Little Lake State Forest Campground

4.33

51 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Little 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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(906) 786-2351

What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 51 reviews

51 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadespaciouslakebeach

Some mention

noisetrain

"Users generally praise the quiet, wooded setting, clear lake, small beach, and well-spaced sites; reviewers note the campground is clean and family-friendly. Common criticisms include road/train noise, lack of trash service, occasional messy campers, and the fully rustic setup (no hookups, vault toilets)."

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Best Time to Camp at Little Lake State Forest Campground

While Little Lake welcomes adventurers year-round, each season brings its own character to this woodland retreat. Summer and fall offer the easiest access and most comfortable camping conditions, with warm days perfect for swimming and cool nights ideal for campfires. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-covered wonderland, though be prepared: seasonal roads aren't plowed, making access challenging and best suited for experienced winter campers with proper equipment. Spring brings awakening forests and returning wildlife, though roads may be muddy during the thaw.

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

Operating Season: Open year-round; seasonal roads are not plowed

About Little Lake State Forest Campground

Tucked along the peaceful eastern shore of Little Lake in Marquette County, this intimate 16-site rustic campground offers a true back-to-basics escape beneath a canopy of hardwoods and conifers. With carry-in camping, a charming central beach, hand-pumped water, and first-come, first-served sites, it's perfect for campers seeking simplicity and solitude for up to 15 days.

Rustic lakeside campground accommodating tents and trailers/RVs (no hookups).

Weather and SeasonsWhile Little Lake welcomes adventurers year-round, each season brings its own character to this woodland retreat. Summer and fall offer the easiest access and most comfortable camping conditions, with warm days perfect for swimming and cool nights ideal for campfires. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-covered wonderland, though be prepared: seasonal roads aren't plowed, making access challenging and best suited for experienced winter campers with proper equipment. Spring brings awakening forests and returning wildlife, though roads may be muddy during the thaw.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine pitching your tent in a shaded woodland sanctuary where towering upland hardwoods meet fragrant lowland conifers, all just steps from Little Lake's tranquil waters. The campground's crown jewel is a cozy sandy beach with grassy edges nestled at the heart of the loop—your private launch point for morning fishing trips or sunset paddle sessions. The forest canopy filters sunlight into dancing patterns while the lake breeze keeps things comfortable, creating that quintessential Up North atmosphere that draws you back year after year.

Geological RegionCentral Upper Peninsula (Marquette County)

Campsite details

Total Campsites16 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; seasonal roads are not plowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Cell phone service

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Small rustic lakeside campground focused on low-impact water and outdoor recreation including fishing, paddling, and beach use. Nearby motorized trail opportunities and seasonal winter recreation are noted.

Fishing

Fishing on Little Lake (walleye and panfish reported); shore fishing and boat fishing from small boats are common.

Swimming

Small sandy/grass beach centrally located in the campground; lake suitable for casual swimming.

Boating

Campground rules

Pets are allowed

Hazards

General hazardsSeasonal roads are not plowed (winter access hazards). Road and occasional train noise has been reported by visitors. Reviewers have noted dead branches/trees (potential 'widow makers') in the campground and instances of other campers leaving garbage in sites.

Weather at Little Lake State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 75%

Wind: 13.2 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsRoad and occasional train noise reported by some visitors; lack of on-site trash pickup (carry-in/carry-out) leads to complaints when previous campers leave garbage; vault toilets can be odorous; no electrical hookups (some visitors expected power).

Campground Map

Little Lake State Forest Campground

Driving directionsLocated about 5 miles east of Gwinn via M-35 South and Little Lake Road; campground is on the east side of Little Lake.

Accessible from M-35 South and Little Lake Road; seasonal roads are not plowed (winter access may be difficult).

Nearby places

Gwinn — approximately 5 miles

Nearby supplies

Gwinn (about 5 miles)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.3

51 reviews

Recommended

Little Lake State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users generally praise the quiet, wooded setting, clear lake, small beach, and well-spaced sites; reviewers note the campground is clean and family-friendly. Common criticisms include road/train noise, lack of trash service, occasional messy campers, and the fully rustic setup (no hookups, vault toilets).

Review Summaries

Based on 51 reviews

What Campers Love

Nice small beach and direct lake access; good paddling and fishing; spacious, shaded sites; several pull-through sites accommodate larger trailers; family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to...

Based on 51 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early (16 sites are first-come, first-served). Bring heavy-duty trash bags and be prepared to haul refuse to the Gwinn Field Office dumpsters. Bring water containers for the hand-pump well,...

Based on 51 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We loved this campground !! Nice little beach area and spaced out spots for camping."; "Beautiful place!"; "Primitive camping at its finest."; one reviewer noted vault toilets and no hookups and...

Based on 51 reviews