Forestville Campground

For us Michiganders who cherish the vibrant outdoor lifestyle of the Upper Peninsula, Forestville Campground in Marquette offers a unique and highly appealing camping experience. Situated directly adjacent to the renowned Noquemanon Trail Network, this rustic campground is a dream for hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers alike. It’s a place where you can roll out of your tent or camper and almost immediately hit the trails, immersing yourself in the stunning natural beauty that defines our beloved U.P.

Forestville Campground isn't about sprawling luxury; it's about providing a convenient, respectful, and nature-focused base for your adventures. As one local review puts it, "Everyone that camped last weekend there was very respectful, and nice. We had no issues." This speaks volumes about the community of outdoor enthusiasts who frequent this spot. While it’s noted that "The sites are kinda all packed in together and there isn’t much underbrush between them," the trade-off is undeniable: "it is nice and close to Marquette, also it is close to some recreation trails." This combination of immediate trail access, proximity to town, and a generally quiet atmosphere makes Forestville Campground a highly suitable choice for many Michigan campers.

If your ideal Michigan getaway involves ample opportunities for non-motorized recreation, a peaceful evening under the stars, and the convenience of being near city amenities, then Forestville Campground is an excellent option for your next Upper Peninsula trip.

Forestville Campground is strategically located at county road HT, Marquette, MI 49855, USA. This places it just north of the chalet at the Forestville Trailhead, approximately 4 miles northwest of downtown Marquette. This prime location is a significant draw for campers, offering a blend of secluded nature and urban convenience.

Accessibility to the campground is quite straightforward. From US-41 in Marquette, you would typically follow Wright Street north for about one mile to Forestville Road, which leads directly to the trailhead and campground. The roads are generally well-maintained, allowing access for cars, vans, and small pop-up trailers. However, it's worth noting that the circular drive within the campground is narrow, and some sites may not be perfectly level, making it less suitable for large RVs or trailers. As one review wisely suggests, "Please walk through to identify your campsite before attempting to drive in to make sure you will have enough space for your vehicle/camper."

The key aspect of Forestville Campground's location is its direct adjacency to the Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN). This extensive 50K system of non-motorized trails offers immediate access to hiking, mountain biking, trail running, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, literally from your campsite. This makes it an unparalleled base camp for active outdoor enthusiasts. Furthermore, the close proximity to Marquette means campers have easy access to grocery stores (like Meijer, as noted by a reviewer), restaurants, breweries, and other city amenities, providing the perfect balance between wilderness immersion and modern convenience.

Forestville Campground operates as a rustic camping facility, focusing on essential amenities that support an active outdoor lifestyle within a natural setting. While not offering full hookups, it provides crucial services for a comfortable stay:

• Campsites: There are 18 rustic campsites available, tucked closely around a circular drive. These sites are best suited for tents, van-style campers, or very small pop-up trailers due to the narrow access road and varying site widths. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Restrooms: Pit toilets (vault toilets) are located in front of the pole building and are generally well-maintained, with a nighttime light on nearby toilets, as noted by a reviewer. Sanitizer is supplied.
• Potable Water: Potable water is available from a spigot on the west side of the Chalet building. Campers will need to bring containers for fetching water.
• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood is available for purchase at the campground, as confirmed by a customer review, making it convenient for campers to enjoy a campfire.
• Trash Disposal: Garbage services are available on-site, ensuring proper waste disposal for campers.
• Chalet Access: During the winter season, the Forestville Trailhead Chalet is open for changing and warm bathrooms, and potentially for equipment rentals. While the campground is primarily May-October, this chalet offers a valuable resource for trail users in the colder months.
• Equipment Rentals (Seasonal): Ski, snowshoe, and fat bike rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis from the Chalet during the appropriate seasons (when a Trail Host is on duty).
• On-Site Host: A campground host lives on-site and monitors the property daily, available to answer questions regarding the campground or trails.
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are welcome at the campground and on 20k of the ski trails (on leash), in accordance with Michigan law, with "Dog Spot" bags available on site for clean-up.

Forestville Campground offers several compelling features that make it a highly attractive destination for specific types of Michigan campers:

• Direct Trail Access: Its most significant highlight is immediate access to the Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN). This 50K system is groomed for classic and skate skiing in winter, and open for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running during warmer months. This is unparalleled for active outdoor enthusiasts.
• Proximity to Marquette: Located just minutes from downtown Marquette, campers have easy access to city amenities, including grocery stores (like Meijer), restaurants, breweries, and other services. This allows for a balance of wilderness immersion and urban convenience.
• Rustic and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its proximity to trails and town, the campground maintains a peaceful, rustic ambiance. Reviewers highlight the "peacefulness and 'rustic-ness'" and the respectful nature of fellow campers, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet getaway.
• Dog-Friendly Environment: With dogs welcome at the campground and on designated trails (on leash), it's a fantastic spot for pet owners who want to bring their furry companions along on their outdoor adventures.
• Well-Maintained Basic Facilities: While rustic, the presence of well-kept pit toilets (with nighttime lighting) and potable water adds comfort, while the availability of firewood for purchase on-site enhances the camping experience.
• Ideal for Non-Motorized Recreation: This campground is a hub for silent sports enthusiasts. Whether you're into serious mountain biking, a leisurely walk in the woods, or cross-country skiing in winter, the trails are literally at your doorstep.
• Community and Respectful Vibe: As noted in reviews, the campground often attracts respectful campers, fostering a positive and welcoming environment for everyone.

Forestville Campground is operated by the Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN), a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining the trail system. Therefore, its pricing and any "offers" are typically structured to support trail maintenance and operations, rather than commercial promotions.

• Standard Camping Fee: The camping fee for a site at Forestville Campground is $25 per night. These fees directly help maintain the non-profit facility and the extensive trail system.
• Online Reservation System: While the campground does not take traditional "reservations" in the way some state or federal parks might, they do encourage campers to register and pay online through Campspot to secure a site. This ensures you have a spot, especially given its popularity. For late arrivals, campers can pay online or leave cash/check in a wood payment box at the Chalet.
• Seasonal Operation: The campground is generally open from May to October. While the trails are year-round, fees are typically charged during this main camping season.
• Trail Support (Donations/Memberships): While not a "promotion" for camping, the NTN encourages trail users to support their efforts through suggested daily donations ($10) or by purchasing an annual membership. This helps sustain the trails that are a major draw for campers. Specific discounts on equipment rentals may be available for NTN members (e.g., free skijor harness set-up).
• Equipment Rental Deals (Seasonal): During winter, specific rental fees for adult, junior, and child ski packages, snowshoes, and fat bikes are outlined, with potential multi-day discounts (e.g., $25 for 1-day adult ski package, $40 for 3-day). Child/Junior equipment rentals are often free for 1-day use.

It's always recommended to visit the official Noquemanon Trail Network website for Forestville Campground for the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, availability, and any specific policies.

Forestville Campground is managed by the Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN). Therefore, contact information is primarily through the NTN, which oversees the campground and the adjacent trail system.

• Address: county road HT, Marquette, MI 49855, USA. (Often described as "just north of the chalet at the Forestville Trailhead.")
• General Campground & Trail Information Phone: 906-235-6861 (This number is specifically listed for campground info on the NTN website).
• General NTN/Office Phone: 906-228-7749 (Also listed as a general contact for outdoor activities in Marquette).
• Online Information/Reservations: The best source for information and to pay for camping is the official Noquemanon Trail Network website (noquetrails.org). Look for the "Forestville" or "Camping" sections. Online payment for camping can be made via Campspot through their website.
• Physical Location for Chalet: 401 E Fair Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855 (This is the address for the main trailhead chalet, which is adjacent to the campground).
• Emergencies: Dial 9-1-1.

For the most current details regarding campground status, trail conditions, or to confirm information, contacting the provided phone number or checking the official NTN website is recommended.

For us Michiganders, Forestville Campground in Marquette is a particularly well-suited choice, especially if you're an active outdoor enthusiast living in or visiting the Upper Peninsula. Its unique selling proposition is its direct integration with the Noquemanon Trail Network. This isn't just "near trails"; it's literally your backyard access to over 50 miles of world-class non-motorized trails for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, cross-country skiing, and fat biking. This accessibility is a dream for locals who want to maximize their time on the trails without extensive travel.

While reviews acknowledge the sites might be "packed in together" with "not much underbrush," the general consensus points to respectful campers and a quiet atmosphere. This trade-off is often acceptable for the immense benefit of being so close to both the trails and the amenities of Marquette. Having "Meijer and the town not far away" is a significant plus, making resupply effortless and allowing campers to enjoy Marquette's vibrant scene, including its breweries and restaurants, after a day on the trails.

The fact that firewood is available for purchase on-site, and dogs are welcome (on leash, as per Michigan law) further enhances its appeal for local families and individuals. The helpful on-site host adds to the positive experience, offering assistance and local knowledge. Forestville Campground provides that perfect blend of rustic outdoor living and convenient access to both wilderness adventures and urban comforts, making it an ideal choice for Michigan residents looking for a vibrant, active, and friendly camping base in the heart of the U.P.