Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

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Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(248) 685-2433

Best Time to Camp at Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

Summer brings swimmers, paddlers, and anglers to the lake's cool waters—arrive early on weekends to claim your spot at this popular first-come-first-served campground. When snow blankets the forest, the trail system transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though access depends on road and snow conditions. Keep in mind that the rustic roads can kick up dust during dry spells and turn muddy after rain, adding to the authentic backcountry experience.

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 Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

Escape to Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground, where 50 acres of pristine water meet rolling hills blanketed in oak and pine. This rustic, first-come-first-served gem keeps things beautifully simple—vault toilets, a hand-pump well, and direct access to the Sand Lakes Quiet Area's network of trails for paddling, fishing, and forest exploration.

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 brings swimmers, paddlers, and anglers to the lake's cool waters—arrive early on weekends to claim your spot at this popular first-come-first-served campground. When snow blankets the forest, the trail system transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, though access depends on road and snow conditions. Keep in mind that the rustic roads can kick up dust during dry spells and turn muddy after rain, adding to the authentic backcountry experience.

Natural Features and SceneryTucked along the undeveloped north shore of Guernsey Lake, this campground immerses you in the kind of peaceful forest setting that feels worlds away from everyday life. Rolling hills draped in oak and pine surround the 50-acre lake, while the adjoining Sand Lakes Quiet Area beckons with forested ridges, crystal-clear water, and night skies dark enough to lose yourself in the stars. The 8.5-mile Sand Lakes Quiet Area Pathway winds through the landscape and connects to the legendary North Country Trail, opening up endless possibilities for exploration.

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

Campsite details

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 are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (campground is first-come, first-served; reservations are not available)

Amenities available

Potable water

Cell phone service

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

Sand Lakes Quiet Area Pathway (on site) offers an 8.5-mile loop of moderate trails (flat to very hilly) and connects to the North Country Trail; nearby Muncie Lake and Vasa pathways are also accessible.

Fishing

Guernsey Lake supports warm-water and trout species; anglers report largemouth bass, brown trout, perch, bluegill and other panfish.

Swimming

Guernsey Lake is commonly noted as good for swimming with largely undeveloped shorelines and clear water.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsForest 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.

Weather at Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 68%

Wind: 13.9 mph

Overcast

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Campground Map

Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

Driving directionsLocated in Kalkaska County within the Pare Marquette State Forest, about 8 miles west of Kalkaska via Island Lake and Campground roads.

Access via local forest roads (Island Lake Road and Campground Road) from Kalkaska; roads may be unpaved.

Nearby places

Kalkaska — ~8 miles