Deer Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.83
6 reviews
Deer Lake State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

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Deer Lake State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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) 353-6558

What Campers Say

4.83

Top-Rated

Based on 6 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspaciouswell-maintained

"Google reviews (4–5 stars) describe the campground as quiet, remote/off-grid, clean and well maintained with spacious, spread-out sites and good fire pits; a few reviewers noted limited lake views."

Read all reviews


Best Time to Camp at Deer Lake State Forest Campground

The campground welcomes visitors for an extended season typical of U.P. destinations, though it's wise to come prepared for the region's famously unpredictable weather. Pack layers for cool mornings even in summer, and if you're visiting during late spring through mid-summer, bring your favorite insect repellent—the mosquitoes and biting flies are as much a part of the northwoods experience as the loons calling across the lake. True adventurers know these minor inconveniences are a small price for such unspoiled beauty.

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

    About Deer Lake State Forest Campground

    Tucked along the tranquil shores of Deer Lake in Iron County, this intimate rustic campground offers an authentic Upper Peninsula escape managed by Baraga State Park. With generously spaced sites scattered beneath the forest canopy and direct lake access for anglers and paddlers, it's the perfect basecamp for those seeking genuine northwoods solitude away from the crowds.
    Small, rustic state forest campground on Deer Lake (northwoods lakeside setting).
    Weather and SeasonsThe campground welcomes visitors for an extended season typical of U.P. destinations, though it's wise to come prepared for the region's famously unpredictable weather. Pack layers for cool mornings even in summer, and if you're visiting during late spring through mid-summer, bring your favorite insect repellent—the mosquitoes and biting flies are as much a part of the northwoods experience as the loons calling across the lake. True adventurers know these minor inconveniences are a small price for such unspoiled beauty.
    Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the classic Upper Peninsula landscape where towering conifers mingle with hardwoods along Deer Lake's pristine, undeveloped shoreline. The forest wraps around well-separated campsites, creating natural privacy screens and that coveted feeling of having your own wilderness retreat. When night falls, you'll discover why campers rave about the star-studded skies here—with minimal light pollution, the Milky Way stretches overhead in breathtaking clarity, making this a stargazer's dream destination.
    Geological RegionWestern Upper Peninsula (Iron County), northwoods lake setting
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    Campsite details


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    Reserving a campsite

    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed

    Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

    Amenities available

    Fire rings
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Quiet, rustic northwoods lake campground offering lakeshore access, boating/paddlesports and fishing. The area also provides hunting access to surrounding state land and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
    Fishing
    Panfish, smallmouth bass and walleye are caught in Deer Lake; other nearby waters (Deer River, Bone Lake) offer additional angling opportunities.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed
    • Reviews note presence of fire pits; follow Michigan DNR and local firewood and campfire regulations.

    Hazards

    General hazardsAdjacent state land is open to hunting (observe 450-foot restriction); typical northwoods wildlife may be present. Cell coverage can be spotty given the remote location.

    Weather at Deer Lake State Forest Campground

    27
    °F
    Dec 26
    Friday
    Overcast
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 80%
    Wind: 12.3 mph
    Overcast

    Weather History
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    Good to know

    Common complaintsFew complaints in the available reviews; one reviewer wished for better views of the lake.

    Campground Map

    Deer Lake State Forest Campground
    Driving directionsLocated in Iron County, 17 miles north of Crystal Falls via US-141 and Deer Lake Road.
    Accessible via US-141 to Deer Lake Road.
    Nearby places
    Crystal Falls — 17 miles
    Nearby supplies
    Crystal Falls (approximately 17 miles)

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.8
    6 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Deer Lake State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Google reviews (4–5 stars) describe the campground as quiet, remote/off-grid, clean and well maintained with spacious, spread-out sites and good fire pits; a few reviewers noted limited lake views.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 6 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Quiet, remote/off-grid setting; clean and well-maintained; sites are spacious and spread out; fire pits praised as excellent.
    Based on 6 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reviewers characterize the site as 'off-grid' — bring supplies and expect a rustic experience. Sites are spacious; arrive early if seeking a particular lakeshore spot.
    Based on 6 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Nice remote campground, clean, well maintained."; "A great 'off grid' spot. Wish there were some better views of the lake. Nice and spread out. Fire pits are excellent."; "Beautiful little...
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    Based on 6 reviews

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    Last updated December 13, 2025
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