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

Guernsey 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 Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground has 2 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.

Are there showers at Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground?

Cell phone service at Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

Are dogs allowed at Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground?

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

Guernsey 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 Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground?

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

Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

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Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

1,040 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,040 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Nightly fee: contact the park (information posted as 'Contact the park').

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

(248) 685-2433

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Campground Map

Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

44.7159, -85.3236

Nearby places

Kalkaska — ~8 miles

Best Time to Camp at Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

Summer is prime at Guernsey Lake because the lake is warm enough for reliable swimming, paddling and boating while the surrounding trails are fully accessible for hiking and biking. Expect daytime highs around 70–85°F with cool nights in the 50s–60s, ideal for evening campfires and comfortable sleeping. This is the busiest time. Weekends fill early at this first-come-first-served campground, so arrive early to claim a lakeside site. Winter opens up cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when snow covers the trails, though access depends on road and snow conditions. The rustic roads kick up dust during dry stretches and turn muddy after rain.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is prime: reliable swimming, paddling/boating and fully accessible trails.

Planning Tips

About Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground sits on the north shore of a 50-acre lake about eight miles east of Kalkaska, adjacent to the Sand Lakes Quiet Area. This first-come-first-served primitive campground offers vault toilets and potable water, with direct trail access into the surrounding Pare Marquette State Forest.

A rustic state forest campground on the north shore of a 50-acre lake with a mix of drive-in lakefront sites and eight walk-in sites (100–200 yards from parking). Sites are first-come, first-served and best suited for self-sufficient tent camping.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is prime at Guernsey Lake because the lake is warm enough for reliable swimming, paddling and boating while the surrounding trails are fully accessible for hiking and biking. Expect daytime highs around 70–85°F with cool nights in the 50s–60s, ideal for evening campfires and comfortable sleeping. This is the busiest time. Weekends fill early at this first-come-first-served campground, so arrive early to claim a lakeside site. Winter opens up cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when snow covers the trails, though access depends on road and snow conditions. The rustic roads kick up dust during dry stretches and turn muddy after rain.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies the undeveloped north shore of Guernsey Lake, surrounded by rolling hills thick with oak and pine. At 1,040 feet elevation, the 50-acre lake sits within the Sand Lakes Quiet Area, where forested ridges and clear water extend in every direction. The 8.5-mile Sand Lakes Quiet Area Pathway loops through the terrain and connects to the North Country Trail. Night skies here are dark enough for reliable stargazing away from the nearest towns.

Geological RegionPare Marquette State Forest (Kalkaska County); adjacent to the Sand Lakes Quiet Area

Scenic ViewsLake views from lakefront drive‑in sites and wooded hill views from interior sites; shoreline is largely undeveloped providing a quiet, natural feel.

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 (campground is first-come, first-served; reservations are not available)

Best CampsitesLakefront drive-in sites offer easy water access and lake views. Eight walk-in sites sit 100–200 yards from parking and deliver more seclusion and quiet for campers willing to haul gear.

Amenities available

Rustic, first-come-first-served campground with vault toilets and a hand-pump well for drinking water. No electricity or showers are available; pack in supplies and water as needed.

Potable water

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities focus on the small lake and adjacent Sand Lakes Quiet Area: hiking, mountain biking, paddling/boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and winter use (cross-country skiing and snowshoeing). Hunting access is available on surrounding state forest land.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsForest roads and sites can be dusty or muddy depending on weather. Hunting is permitted on surrounding state land during seasons (observe legal setbacks). Normal wildlife precautions for northern Michigan apply; no recurring problematic wildlife reports documented.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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.