Kingston Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.44
54 reviews
Kingston Lake State Forest Campground
Romantic GetawayPeace & QuietFishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

860 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources site

Official Website
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Kingston Lake State Forest Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Per-night fee reported in visitor reviews; official fee not listed in the scraped DNR content.
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

4.44

Recommended

Based on 54 reviews

41 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacypeacefulspacious

Some mention

smallcell service

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive: visitors praise the campground's secluded, lakefront setting, spacious and private sites, strong paddling/fishing access, and peaceful atmosphere. Many reviewers describe it as rustic but well-maintained and note limited amenities."

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Campground Map

Kingston Lake State Forest Campground

Kingston Lake State Forest Campground

46.5847, -86.2265

Driving directionsAccessible via H-58; located about 16.5 miles southwest of Grand Marais (via H-58).
Direct access from H-58; seasonal roads and campground access are not plowed in winter.
Nearby places
Grand Marais — ~16.5 miles SW via H-58

Best Time to Camp at Kingston Lake State Forest Campground

While officially open year-round, this campground truly shines during the warmer months when the seasonal access roads are passable. Winter adventurers should note that roads and the campground itself aren't plowed, so snow may limit access during colder months—though for those willing to ski or snowshoe in, the solitude can be magical.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 6% in MI

Campground 'shines' in warm months when seasonal roads are passable; best paddling/fishing season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Likely excellent for fall color, quieter use, and continued paddling/fishing opportunities.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring access depends on seasonal roads; warmer, drier weeks improve paddling and camping.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but roads/campground not plowed; winter access limited to self-sufficient visitors.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed.

About Kingston Lake State Forest Campground

Discover a hidden gem on Kingston Lake where 16 rustic campsites nestle along a scenic peninsula, most with stunning waterfront views. This first-come, first-served campground managed by Indian Lake State Park offers the perfect blend of peaceful lakeside camping and easy paddling access, complete with vault toilets and hand-pumped well water.
Small rustic state forest campground primarily for tent campers and small trailers on a lake peninsula; first-come, first-served.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
15-day maximum stay

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Quiet, water-focused campground on a peninsula in Kingston Lake offering paddling, fishing, hiking access, and seasonal winter recreation. Trail and trailhead access nearby make it a base for exploring Pictured Rocks and local forestlands.
HikingFox River Pathway departs from the campground; hikers can go about 4 miles north to Lake Superior or use the longer route toward Seney (about 27.5 miles total).
FishingAnglers fish Kingston Lake for muskie, bluegill, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and walleye; nearby lakes (Gemini, Beaver) offer additional fishing opportunities.
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLimited to no cell service at the campground; surrounding state land is open to hunting. Seasonal road closures/being unplowed in winter can limit access.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Kingston Lake State Forest Campground

Reviews

4.4
54 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Kingston Lake State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive: visitors praise the campground's secluded, lakefront setting, spacious and private sites, strong paddling/fishing access, and peaceful atmosphere. Many reviewers describe it as rustic but well-maintained and note limited amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 54 reviews

What Campers Love

Peaceful, secluded peninsula setting with many lakefront sites; excellent paddling/canoe/kayak access; spacious, well-spaced sites with good privacy and lake views; proximity to Pictured Rocks and...
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Based on 54 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early (sites fill fast, even on weekdays); bring your own drinking water or a filter due to brown/metallic-tasting pump water; plan for no cell service; bring insect repellent and your own...
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Based on 54 reviews

Camper Quotes

"One of my favorite campgrounds ever."; "No cell reception which is awesome."; "Bring your own water... the stuff out of the pump is brown and smells horrible!"
Based on 54 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026
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