Perch Lake State Forest Campground

Star5.00
11 reviews
Perch Lake State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

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Perch 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) 658-3338

What Campers Say

5.00

Top-Rated

Based on 11 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewssceneryquietlake

"Sampled reviews (2019–2023) are uniformly positive (5-star), praising the campground's beautiful setting, lake access and boat ramp, peaceful atmosphere, and good fishing."

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Best Time to Camp at Perch Lake State Forest Campground

This campground welcomes visitors through all four seasons, though winter campers should come prepared for adventure—the roads stay unplowed when snow flies, making access part of the challenge. Summer and fall offer the easiest access and the best fishing, while those seeking solitude and snowy serenity will find it here in the quieter months, provided they're ready to hike, ski, or snowshoe their way in.

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; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed.

About Perch Lake State Forest Campground

Escape to the peaceful shores of Perch Lake at this rustic state forest campground, where 32 first-come, first-served sites welcome tent campers and trailers year-round. Cast a line from the boat launch with skid pier, paddle the calm waters, and enjoy the simplicity of camping with vault toilets and hand-pump water—just remember that winter adventurers will need to trek in, as seasonal roads aren't plowed.
Rustic campground suitable for tent camping and trailer camping (no hookups). First-come, first-serve with two walk-up tent-only sites.
Weather and SeasonsThis campground welcomes visitors through all four seasons, though winter campers should come prepared for adventure—the roads stay unplowed when snow flies, making access part of the challenge. Summer and fall offer the easiest access and the best fishing, while those seeking solitude and snowy serenity will find it here in the quieter months, provided they're ready to hike, ski, or snowshoe their way in.
Natural Features and SceneryYour campsite sits nestled among towering trees right on Perch Lake's shoreline, where anglers can hook perch, pike, largemouth bass, and panfish while paddlers glide across glassy waters. The forested setting offers that true Up North feeling, with the legendary Two Hearted River flowing just 2 miles south and the expansive Muskallonge Lake waiting 4 miles northwest. Whether you're launching from the boat ramp or carrying your kayak to the water's edge, you're surrounded by some of Michigan's most pristine wilderness.
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Campsite details

Total Campsites32 campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
15-day maximum stay
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed.
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (note: this campground does not accept reservations; sites are first-come, first-serve)

Amenities available

Potable water
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Opportunities include fishing, paddlesports and general boating on Perch Lake; hunting access to nearby state land; snowmobiling and ORV trail access via nearby county roads; and year-round (rustic) winter camping though seasonal roads and campground are not plowed.
Fishing
Perch Lake contains perch, pike, largemouth bass and panfish. Nearby fishing opportunities include the Two Hearted River (2 miles south) and Muskallonge Lake (4 miles northwest).
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsHunting permitted on nearby state land (observe firearm hunting setback of 450 feet from occupied dwellings). Seasonal roads are not plowed in winter which can limit access. Facilities are rustic (vault toilets, hand-pump water).

Weather at Perch Lake State Forest Campground

21
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 84%
Wind: 9 mph
Overcast

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Good to know

Common complaintsNone reported in the sampled reviews.

Campground Map

Perch Lake State Forest Campground
Driving directionsLocated in Luce County roughly 23 miles northwest of Newberry via M-123 and County Road 407 (site info also lists 25 miles north of Newberry via M-123 and County Road 407). Boat launch can be accessed off County Road 410 or via the campground entrance off County Road 407.
Accessible via M-123 and County Road 407. Boat launch access from County Road 410 or through the campground entrance on County Road 407.
Nearby places
Newberry — ~23 miles (site text also lists 25 miles) via M-123 and County Road 407.

Reviews from booking and map sources

5.0
11 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Perch Lake State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Sampled reviews (2019–2023) are uniformly positive (5-star), praising the campground's beautiful setting, lake access and boat ramp, peaceful atmosphere, and good fishing.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful scenery and lake views; convenient boat launch/skid pier; excellent fishing (reviewers note good results for those who know the local techniques); quiet, relaxing Upper Peninsula setting.
Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early or plan for first-come, first-serve since there are no reservations; expect rustic facilities (vault toilets, hand-pump water) and unplowed seasonal roads in winter; bring fishing...
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Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Awesome campground and a nice lake to enjoy the UP!"; "Beautiful setting. Nice boat ramp."; "Fishing is excellent if you know the tricks."
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated December 13, 2025
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