Ross Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.62
15 reviews
Ross Lake State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

945 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
Get Directions
Ross Lake State Forest Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$15 site fee reported by user review; Michigan Recreation Passport required for vehicle entry (per DNR policy for state forest campgrounds).
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Michigan
Provider
(906) 341-2355
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 15 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanwatersites

"Reviews emphasize a small, beautiful and secluded campground with good fishing, clean well water and clean restrooms. Common minor complaints include lack of showers and seasonal buginess; several reviewers note the campground is tiny but sites are roomy."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Ross Lake State Forest Campground

Ross Lake State Forest Campground

46.4849, -86.2661

Driving directionsLocated 22 miles northeast of Shingleton via H-15, H-58 and Russ Lake Road. Also described as 14 miles northeast of Melstrand via County Roads H-58 and 450.
Accessible via H-15 and H-58 with final approach on county/forest roads (Russ Lake Road / County Road 450).
Nearby places
Melstrand — ~14 miles
Shingleton — ~22 miles.

Best Time to Camp at Ross Lake State Forest Campground

While the campground welcomes visitors year-round, winter transforms this spot into a true adventure destination. Snow blankets the unplowed roads, meaning cold-weather campers should come prepared with appropriate vehicles or embrace the journey on snowshoes or skis. Spring through fall offer the easiest access, with each season painting the forest in different colors and bringing its own unique charm to your lakeside escape.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers paddling and fishing; reviews note good summer experience but seasonal bugs occur.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Near Pictured Rocks and forested setting suggest strong fall colors and good conditions for visitors.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Fishing and paddling available; spring may include wet conditions and bugs as noted by reviewers.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 4% in MI

Open year‑round but roads unplowed; winter is an 'adventure' time for prepared campers.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.

About Ross Lake State Forest Campground

Escape the crowds and discover your own slice of wilderness at Ross Lake State Forest Campground. This intimate ten-site retreat nestles in the forest along Ross Lake's peaceful shores, offering the kind of quiet, unplugged camping experience that's increasingly hard to find—all within easy reach of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Rustic state forest campground with 10 sites for tent and trailer (small and large) use; first-come, first-served.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
15-day maximum stay

Amenities available

Potable water
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Quiet, wooded campground focused on paddling and fishing with nearby motorized trail access and year-round (unplowed) availability.
FishingRoss Lake is fished for bluegill, pike and largemouth bass.
Boating
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNarrow, steep footpaths to the lake from some sites (including between sites #3 and #4) can be challenging for people with mobility limitations or when carrying gear. Seasonal roads and campground are not plowed in winter. Expect possible motorized trail traffic when using ORV/snowmobile connections to nearby routes.

Weather at Ross Lake State Forest Campground

Reviews

4.6
15 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Ross Lake State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews emphasize a small, beautiful and secluded campground with good fishing, clean well water and clean restrooms. Common minor complaints include lack of showers and seasonal buginess; several reviewers note the campground is tiny but sites are roomy.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded/quiet setting; close access to Pictured Rocks; good paddling and fishing; clean well water and clean vault toilets; roomy campsites.
Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early (10 sites can fill); bring heavy-duty insect repellent; expect rustic conditions and bring supplies for dry camping; use the nearby boat launch for easier kayak/canoe access.
Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful little campground outside of the Pictured Rock National Lakeshore. Nice place to get away from the crowded campgrounds."; "Just wish they had showers."; "$15 + Michigan Recreation fee;...
Show more
Based on 15 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Ross Lake State Forest Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated February 2, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Michigan

Campgrounds
Ross Lake State Forest Campground