Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground
4.7899 reviewsPickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
13 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
13 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsPickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Campground: sites are first-come, first-serve and no campsite reservations are accepted; no campsite fees listed in the provided materials. Lodging...
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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(800) 447-2757
What Campers Say
4.78
Top-Rated
Based on 99 reviews
99 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietcleanspaciouswater
"Visitors generally rate the campground highly for its peaceful, rustic lakeside setting, clear water, and relatively large sites. Most praise the quiet, well‑maintained atmosphere; a small number of reviewers note occasional issues with other campers or basic facilities."
Best Time to Camp at Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground
While the campground welcomes visitors year-round, winter transforms this spot into a true wilderness experience—unplowed seasonal roads mean you'll need to plan carefully for cold-weather visits. Summer brings classic northern Michigan beauty with warm days perfect for swimming and fishing, while spring and fall offer quieter moments and stunning foliage. Just remember that snow and ice are part of the charm from late fall through early 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
- Operating Season: Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.
About Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground
Escape to the tranquil shores of Pickerel Lake, where this intimate rustic campground tucks you beneath a canopy of hardwoods and birch trees. With first-come, first-served sites (15-day maximum), vault toilets, and hand-pump water, it's the perfect basecamp for anglers and paddlers seeking an authentic, back-to-basics lakeside retreat.
Rustic state forest campground with tent and small‑trailer sites on a wooded lakeshore; first‑come, first‑serve.
Weather and SeasonsWhile the campground welcomes visitors year-round, winter transforms this spot into a true wilderness experience—unplowed seasonal roads mean you'll need to plan carefully for cold-weather visits. Summer brings classic northern Michigan beauty with warm days perfect for swimming and fishing, while spring and fall offer quieter moments and stunning foliage. Just remember that snow and ice are part of the charm from late fall through early spring.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through birch and hardwood branches, with Pickerel Lake's pristine waters just steps from your tent. The largely undeveloped shoreline creates a sense of timeless wilderness, while beneath the surface, panfish, bass, and pike await your line. Launch your canoe or kayak right from the campground, or use the boat launch on the northwest side for easy water access. When you're ready to explore beyond, Big Twin Lake beckons just a mile north and Manistee Lake lies four miles southwest, with endless state forest trails connecting these hidden gems.
Geological RegionNorthern Lower Michigan (state forest lake area)
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Campsite details
Total Campsites13 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 allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (note: campground sites are first-come, first-serve; cottage/overnight lodging described on the DNR page is reservable via MIDNRReservations.com).
Amenities available
Potable water
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Small, wooded lakeside campground offering boating/paddling, fishing, wildlife viewing, ORV access nearby, and access to surrounding state land for hunting. Winter camping is allowed though seasonal roads and the campground are not plowed.
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Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal roads and campground not plowed in winter; ORV and hunting activity occur on surrounding state land (take standard hunting-season precautions). Cell service may be limited or spotty in this rural state forest setting. Occasional thefts have been reported in visitor reviews.
Weather at Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground
12
°F
Dec 13
Saturday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 67%
Wind: 19.5 mph
Overcast
Weather History
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Good to know
Common complaintsA few reviewers mention disrespectful or noisy fellow campers and an isolated report of theft; occasional notes that vault toilets need attention. Expect no hookups or modern conveniences.
Campground Map
Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground
Driving directionsLocated about 13.5 miles northeast of Kalkaska via County Road 612 and Sunset Trail Road.
Access via County Road 612 and Sunset Trail Road (seasonal roads not plowed in winter).Nearby places
Kalkaska – ~13.5 miles
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.8
99 reviews
Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors generally rate the campground highly for its peaceful, rustic lakeside setting, clear water, and relatively large sites. Most praise the quiet, well‑maintained atmosphere; a small number of reviewers note occasional issues with other campers or basic facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 99 reviews
What Campers Love
Beautiful, quiet Pickerel Lake with clear water; rustic, wooded sites often described as spacious; good fishing and paddling opportunities; vault toilets reported as clean by many visitors.
Based on 99 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Sites are first‑come, first‑serve—arrive early on busy days; bring supplies (including drinking water if preferred) and secure valuables; come prepared for rustic conditions and limited or variable...
Based on 99 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Beautiful and peaceful." "Rustic and lovely." "Very quiet and beautiful place."
Based on 99 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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