4.2441 reviewsPrice
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
26 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
26 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Pretty Lake State Forest Campground
46.6033, -85.6574
Canoe campers and anglers will get the most out of this place. Paddle-in sites on the quieter lakes in the chain put you within reach of brook trout, walleye, and bass with almost no one around. Arrive early on weekends since there's no reserving ahead.
Summer visits without serious bug gear are a bad idea. Multiple reviewers called the mosquitoes overwhelming, and there are no hookups, no showers, no dump station, and barely any cell signal on any carrier.
Official information for Pretty Lake State Forest Campground from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
This rustic campground is part of the designated Pretty Lake Quiet Area. This designation allows for unmotorized use only, including on Pretty Lake and any lakes in the surrounding area. Pretty Lake is the northern-most lake in a chain of seven lakes. The other lakes accessible from Pretty Lake via short portages are Brush Lake, Camp 8 Lake, Long Lake, Bullhead Lake and Beaverhouse Lake. Deer Lake is another nearby lake within hiking distance. The campground has a day-use area with picnic tables and a charcoal grill. The Pretty Lake Pathway , which leads to the walk-in campsites, can be accessed on the west side of the campground. Even if you’re not camping at a walk-in site, the pathway offers a beautiful hike through the forest and along a few of the lakes. There are 18 sites for tent, small trailer and large trailer use. Sites #19-#26 are walk-in campsites. Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. The campground is located 25 miles northwest of Newberry via M-123 and County Roads 407 and 416. Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations. View Campground closing and opening dates .
Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.
Fall is the standout season. September brings crisp days in the 50–70°F range, October cools to 30–55°F, and mosquito pressure drops sharply. Hardwoods turn red, orange, and gold around the lakes, and crowds thin out compared to summer. Summer is warm and good for swimming and fishing, but multiple reviewers report overwhelming mosquitoes. Bring strong repellent, head nets, and citronella. Winter opens the area to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for those willing to camp in the cold.
Fall is the standout season: crisp days, bright hardwood fall colors, and fewer mosquitoes.
There are vault toilets. Potable (drinking) water is available from a hand-pump well. No electrical available.
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