Round Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.37
19 reviews
Round Lake State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

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Round 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
(989) 732-5485

What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 19 reviews

20 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulspaciouslocation

"Most reviews are highly positive, praising a peaceful, quiet lakeside setting with spacious, well-spaced sites, good fishing and kayaking. A minority of reviews call out maintenance issues (overflowing trash, unclean vault toilets) and tick presence."

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About Round Lake State Forest Campground

Tucked away on the peaceful shores of Round Lake in Michigan's Pigeon River Country State Forest, this intimate 10-site campground offers the perfect rustic escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. With direct lakeside access, basic amenities including vault toilets and hand-pump water, and a first-come, first-served policy, it's an ideal basecamp for anglers, hikers, and anyone looking to unplug for up to 15 days.
A small, rustic state forest campground primarily for tent camping and small trailers; no modern hookups.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to the gentle lapping of lake water against the shore, surrounded by towering mature hardwoods and pines that create a natural sanctuary. Each campsite feels like your own private retreat, thoughtfully spaced among the forest to maximize privacy and peace. The crystal-clear waters of Round Lake beckon anglers right from the shoreline, while a charming swim beach offers a refreshing dip on warm summer days. Beyond the campground, adventure awaits on the renowned High Country Pathway, where miles of scenic trails wind through some of northern Michigan's most pristine wilderness. Whether you're casting a line at sunset, hiking through dappled forest light, or simply listening to the call of loons across the water, this hidden gem delivers an authentic Up North experience.
Geological RegionPigeon River Country State Forest
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Campsite details

Total Campsites10 campsites

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
15-day maximum stay
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Small, rustic lakeside campground offering shoreline access to Round Lake and nearby trails. Popular activities include fishing, paddling, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing.
Hiking
Access to nearby trails including the High Country Pathway and other local footpaths originating near the campground.
Fishing
Shore fishing on Round Lake; nearby Pigeon River (about 1 mile west) contains brown, brook and rainbow trout.
Swimming
Campground features a small sandy swim beach on Round Lake (not a large developed beach).
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsArea is in public forest land open to hunting (firearm hunting not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling). Visitors have reported ticks; remote, rustic setting means limited services and variable cell reception.

Weather at Round Lake State Forest Campground

24
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 87%
Wind: 10.2 mph
Overcast

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Good to know

Common complaintsOccasional maintenance problems reported: overflowing trash receptacles, dirty vault toilets lacking toilet paper, and fire pits not cleared. One reviewer mentioned notable tick activity.

Campground Map

Round Lake State Forest Campground
Driving directionsLocated 14 miles east of Vanderbilt via Sturgeon Valley Road and Round Lake Road.
Nearby places
Vanderbilt — 14 miles (via Sturgeon Valley Road and Round Lake Road)
Gaylord — nearby town (distance not specified).

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.4
19 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Round Lake State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Most reviews are highly positive, praising a peaceful, quiet lakeside setting with spacious, well-spaced sites, good fishing and kayaking. A minority of reviews call out maintenance issues (overflowing trash, unclean vault toilets) and tick presence.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Peaceful, secluded lakeside location; scenic views; spacious and private sites; good shore fishing; suitable for kayaking and swimming.
Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

This is rustic, first-come/first-served camping — bring supplies (including toilet paper), insect repellent, and be prepared for limited services. Choose lakeside sites for views and swimming or...
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Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

"A slice of heaven in Michigan. Beautiful park."; "Nice and peaceful. Great small lake to float around on the kayak."; "Outhouses had garbage all over in them... No one showed up at all in the 3 days...
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Based on 19 reviews

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Last updated December 13, 2025
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