Milakokia Lake State Forest Campground
4.2647 reviewsMilakokia Lake State Forest Campground
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
35 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
35 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsMilakokia 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) 492-3415
What Campers Say
4.26
Satisfactory
Based on 47 reviews
47 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietpeacefulcleanlake
Some mention
mosquitoessmall
"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the quiet, lakeside setting, good fishing and secluded, wooded sites. Most visitors emphasize the campground's rustic character and cleanliness of the maintained vault toilets."
Best Time to Camp at Milakokia Lake State Forest Campground
While the campground welcomes visitors year-round, winter transforms this area into a snowy wilderness accessible only to the most adventurous souls willing to trek in (roads and loops aren't plowed). Plan your visit knowing you'll experience true Upper Peninsula weather—gloriously cool summers, vibrant fall colors, and those legendary spring and early summer mosquito hatches. Pack your bug repellent and window screens from late May through July, and you'll be ready to enjoy everything this northern paradise has to offer.
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 and campground loops are not plowed in winter.
About Milakokia Lake State Forest Campground
Escape to Milakokia Lake State Forest Campground, a hidden gem tucked along the wooded northeast shore where 35 rustic, first-come first-served sites await adventure-seekers. This primitive lakeside retreat features two camping loops, vault toilets, hand-pump well water, and a convenient carry-in boat launch that puts you right on the water for your next paddling expedition.
A rustic state forest campground that accepts tents and trailers/RVs (no hookups). Primitive camping characteristics (vault toilets, no electricity).
Weather and SeasonsWhile the campground welcomes visitors year-round, winter transforms this area into a snowy wilderness accessible only to the most adventurous souls willing to trek in (roads and loops aren't plowed). Plan your visit knowing you'll experience true Upper Peninsula weather—gloriously cool summers, vibrant fall colors, and those legendary spring and early summer mosquito hatches. Pack your bug repellent and window screens from late May through July, and you'll be ready to enjoy everything this northern paradise has to offer.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to sunlight dancing across Milakokia Lake, filtering through the dense forest canopy that surrounds your campsite. This secluded lakeshore haven offers the best of both worlds—many sites provide direct or near-direct water access, perfect for launching your kayak at dawn or casting a line from shore. The thick forest creates an authentic backwoods atmosphere that makes you feel miles away from civilization, offering the kind of peaceful solitude that serious paddlers, anglers, and nature lovers crave.
Geological RegionUpper Peninsula (Mackinac County)
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Campsite details
Total Campsites35 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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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 and campground loops are not plowed in winter.
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (note: this campground is first-come, first-serve; no reservations accepted)
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
On‑site access to Milakokia Lake supports paddling, small‑boat use, fishing and informal swimming; a central picnic area is provided. The surrounding state forest also provides hunting access and quiet, wooded recreation.
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Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal heavy insect activity (mosquitoes) in warm months; roads and loops not plowed in winter (winter access can be difficult). Hunting occurs on surrounding state land — be aware of hunting seasons and wear high-visibility clothing if recreating off-site. Some visitors report variable water quality from the hand-pump well.
Weather at Milakokia Lake State Forest Campground
24
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 80%
Wind: 12.5 mph
Overcast
Weather History
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Good to know
Common complaintsSeasonal insect problems (mosquitoes) are frequently mentioned. Some visitors note limited facilities (no electricity, no showers), occasional small or close sites, and isolated reports of theft or vandalism. Water from the well has been described as dirty by at least one reviewer.
Campground Map
Milakokia Lake State Forest Campground
Driving directionsFrom US-2: follow Pike Lake Grade/East Milakokia Lake Road to the campground. The site is about 7 miles southwest of Gould City and about 20 miles west of Naubinway via US-2 and local roads.
Accessible from US-2; final access via East Milakokia Lake Road and Pike Lake Grade (gravel/seasonal roads).Nearby places
Gould City (~7 miles)
Naubinway (~20 miles)
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
47 reviews
Milakokia Lake State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the quiet, lakeside setting, good fishing and secluded, wooded sites. Most visitors emphasize the campground's rustic character and cleanliness of the maintained vault toilets.
Review Summaries
Based on 47 reviews
What Campers Love
Quiet, peaceful lakeside setting; many lakeside sites and secluded/wooded campsites; good paddling and fishing; generally clean and well‑kept vault toilets; several reviewers note nice sandy swim...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
All sites are first‑come, first‑served — arrive early to secure a preferred site. Bring insect repellent, your own drinking water or filtration (well pump reported), and provisions; bring a generator...
Based on 47 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Great price. Very quiet. Clean."; "Lots of lakeside camp sites secluded and surprisingly empty for the fourth of July weekend."; "It's completely rustic which didn't bother me."
Based on 47 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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