Pretty Lake State Forest Campground

4.41

34 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(906) 658-3338

What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 34 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."

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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.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

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)

Campsite details

Total Campsites26 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

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.

Hiking

Pretty 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.

Fishing

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

Swimming

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

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Basic fire rings are present at walk-in sites and drive-in sites; campers must follow posted state forest fire regulations and kiosk rules.

Hazards

General hazardsHeavy 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

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 85%

Wind: 9.5 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsIntense mosquitoes in summer (multiple reviewers called them overwhelming); lack of amenities (no Wi‑Fi, no hookups, no store, no dump station); occasional inconsiderate campers/ATV/generator noise reported by at least one reviewer.

Campground Map

Pretty Lake State Forest Campground

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)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.4

34 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 34 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 34 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 34 reviews