Forest Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.19
38 reviews
Forest Lake State Forest Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

807 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources (managed by Indian Lake State Park) site

Official Website
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Forest 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

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Michigan
Provider
(906) 341-2355
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What Campers Say

4.19

Satisfactory

Based on 38 reviews

33 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulspacious

"Reviews are largely positive from campers who value a quiet, rustic, lakeside experience with good fishing and spacious, private sites. Negative notes center on lack of amenities, variable vault-toilet cleanliness, rough access road, occasional low water levels, and some maintenance issues."

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Campground Map

Forest Lake State Forest Campground

Forest Lake State Forest Campground

46.3072, -86.8687

Driving directionsLocated in Alger County, about 2.5 miles southwest of Forest Lake via M-94 and Campground Road. Access includes roughly 2 miles of dirt/gravel road to the campground.
Accessible from M-94; final approach via Campground Road and about 2 miles of dirt/gravel road. Remote setting; expect a quiet, unpaved drive.
Nearby places
Au Train (~9–10 miles north)
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (less than 20 miles)
Munising and Chatham are the nearest regional service/attraction areas.
Nearby supplies
Au Train area (~9–10 miles) for groceries, fuel and basic services

Best Time to Camp at Forest Lake State Forest Campground

While the campground welcomes visitors year-round, winter transforms this spot into a true backcountry experience—unplowed roads mean you'll need skis, snowshoes, or serious determination to reach it during the snowy months. Summer and fall are prime time, when the lake warms up and the forest comes alive, though you'll want to pack your bug spray and embrace the mosquitoes as part of the authentic U.P. experience. Come prepared for the Upper Peninsula's famously unpredictable weather: layers are your friend, and conditions can shift from sunny and mild to cool and drizzly in the span of an afternoon.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for fishing, paddling and lakeside camping; reviewers positive about summer stays.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Upper Peninsula foliage and quiet lakeside setting make fall appealing; reviewers value scenic beauty.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Paddling and fishing resume; occasional low water levels reported may impact some activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year‑round but roads not plowed; only for determined skiers/snowshoers — limited convenience.

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

About Forest Lake State Forest Campground

Tucked away on the pristine shores of Forest Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this intimate rustic campground offers the kind of quiet, back-to-basics experience that serious nature lovers crave. With most sites perched right at the water's edge and nothing but towering northwoods forest surrounding you, this first-come, first-served gem delivers authentic wilderness camping with vault toilets, hand-pump water, and blissfully few amenities to distract from the natural beauty.
Rustic lakeside campground with primarily tent and primitive sites; some sites accept vehicles and larger rigs but there are no utility hookups.
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Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lakefront, rustic campground focused on low-impact outdoor activities: fishing and paddling are primary draws; boating access via a simple launch; grassy day-use area for picnicking. Site provides access to surrounding state land for hunting and winter use including snowmobiling and winter camping (roads not plowed).
FishingForest Lake offers fishing for pike, walleye, and bass; shore fishing and boat/kayak fishing are common. Nearby lakes (Ackerman, Au Train) provide additional opportunities.
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRemote dirt/gravel access road; primitive facilities (vault toilets, hand‑pump water) and no utilities. Reviewers note insects in warm months and occasional low lake water levels that can affect boat launching. Maintenance/cleanliness of vault toilets has been variable in reviewer reports.

Weather at Forest Lake State Forest Campground

Reviews

4.2
38 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Forest Lake State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are largely positive from campers who value a quiet, rustic, lakeside experience with good fishing and spacious, private sites. Negative notes center on lack of amenities, variable vault-toilet cleanliness, rough access road, occasional low water levels, and some maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 38 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise excellent fishing, beautiful lakefront views, secluded/quiet atmosphere, spacious sites, and suitability for paddling and stargazing. Several reviewers describe it as a peaceful,...
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Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early—many sites are first-come, first-served. Bring supplies (food, ice, and any comforts) due to remote access and limited services. Expect insects in warm months and plan to pack out trash...
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Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Rustic, beautiful, home away from home."; "Great fishing."; "Many of the sites are right off the lake with a wonderful view."; "Quiet, peaceful place."
Based on 38 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026
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