Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground

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Best Time to Camp at Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground

While the campground welcomes visitors year-round, winter transforms this spot into a true wilderness experience—unplowed seasonal roads mean you'll need to plan carefully for cold-weather visits. Summer brings classic northern Michigan beauty with warm days perfect for swimming and fishing, while spring and fall offer quieter moments and stunning foliage. Just remember that snow and ice are part of the charm from late fall through early spring.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Lake paddling, fishing and spacious sites make summer a prime season.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Hardwood and birch canopy imply attractive fall colors and quiet-season appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers paddling/fishing access but primitive facilities and possible muddy access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year‑round, but roads/campground not plowed—true wilderness experience if you plan for it.

About Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground

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Weather at Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground

Reviews

All Reviews110Booking Sources110Outdoorithm Reviews

4.8

110 reviews

Top-Rated

Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors generally rate the campground highly for its peaceful, rustic lakeside setting, clear water, and relatively large sites. Most praise the quiet, well‑maintained atmosphere; a small number of reviewers note occasional issues with other campers or basic facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 110 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful, quiet Pickerel Lake with clear water; rustic, wooded sites often described as spacious; good fishing and paddling opportunities; vault toilets reported as clean by many visitors.

Based on 110 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Sites are first‑come, first‑serve—arrive early on busy days; bring supplies (including drinking water if preferred) and secure valuables; come prepared for rustic conditions and limited or variable...

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Based on 110 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful and peaceful." "Rustic and lovely." "Very quiet and beautiful place."

Based on 110 reviews

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