Pretty Lake State Forest Campground

4.43

41 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

787 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

787 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Pretty 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

4.43

Recommended

Based on 41 reviews

34 Google reviews

Most mentioned

waterlakesites

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"Reviews are largely positive about the lake scenery, paddling and fishing opportunities, and the campground’s quiet, rustic character. The most frequent complaint is extremely heavy mosquitoes in summer; other issues include limited services/amenities and spotty cell service."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Pretty Lake State Forest Campground

46.6033, -85.6574

Driving directionsLocated about 25 miles northwest of Newberry via M-123 and County Roads 407 and 416.

Accessible from M-123 and County Roads 407 and 416; Pretty Lake (campground access point) is drive-to, while walk-in/paddle-in sites require use of the Pretty Lake Pathway and short portages.

Nearby places

Newberry — approximately 25 miles (by M-123 and county roads)

Best Time to Camp at Pretty Lake State Forest Campground

Summer brings warm days perfect for paddling glassy waters, swimming in refreshing lakes, and casting a line for the evening's catch, though savvy campers pack plenty of bug spray to fend off the notoriously enthusiastic mosquito population. When snow blankets the forest, the campground transforms into a winter wonderland for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and cold-weather camping adventures. Just note that cell service fades to nearly nothing out here—which might be exactly what you're looking for.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm summer days great for paddling and swimming; beware extremely heavy mosquitoes.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in MI

Hardwood/conifer forest and quiet lakes suggest excellent fall colors and fewer bugs.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Paddling and solitude good in shoulder seasons though seasonal bugs/mud possible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

No winter uses mentioned; site is rustic and likely sees limited winter services/activities.

Planning Tips

About Pretty Lake State Forest Campground

Escape to Pretty Lake State Forest Campground, where silence reigns and motors are left behind. This rustic gem offers 18 drive-in sites plus eight secluded walk-in/paddle-in spots scattered across a pristine chain of seven interconnected lakes, all within the tranquil Pretty Lake Quiet Area where paddling, swimming, and solitude take center stage.

Rustic drive-in campground with additional walk-in/paddle-in backcountry-style sites along a chain of lakes. Sites accommodate tents and trailers; walk-in sites require hiking or portaging.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm days perfect for paddling glassy waters, swimming in refreshing lakes, and casting a line for the evening's catch, though savvy campers pack plenty of bug spray to fend off the notoriously enthusiastic mosquito population. When snow blankets the forest, the campground transforms into a winter wonderland for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and cold-weather camping adventures. Just note that cell service fades to nearly nothing out here—which might be exactly what you're looking for.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering hardwoods and fragrant conifers embrace Pretty Lake, the northernmost jewel in a necklace of seven sparkling waters that includes Brush, Camp 8, Long, Bullhead, Beaverhouse, and nearby Deer Lake. Lakefront sites put you steps from the water's edge, while adventurous souls can claim walk-in and paddle-in sites tucked along the smaller lakes—reached by short portages along the Pretty Lake Pathway, these hidden retreats deliver an authentic backcountry experience without the long trek.

Geological RegionEastern Upper Peninsula (Upper Peninsula of Michigan)

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Quiet-area, mostly non-motorized lakes and mixed-forest trails support paddling, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Both drive-in and more remote walk-in/paddle-in sites are available, allowing easy lake access or backpack-style canoe camping on a chain of lakes.

HikingPretty Lake Pathway leads from the campground to the walk-in campsites and follows the chain of lakes; walk-in hikes to sites range about 0.8–1.5 miles depending on site.

FishingPretty Lake contains splake, perch and panfish; nearby lakes in the chain offer brook trout, rainbow trout, bass and walleye depending on the lake.

SwimmingLakefront and near-lake sites provide direct access to swimming on Pretty Lake and adjacent lakes.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHeavy mosquito activity in summer (frequently reported). Limited cell service and remote location; walk-in/paddle-in sites require hikes of about 0.8–1.5 miles and short portages, which may be challenging with heavy gear. Limited facilities (vault toilets, hand-pump water).

Weather at Pretty Lake State Forest Campground

Reviews

4.4

41 reviews

Recommended

Pretty Lake State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are largely positive about the lake scenery, paddling and fishing opportunities, and the campground’s quiet, rustic character. The most frequent complaint is extremely heavy mosquitoes in summer; other issues include limited services/amenities and spotty cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful, clear lake water and good paddling/canoe routes; large, wooded sites that fit tents and trailers; secluded walk-in/paddle-in sites for a backcountry feel; good fishing reported.

Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early (first-come, first-served) during peak times to secure lakefront sites; bring strong insect protection (repellent, head net, citronella); plan for limited connectivity and...

Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice quiet place great relaxation time."; "Mosquito armageddon. Literally it was worse than anything I've ever experienced."; "Fishing is amazing."

Based on 41 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026

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