Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground (Otsego)

Star4.79
110 reviews
Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground (Otsego)
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

938 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

39 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources site

Official Website
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Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground (Otsego)
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
(989) 732-5485
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What Campers Say

4.79

Top-Rated

Based on 110 reviews

99 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiethikingwaterlake

"Overall reviewer sentiment is largely positive: visitors praise the quiet, scenic lakeside setting, clear water, and rustic character. Many reviewers call the campground peaceful and beautiful and note large campsites suited to tent camping."

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Campground Map

Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground (Otsego)

Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground (Otsego)

45.1779, -84.5177

Driving directionsLocated 10 miles northeast of Vanderbilt via Sturgeon Valley Road and Pickerel Lake Road.
Accessible via Sturgeon Valley Road and Pickerel Lake Road from Vanderbilt.
Nearby places
Vanderbilt — 10 miles (NE)

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

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 6% in MI

Lake swimming, boating, fishing and hiking peak in summer; this is the campground's prime season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Forested setting and trails suggest strong fall foliage and hiking opportunities.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 14% in MI

Fishing, paddling and hiking are attractive in spring; site is scenic though may be muddy early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

No winter services or activities documented; winter use possible in region but not highlighted.

Planning Tips

    About Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground (Otsego)

    Escape to the shores of Pickerel Lake, where 39 rustic campsites nestle along sandy beaches deep within Pigeon River Country State Forest. This classic first-come, first-served campground keeps things simple—hand-pumped water, vault toilets, and a small boat launch for exploring the lake—letting you focus on what matters most: reconnecting with nature during your stay of up to 15 days.
    Rustic state forest campground with sites for tent campers and small trailers; first-come, first-serve (39 sites).
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    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
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    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    15-day maximum stay

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Classic rustic lake-and-forest recreation: fishing, paddling, hiking, mountain biking and hunting with a small gravel boat launch providing access to Pickerel Lake.
    HikingNearby Pickerel Lake Pathway and surrounding Pigeon River Country State Forest provide trails and routes for hiking.
    FishingFishing on Pickerel Lake; reported species include bass, bluegill and rainbow trout.
    SwimmingInformal swimming and sandy shoreline access; no designated lifeguarded swim beach is listed.
    Biking
    Boating
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsTypical northern-Michigan insect activity (mosquitoes) in summer; rustic facilities (vault toilets, no hookups) limit services. Google reviews include isolated reports of petty theft and occasional complaints about vault toilet maintenance.

    Weather at Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground (Otsego)

    Reviews

    4.8
    110 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground (Otsego) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Overall reviewer sentiment is largely positive: visitors praise the quiet, scenic lakeside setting, clear water, and rustic character. Many reviewers call the campground peaceful and beautiful and note large campsites suited to tent camping.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 110 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Quiet, scenic Pickerel Lake with clear water; rustic, well‑maintained campsites; large sites (good for tents and small trailers); easy access to boating (small launch), fishing, hiking and mountain...
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    Based on 110 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Arrive early (39 first-come sites, no reservations). Bring supplies and insect repellent, secure valuables, be prepared for primitive facilities (hand-pump water, vault toilets), and plan for...
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    Based on 110 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Beautiful and peaceful.”; “Rustic and lovely.”; “Very quiet and beautiful place.”; “Vault toilet needs attention.”; “Somebody stole our friends nice cooler during our past night, so keep stuff...
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    Based on 110 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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