Round Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.38
23 reviews
Round Lake State Forest Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

938 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
Get Directions
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

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Michigan
Provider
(989) 732-5485
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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 23 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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Campground Map

Round Lake State Forest Campground

Round Lake State Forest Campground

45.1344, -84.4534

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).

Best Time to Camp at Round Lake State Forest Campground

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Prime season for swimming, kayaking, fishing and hiking; reviewers praise summer tranquility and lake access.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Mature hardwoods suggest good fall color and quieter trails; scenic forest setting supports fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Good for early-season fishing and solitude, though ticks and wet conditions may be a drawback in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

No winter amenities mentioned; primitive site and hand-pump water make winter stays less convenient or seasonal.

Planning Tips

    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.
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    Best Campsites

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    Stay Limit
    15-day maximum stay

    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.
    HikingAccess to nearby trails including the High Country Pathway and other local footpaths originating near the campground.
    FishingShore fishing on Round Lake; nearby Pigeon River (about 1 mile west) contains brown, brook and rainbow trout.
    SwimmingCampground features a small sandy swim beach on Round Lake (not a large developed beach).
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsArea 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

    Reviews

    4.4
    23 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 23 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Peaceful, secluded lakeside location; scenic views; spacious and private sites; good shore fishing; suitable for kayaking and swimming.
    Based on 23 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...
    Show more
    Based on 23 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...
    Show more
    Based on 23 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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