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

Perch 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 Perch Lake State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Perch Lake State Forest Campground has 15 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 Perch Lake State Forest Campground?

Perch Lake State Forest Campground is open Open year-round; campground and 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 Perch Lake State Forest Campground?

Perch Lake State Forest Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Perch Lake State Forest Campground have?

Perch Lake State Forest Campground has 32 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Perch Lake State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Perch Lake State Forest Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Perch Lake State Forest Campground?

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

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

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

Perch Lake State Forest Campground

4.27

22 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Winter Camping Michigan#3 Spring Camping Michigan Forest Camping Michigan +2 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

771 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

771 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

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

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Michigan

Provider

(906) 658-3338

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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 22 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Perch Lake State Forest Campground

46.6304, -85.6032

Nearby places

Newberry — ~23 miles (site text also lists 25 miles) via M-123 and County Road 407.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Perch Lake State Forest Campground

Summer brings mid-60s to upper-70s daytime temperatures and cool nights in the 40s and 50s. The lake is accessible and fishing is reliable from June through August. Crowds pick up on weekends but the 32-site capacity keeps things manageable. Fall and spring are quieter. Winter access requires skis or snowshoes since seasonal roads aren't plowed.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

June–August fishing reliable, comfortable temps; lake fully accessible in summer.

Planning Tips

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

About Perch Lake State Forest Campground

Perch Lake State Forest Campground sits on the shore of its namesake lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering 32 primitive, first-come sites for tents and small trailers. You'll find vault toilets, hand-pump water, and a boat launch with skid pier. The setting is quiet and forested, about 2 miles north of the Two Hearted River.

Rustic campground suitable for tent camping and trailer camping (no hookups). First-come, first-serve with two walk-up tent-only sites.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings mid-60s to upper-70s daytime temperatures and cool nights in the 40s and 50s. The lake is accessible and fishing is reliable from June through August. Crowds pick up on weekends but the 32-site capacity keeps things manageable. Fall and spring are quieter. Winter access requires skis or snowshoes since seasonal roads aren't plowed.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground borders Perch Lake, where calm water and a skid pier make launching canoes and small boats straightforward. Tall trees shade most of the shoreline. The lake holds perch, northern pike, largemouth bass, and panfish. Muskallonge Lake lies 4 miles northwest, and the Two Hearted River flows 2 miles south through surrounding state forest. The terrain is flat, typical of this low-elevation corner of the eastern U.P.

Scenic ViewsLake and forest views; visitor reviews note a very beautiful setting and great lake views.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Amenities available

Rustic campground with 32 sites (includes two walk-up tent-only sites #12 and #14). Amenities include vault toilets, potable water from a hand-pump well, a boat launch with a skid pier, carry-in access via a set of stairs, and first-come, first-serve camping (no reservations). Camping limited to 15-day maximum; campground is open year-round but seasonal roads and the campground are not plowed in winter.

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

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHunting 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).

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.

Weather at Perch Lake State Forest Campground

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

22 reviews

Satisfactory

Perch Lake State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 22 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 22 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...

Based on 22 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

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High Bridge State Forest Campground

High Bridge State Forest Campground sits along the Two-Hearted River in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula with seven primitive, first-come/first-served sites. At 758 feet elevation in Luce County near Newberry, the campground offers potable water from a hand pump, vault toilets, and direct river access for anglers and paddlers seeking solitude.