Round Lake State Forest Campground
Round Lake State Forest Campground
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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."
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
Curated by campers, for campers
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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).Advertisement
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
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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
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 reviewsPro 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...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 19 reviewsShow more
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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