follow Michigan DNR fire regulations.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Andrus Lake State Forest Campground have?

Andrus Lake State Forest Campground has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Andrus Lake State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Andrus Lake 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 Andrus Lake State Forest Campground?

Andrus Lake 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 Andrus Lake State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Andrus Lake State Forest Campground include Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Andrus Lake State Forest Campground

4.40

139 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

653 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

653 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Andrus Lake 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) 492-3415

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Andrus Lake State Forest Campground

46.7036, -85.0376

Nearby places

Paradise (5.5 miles south)

Whitefish Point (6 miles north)

Tahquamenon Falls State Park (about 17 miles southwest).

Nearby supplies

Paradise (nearest town for groceries, fuel and other supplies).

Weather at Andrus Lake State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Andrus Lake State Forest Campground

Summer offers the classic U.P. lakeside experience: warm, sunny days (typically 65–80°F) and cool evenings (45–60°F) ideal for paddling, swimming, and boat fishing on Andrus Lake. Water-based activities are at their peak, sites are fully accessible, and mornings with lake mist are especially photogenic. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends and active mosquitoes at dawn and dusk. Bring repellent and plan paddling or fishing for early morning or late afternoon.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer ideal: warm days, cool evenings; prime swimming, paddling and fishing season.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.

About Andrus Lake State Forest Campground

Andrus Lake State Forest Campground sits on the shore of a small, sandy-bottom lake in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, offering 25 rustic first-come, first-served sites. Reviewers praise the peaceful setting, clean vault toilets, and helpful camp hosts. Expect no hookups or showers. Just large wooded sites, potable water from a hand pump, and direct access to fishing and paddling.

Rustic state forest campground. Primitive-style sites suitable for tent camping and trailers (dry camping) with several lakefront sites.

Weather and SeasonsSummer offers the classic U.P. lakeside experience: warm, sunny days (typically 65–80°F) and cool evenings (45–60°F) ideal for paddling, swimming, and boat fishing on Andrus Lake. Water-based activities are at their peak, sites are fully accessible, and mornings with lake mist are especially photogenic. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends and active mosquitoes at dawn and dusk. Bring repellent and plan paddling or fishing for early morning or late afternoon.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies mixed northern hardwood and conifer forest at 653 feet elevation, with several sites directly on Andrus Lake. The lake has a sandy bottom and calm water ideal for kayaking and swimming. Wooded sites offer shade and privacy under the forest canopy, while lakefront spots provide open views and immediate water access. Mornings often bring mist rising off the lake, especially in summer.

Geological RegionEastern Upper Peninsula; mixed northern hardwood and conifer forest surrounding a small inland lake.

Scenic ViewsMany campsites offer direct water views of Andrus Lake; interior sites are well‑screened by trees and provide shaded forest views.

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 not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Total Campsites25 campsites

Best CampsitesLakefront sites are the most desirable and fill quickly. Reviewers recommend arriving early on summer weekends to claim one of these spots, which offer direct water access, open views, and easy launching for kayaks or canoes. Large wooded sites farther from the lake provide more shade and privacy.

Amenities available

Rustic campground with vault toilets, potable water from a hand-pump well, picnic tables, and fire rings. No hookups or showers.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

On-site boating and paddling, fishing (pier and lake access), hunting access to surrounding state land, ORV entry/exit allowed, picnic area, and winter camping (campground open year-round though seasonal roads are not plowed).

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRustic facilities (vault toilets, hand‑pump potable water). Review reports and visitor notes indicate mosquitoes can be heavy in summer. Cell service is not consistently reported and may be spotty in this remote location.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.4

139 reviews

Recommended

Andrus Lake State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers consistently describe Andrus Lake Campground as peaceful, scenic, and well‑maintained with many desirable lakefront sites; facilities are rustic but generally clean and the on‑site hosts receive frequent praise.

Review Summaries

Based on 139 reviews

What Campers Love

Quiet, small sandy‑bottom lake with nice lakefront sites; many reviewers praise clean vault toilets, large wooded sites, helpful camp hosts, and overall peaceful setting.

Based on 139 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Sites are first‑come, first‑served — arrive early for a lakefront site. Bring necessary supplies and insect protection and be prepared for rustic, dry‑camping conditions. Expect limited services and...

Based on 139 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful, Peaceful, and clean"; "Nice quiet little park. No amenities, but the sites are large and bring right on the lake was so nice."

Based on 139 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Tent campers and paddlers who can arrive mid-week will have their pick of the lakefront spots, the kind with morning mist off the water and direct lake access. Nearby Whitefish Point is 6 miles north, making this a solid base for the area.

Skip if

No showers, no hookups, hand-pump water only, and mosquitoes are heavy at dawn and dusk in summer. If that level of rustic wears you down, or you're arriving Friday night hoping for a lakeside site, this setup will frustrate.

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