Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

0 review

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,040 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,040 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

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

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

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer draws swimmers, paddlers and anglers; arrive early on weekends at this popular site.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Oak and pine hills and trails make fall colors and hiking attractive seasonally.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers fishing and trail access but limited detail; likely muddy and variable conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Trails used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; campground is rustic but usable in winter.

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

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

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.

HikingSand 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.

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

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

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

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.