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

Forest 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 Forest Lake State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Forest Lake State Forest Campground has 11 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 Forest Lake State Forest Campground?

Forest 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 Forest Lake State Forest Campground?

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

How many campsites does Forest Lake State Forest Campground have?

Forest Lake State Forest Campground has 26 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Forest Lake State Forest Campground?

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

Forest 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 Forest Lake State Forest Campground?

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

Forest Lake State Forest Campground

3.99

38 reviews

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

807 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan Department of Natural Resources (managed by Indian Lake State Park)

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

807 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan Department of Natural Resources (managed by Indian Lake State Park)

Get Directions

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

3.99

Mixed Reviews

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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Forest Lake State Forest Campground

46.3072, -86.8687

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

Summer delivers the warmest water and the most reliable access. Daytime highs in the Upper Peninsula run mid-60s to mid-70s°F, nights in the 40s and 50s. Forest Lake warms to the mid-60s or low-70s by July, good for swimming and easy canoe launches. Wildlife moves at dawn and dusk. The small campground stays quiet except on holiday weekends. Pack bug spray: mosquitoes are heavy in warm months. Fall and spring are cooler but less crowded. Winter closes the access road unless you ski or snowshoe in. Weather in the U.P. shifts fast, so bring layers.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warmest water, most reliable access; summer is the primary season for swimming, paddling, fishing.

Planning Tips

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

About Forest Lake State Forest Campground

Forest Lake State Forest Campground sits on the shore of Forest Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, 26 first-come, first-served sites in dense northwoods forest. Most sites claim waterfront views. The campground has vault toilets, hand-pump water, fire rings, and a boat launch. Cell service is spotty. This is rustic camping for people who want quiet and fishing over amenities.

Rustic lakeside campground with primarily tent and primitive sites; some sites accept vehicles and larger rigs but there are no utility hookups.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the warmest water and the most reliable access. Daytime highs in the Upper Peninsula run mid-60s to mid-70s°F, nights in the 40s and 50s. Forest Lake warms to the mid-60s or low-70s by July, good for swimming and easy canoe launches. Wildlife moves at dawn and dusk. The small campground stays quiet except on holiday weekends. Pack bug spray: mosquitoes are heavy in warm months. Fall and spring are cooler but less crowded. Winter closes the access road unless you ski or snowshoe in. Weather in the U.P. shifts fast, so bring layers.

Natural Features and SceneryForest Lake spreads out below a canopy of mixed hardwoods and conifers at 807 feet elevation. Nearly every site faces the water. Morning mist lifts off the lake. The forest is thick enough that sites feel private despite the small footprint. A grassy day-use area anchors the south end near the boat launch. At night, the Milky Way arcs overhead with no light pollution. Loons call across the water. The shoreline is accessible for paddling and fishing.

Geological RegionUpper Peninsula of Michigan (northwoods lakeshore setting)

Scenic ViewsMany sites offer direct lakefront or near‑lake views across Forest Lake; open shoreline views from lakeside sites and the south day‑use area. Night skies are reported to be very dark, good for stargazing.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 Campsites26 campsites

Best CampsitesSites on or near the water fill first. Walk-in sites 24, 25, and 26 require short hikes of 10 to 40 yards but offer extra seclusion. Reviews mention spacious, private sites with good lake views. Most accommodate tents or small trailers. A handful of sites fit rigs up to 40 feet, but the rough access road and primitive layout favor smaller setups.

Amenities available

Rustic, vault-toilet campground with a hand-pump well for potable water, a simple boat launch, and a grassy day-use/picnic area. No electricity, no showers, no flush toilets, and no hookups; some sites have fire rings.

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

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

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.

Weather at Forest Lake State Forest Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.0

38 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Forest Lake State Forest Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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,...

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...

Based on 38 reviews

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Au Train Lake Campground

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Au Train Lake Campground sits in Hiawatha National Forest, about 10 miles south of Lake Superior. The 36 sites accommodate tents and RVs, split across two wooded loops with mostly good privacy thanks to dense brush. Fees run $24 per night. It's a quiet base for families exploring the Upper Peninsula, though quiet hours go unenforced on busy weekends.