Forest Lake State Forest Campground
4.1533 reviewsForest Lake State Forest Campground
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
26 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
26 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Michigan
Provider(906) 341-2355
What Campers Say
4.15
Satisfactory
Based on 33 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."
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.
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; 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.
Weather and SeasonsWhile 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.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to morning mist rising off Forest Lake, with towering mixed hardwoods and conifers creating your own private cathedral of green. Nearly every campsite claims precious waterfront real estate, giving you direct access to glassy waters perfect for launching a kayak or casting a line. The simple boat launch and expansive grassy day-use area on the south end provide gathering spots, while the dense forest canopy ensures each site feels like its own secluded retreat. When night falls, you'll understand why campers rave about the star-studded skies—this is darkness the way nature intended, with the Milky Way sprawling overhead and only the occasional loon call breaking the silence.
Geological RegionUpper Peninsula of Michigan (northwoods lakeshore setting)
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Campsite details
Total Campsites26 campsites
Best Campsites
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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
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com
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).
Fishing
Forest Lake offers fishing for pike, walleye, and bass; shore fishing and boat/kayak fishing are common. Nearby lakes (Ackerman, Au Train) provide additional opportunities.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsRemote 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
26
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 75%
Wind: 13 mph
Overcast
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Good to know
Common complaintsPrimary complaints are the rustic nature (no showers or hookups), inconsistent cleanliness of vault toilets, rough/dirt road access, low lake water levels at times affecting launch, and occasional maintenance/cleanup issues (e.g., fire rings, trash).
Campground Map
Forest Lake State Forest Campground
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
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.2
33 reviews
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 33 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,...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
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 33 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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