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

Little 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 Little Lake State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Little Lake State Forest Campground has 11 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.

What is the best time to visit Little Lake State Forest Campground?

Little Lake State Forest Campground is open Open year-round; seasonal roads are not plowed. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Little Lake State Forest Campground?

Little 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 Little Lake State Forest Campground?

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

How many campsites does Little Lake State Forest Campground have?

Little Lake State Forest Campground has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Little Lake State Forest Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Little Lake State Forest Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Little Lake State Forest Campground?

Little Lake State Forest Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Little Lake State Forest Campground?

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

Little Lake State Forest Campground

4.25

59 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Michigan

Quick Facts

1,148 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,148 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Little Lake State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(906) 786-2351

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Little Lake State Forest Campground

46.2819, -87.3339

Nearby places

Gwinn — approximately 5 miles

Nearby supplies

Gwinn (about 5 miles)

Weather at Little Lake State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Little Lake State Forest Campground

Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for swimming, boating, and catch-and-release fishing on Little Lake. Expect daytime highs around 65–75°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to low-50s. Water temperatures are most comfortable for swimming in July and August, when the carry-in boat launch is easiest to use. With only 16 sites, crowds stay modest compared to larger parks, but expect weekend use during July and August. Winter access is difficult. Seasonal roads aren't plowed.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season for swimming, boating and fishing; temps 65–75°F and clear lake access.

Planning Tips

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

About Little Lake State Forest Campground

Little Lake State Forest Campground sits on the eastern shore of Little Lake in Marquette County, offering 16 first-come, first-served sites beneath a mix of hardwoods and conifers. The campground features vault toilets, hand-pumped potable water, and a small sandy beach at the center of the loop. There are no hookups, showers, or trash service.

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

Weather and SeasonsSummer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for swimming, boating, and catch-and-release fishing on Little Lake. Expect daytime highs around 65–75°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to low-50s. Water temperatures are most comfortable for swimming in July and August, when the carry-in boat launch is easiest to use. With only 16 sites, crowds stay modest compared to larger parks, but expect weekend use during July and August. Winter access is difficult. Seasonal roads aren't plowed.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies wooded terrain at 1,148 feet elevation, with upland hardwoods and lowland conifers providing shade across well-spaced sites. A sandy beach with grassy edges anchors the center of the loop, giving direct access to Little Lake for swimming, paddling, and catch-and-release fishing. The forest canopy filters sunlight, and lake breezes move through in warmer months. Reviewers describe the lake as clear and the setting as quiet, though some mention road and occasional train noise carrying through the trees.

Geological RegionCentral Upper Peninsula (Marquette County)

Scenic ViewsMany sites are wooded with short walks to the lake and beach; some sites offer near-lake or lakefront access.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Amenities available

Rustic, first-come/first-served campground with basic facilities: vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. Carry-in/carry-out policy; no trash barrels on site (dumpsters located at the Gwinn Field Office).

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Swimming

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal 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.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

59 reviews

Satisfactory

Little Lake State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 59 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 59 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 59 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 59 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Paddlers and families who want direct lake access without a crowded state park scene. Pull-through sites fit larger trailers, walleye and panfish are in the lake, and July–August swimming is the sweet spot. Arrive Friday morning to land a site.

Skip if

No hookups, no showers, no on-site trash pickup, and occasional road and train noise reach every site. Campers who pack light on patience for rustic logistics, or need electrical for any reason, will leave annoyed.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.1

(22)

Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground

Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground sits on a wooded hillside above Anderson Lake in Marquette County, about 13 miles from Gwinn. The 13 first-come, first-served sites are shaded by mature white pines and offer direct access to the 6-mile Anderson Lake Pathway. Amenities are minimal: vault toilets and a hand-pump well.