Little Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.38
59 reviews
Little Lake State Forest Campground
Summer Destination

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

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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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

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Michigan
Provider
(906) 786-2351
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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 59 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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Campground Map

Little Lake State Forest Campground

Little Lake State Forest Campground

46.2819, -87.3339

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)

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer offers easiest access, comfortable camping, swimming, paddling and fishing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers comfortable conditions and scenic woodland colors; access remains good.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; spring access and comfort variable (mud, early-season conditions).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but seasonal roads not plowed; winter recreation possible but access limited.

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).
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
15-day maximum stay

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
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.
FishingFishing on Little Lake (walleye and panfish reported); shore fishing and boat fishing from small boats are common.
SwimmingSmall sandy/grass beach centrally located in the campground; lake suitable for casual swimming.
Boating
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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.

Weather at Little Lake State Forest Campground

Reviews

4.4
59 reviews
Recommended
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 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...
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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,...
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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...
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Based on 59 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026
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