South Gemini Lake State Forest Campground

4.70

20 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

South Gemini Lake State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Fee amount not specified in provided materials. Sites are first-come, first-served (no reservations).

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) 341-2355

What Campers Say

4.70

Top-Rated

Based on 20 reviews

20 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietcleanlake

Some mention

mosquitoescell service

"Visitors consistently rate the campground highly for its quiet, secluded lakeside setting and simple, primitive experience; most reviews are 4–5 stars praising the fishing, paddling and dark night skies."

Read all reviews

Best Time to Camp at South Gemini Lake State Forest Campground

While the campground welcomes visitors year-round, each season brings its own character to this northwoods retreat. Summer and fall offer the full camping experience with accessible roads and flowing well water, while winter transforms the area into a snowy wilderness for the truly adventurous—just know that roads remain unplowed and services become limited. Spring through fall provides the classic Upper Peninsula camping conditions that draw people back year after year.

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

Operating Season: Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed.

About South Gemini Lake State Forest Campground

Escape to South Gemini Lake State Forest Campground, where eight intimate walk-up sites nestle along the tranquil southern shore of Gemini Lake. This rustic gem offers the perfect blend of lakeside serenity and wilderness camping, with simple amenities including vault toilets and hand-pumped well water—all available first-come, first-served for stays up to 15 days.

Rustic state forest campground on the southern shore of Gemini Lake with eight sites for tent and small-trailer use; first-come, first-served with a 15-day maximum stay and no reservations.

Weather and SeasonsWhile the campground welcomes visitors year-round, each season brings its own character to this northwoods retreat. Summer and fall offer the full camping experience with accessible roads and flowing well water, while winter transforms the area into a snowy wilderness for the truly adventurous—just know that roads remain unplowed and services become limited. Spring through fall provides the classic Upper Peninsula camping conditions that draw people back year after year.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through a dense canopy of mature trees, with the glassy surface of Gemini Lake just steps from your tent. This small loop campground immerses you in the authentic northwoods experience, where heavily wooded surroundings create natural privacy between sites. Whether you claim a coveted lakeside spot or settle into one of the partial-lake view sites, you'll find yourself enveloped in the kind of peaceful, remote atmosphere that makes Michigan's Upper Peninsula truly special.

Geological RegionUpper Peninsula (Schoolcraft County)

Campsite details

Total Campsites8 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 allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed.

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Primary activities are fishing, paddling (non-motorized), and short lakeside hiking. Additional access to ORV/snowmobile trail (Trail 8) and winter camping (campground open year-round though seasonal roads are not plowed).

Hiking

Gemini Pathway (about a 1.5-mile loop) leaves from the campground; short forest walks and lakeside hikes available.

Fishing

Fishing on Gemini Lake for species reported as pike, perch, smallmouth bass and walleye; shoreline and small-boat/kayak fishing common.

Swimming

Visitors report a small sandy-bottom area suitable for wading and cooling off; lake swimming is possible from shoreline.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
No specific fire policy provided in materials; campers should check current DNR guidance before arriving.

Hazards

General hazardsNo electricity or modern hookups; vault (pit) toilets only. Campground is remote with limited services and seasonal roads that are not plowed. Hunting occurs on surrounding state land (observe hunting regulations).

Weather at South Gemini Lake State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 77%

Wind: 13.6 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsVery basic facilities (vault toilets, hand-pump water only), limited or no cell service, occasional trail maintenance issues, summer mosquitoes, remoteness from services and occasional litter noted by some visitors; one reviewer noted a price increase.

Campground Map

South Gemini Lake State Forest Campground

Driving directionsLocated 16.8 miles northeast of Shingleton via H-15, H-58, H-52 and County Road 454. Also described as 12 miles northeast of Melstrand via County Roads H-58 and 450.

Access via H-15, H-58, H-52 and county roads (454/450). Reached by forest/gravel roads; seasonal roads not plowed in winter.

Nearby places

Melstrand – ~12 miles

Shingleton – ~16.8 miles

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.7

20 reviews

Top-Rated

South Gemini Lake State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors consistently rate the campground highly for its quiet, secluded lakeside setting and simple, primitive experience; most reviews are 4–5 stars praising the fishing, paddling and dark night skies.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Quiet, secluded lakeside sites; well-spaced campsites with good privacy; excellent paddling and fishing opportunities; reviewers frequently praise the cleanliness of the pit toilets and the dark...

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure lakeside sites (sites 4 & 5 are frequently called out as best); bring drinking water or boil hand-pump water; pack supplies, toilet paper and bug spray; expect first-come,...

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Amazing spot to camp for $15/night.”; “Love this place. Virtually zero light pollution for a super-dark night.”; “Sites 4 and 5 sit right on the water and offer great views.”

Based on 20 reviews