Canoe Lake State Forest Campground

4.90

10 reviews

Featured in:Tent Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Canoe Lake State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

First-come, first-serve sites. Fees and registration handled onsite (self-registration kiosk/cash recommended). Exact nightly fee not specified in...

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) 341-2355

What Campers Say

4.90

Top-Rated

Based on 10 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietcleanlake

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive (mostly 4–5 stars), praising scenery, privacy, and quiet. Visitors note the campground is very small (four sites), rustic, and first-come, first-served."

Read all reviews

Best Time to Camp at Canoe Lake State Forest Campground

While Canoe Lake welcomes visitors year-round, this is truly a place that rewards the self-sufficient adventurer. Summer brings ideal conditions for paddling the glassy waters and casting a line for bass, though smart campers pack bug spray for those persistent UP mosquitoes. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, but be prepared: roads aren't plowed, making it accessible only to those ready for a true backcountry experience. Whatever season calls to you, pack layers and expect the unexpected—Upper Peninsula weather keeps things interesting, and the nearest services are a drive away.

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; seasonal roads and campground are not plowed in winter.

About Canoe Lake State Forest Campground

Escape to one of Michigan's hidden gems: a intimate four-site campground nestled along the pristine shores of Canoe Lake. This rustic retreat in the state forest offers the perfect basecamp for paddlers and anglers seeking solitude, with easy access to Trail 8 and the stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore just beyond.

Rustic, primitive lakeside campground with four small lakeside sites. First-come, first-served (no reservations).

Weather and SeasonsWhile Canoe Lake welcomes visitors year-round, this is truly a place that rewards the self-sufficient adventurer. Summer brings ideal conditions for paddling the glassy waters and casting a line for bass, though smart campers pack bug spray for those persistent UP mosquitoes. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, but be prepared: roads aren't plowed, making it accessible only to those ready for a true backcountry experience. Whatever season calls to you, pack layers and expect the unexpected—Upper Peninsula weather keeps things interesting, and the nearest services are a drive away.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to morning mist rising off a 34-acre wilderness lake, your tent pitched just steps from the water's edge. Each campsite is naturally tucked into the forest, offering privacy among towering trees and the kind of peaceful separation that makes you feel like you have the whole woods to yourself. When darkness falls, you'll understand why stargazers love the Upper Peninsula—the forest canopy opens to reveal some of the darkest, most spectacular night skies in Michigan, unmarred by light pollution and perfect for spotting the Milky Way.

Geological RegionUpper Peninsula (Schoolcraft County), inland forested lake area

Campsite details

Total Campsites4 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 not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; seasonal roads and campground are not plowed in winter.

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

On-site paddling and carry-in boating, fishing, ORV/snowmobile trail access (Trail 8), hunting access on adjacent state land, and winter camping (site open year-round though roads are not plowed).

Fishing

Excellent fishing on Canoe Lake; perch and bluegill are reported.

Boating

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Sites include fire rings/fire pits per visitor accounts; campers should follow Michigan DNR fire regulations and local fire restrictions.

Hazards

General hazardsLimited or unreliable cell coverage likely due to remote location, seasonal insects (mosquitoes/biting flies) in summer, typical Upper Peninsula wildlife including potential for bears (practice food storage), and winter access hazards because roads are not plowed.

Weather at Canoe Lake State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 77%

Wind: 12.3 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsVery limited number of sites (only four) can make finding a site difficult due to first-come, first-served policy; lack of running water/modern facilities for those seeking more amenities.

Campground Map

Canoe Lake State Forest Campground

Driving directionsLocated 18.3 miles northeast of Shingleton via H-15, Adams Trail, H-52 and County Road 454. (Site info also lists location as nine miles east of Melstrand via H-52, Co Road 450 and Wolf Lake Road.)

Accessible via county/state forest roads (H-15, H-52 and county roads); last miles are on secondary/seasonal forest roads.

Nearby places

Shingleton — ~18.3 miles

Melstrand — ~9 miles

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.9

10 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive (mostly 4–5 stars), praising scenery, privacy, and quiet. Visitors note the campground is very small (four sites), rustic, and first-come, first-served.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic, secluded lakeside setting; privacy and quiet; good for paddling and fishing; clean vault toilet noted by visitors; picnic tables and fire pits at sites; close to Pictured Rocks and Munising.

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early because sites are FCFS; bring water and supplies for rustic camping; bring canoe/kayak for easy lake access and paddling.

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Beautiful little lake with 4 camp sites & boat launch. First come first serve sites, no reservations, we lucked out & got the last site for a 4 day weekend.”; “Literally my favorite little...

Based on 10 reviews