Ski-Kwe Zaag’Igan State Forest Campground

3.83

12 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 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

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Ski-Kwe Zaag’Igan 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) 875-3324

What Campers Say

3.83

Mixed Reviews

Based on 12 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulshadelake

"Mostly positive reviews praising excellent fishing, quiet wooded setting, and picturesque lake access; occasional low ratings citing site disputes and insect issues. Small campground noted for solitude and rustic experience."

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Best Time to Camp at Ski-Kwe Zaag’Igan State Forest Campground

Whether you're casting a line through morning mist in summer or drilling through winter ice, the lake offers exceptional fishing opportunities throughout the entire year. The campground welcomes visitors in every season, each bringing its own character to this northwoods sanctuary—from vibrant fall colors to snow-draped winter silence to the awakening of spring.

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 Ski-Kwe Zaag’Igan State Forest Campground

Escape to Ski-kwe zaag'igan State Forest Campground, a hidden gem tucked along a pristine lake in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. This intimate, rustic retreat features just 15 wooded sites perfect for tents and small trailers, where you'll find the simple essentials—vault toilets, hand-pumped water, and the kind of peaceful solitude that makes you forget the outside world exists.

Rustic, small state forest campground on the lake with 15 sites for tent and small trailer use; first-come, first-serve.

Historical SignificanceThe campground and lake names were officially changed/renamed in 2023. No other historical or cultural details are provided in the source material.

Weather and SeasonsWhether you're casting a line through morning mist in summer or drilling through winter ice, the lake offers exceptional fishing opportunities throughout the entire year. The campground welcomes visitors in every season, each bringing its own character to this northwoods sanctuary—from vibrant fall colors to snow-draped winter silence to the awakening of spring.

Natural Features and SceneryYour campsite awaits beneath a towering canopy of mature hardwoods and conifers, where dappled sunlight filters through the mixed northwoods forest. Step out from the shade and you'll find yourself at the edge of Mino-kwezenhs zaagigan, a tranquil inland lake that seems to exist in its own quiet bubble of serenity. The rocky shoreline at the boat launch provides easy water access, inviting you to explore the scenic waters that have drawn anglers and nature lovers for generations.

Geological RegionWestern Upper Peninsula (Marquette County)

Campsite details

Total Campsites15 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum

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

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lakefront, rustic campground offering fishing, boat access, hunting access to surrounding state land, and ORV access on local forest roads. Small, quiet site favored for solitude and angling.

Fishing

Year-round fishing on Mino-kwezenhs zaagigan (lake). Species reported include rainbow trout, splake, bluegill, perch, and bass.

Swimming

Swimming is possible at the boat launch; shoreline at the launch is rocky rather than sandy, and campers report using floatation devices to reach deeper water.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsThe boat launch shoreline is rocky which may make wading or barefoot entry uncomfortable. The campground is remote; official cell coverage information is not provided. Typical northwoods insects are possible (not specifically documented for this campground).

Weather at Ski-Kwe Zaag’Igan State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 74%

Wind: 12.4 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsRare reports of site conflicts (someone taking a reserved spot) and insect bites; shoreline at the boat launch is rocky which can make barefoot wading uncomfortable; one reviewer complained about the campground name change.

Campground Map

Ski-Kwe Zaag’Igan State Forest Campground

Driving directionsLocated in Marquette County; described as 15 miles southwest of Republic via M-95 South. Also described as about 4 miles off M-95 via Fence River Road and Squaw Lake Road.

Access via M-95; last miles on local forest roads (Fence River Road and Squaw Lake Road).

Nearby places

Republic — approximately 15 miles

Nearby supplies

Republic (basic services)

Reviews from booking and map sources

3.8

12 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Ski-Kwe Zaag’Igan State Forest Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Mostly positive reviews praising excellent fishing, quiet wooded setting, and picturesque lake access; occasional low ratings citing site disputes and insect issues. Small campground noted for solitude and rustic experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Great year-round fishing; peaceful, secluded lakeside setting shaded by hardwoods and conifers; some sites have docks or closer lake access; reviewers note scenic views and loons.

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Sites are first-come, first-serve — arrive early. Bring shoes for rocky shoreline, flotation devices if you want to float, and plan to pack out trash. Expect rustic facilities (vault toilet,...

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

"One of my favorite places to camp! The fishing is spectacular."; "This is a nice place to get away for some solitude. You can swim at the boat launch but it’s rocky."; "Quiet, good fishing."

Based on 12 reviews