Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground

For us Michiganders, there’s a special allure to escaping into the deeper, quieter corners of our state's vast wilderness, and Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground near Vanderbilt perfectly fits that desire. This rustic campground, nestled against the serene shoreline of Pickerel Lake, offers a genuine opportunity to unplug and reconnect with nature. It’s not about flashy amenities or bustling crowds; it's about the simple joys of a campfire under the stars, the calm of a lakeside morning, and the true essence of Michigan's beautiful forests.

Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground embodies the spirit of Michigan's state forest camping system – providing accessible, yet primitive, sites for those who appreciate a more natural and less developed outdoor experience. Whether you’re a seasoned tent camper, have a small trailer, or are simply looking for a quiet place to unwind, this campground provides a welcoming environment. It's a testament to the fact that some of the best Michigan getaways are found where the paved roads end and the true wild begins, offering a peaceful retreat that feels miles away from the everyday.

Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground is located at Pickerel Lake Rd, Vanderbilt, MI 49795, USA. This placement puts it squarely within the beautiful natural landscapes of Northern Michigan, offering a sense of seclusion while still being reachable for a weekend or longer escape.

Reaching the campground is part of the adventure. As a past visitor noted, "the road in was a little on the rough side and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous about getting stuck towing a trailer and all but we did fine in the end." This suggests that while accessible, the unpaved nature of the access road might be bumpy and require careful driving, especially if you're towing a trailer or have a lower-clearance vehicle. It’s typically recommended to approach with caution, but the consensus is that it's manageable and ultimately worth the effort for the peace and beauty found at the destination. The campground is located about 10 miles northeast of Vanderbilt via Sturgeon Valley Road and Pickerel Lake Road, guiding you into a more secluded, forested environment. This balance of being somewhat remote but still within a reasonable drive makes it an ideal spot for Michiganders seeking a genuine escape into nature without an excessively long journey.

Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground focuses on providing the fundamental amenities for a comfortable, rustic camping experience, aligning with the Michigan DNR's state forest campground philosophy.

• Campsites: The campground boasts "multiple spacious lots" and is a "large campground with lots of sizeable spots," accommodating both tents and small trailers/RVs. Each site typically includes a picnic table for outdoor meals and a fire ring with a grill for campfires, perfect for cooking or simply enjoying the warmth and glow.

• Vault Toilets: "The bathrooms were clean and maintained well," with vault toilets available for campers' convenience. These are basic, non-flush restrooms designed for wilderness settings.

• Potable Water: Access to drinking water is provided via "wells," which are hand-pump wells. This allows campers to fill up on fresh water for their needs, though it's always wise to bring some of your own or have a filtration method for backup.

• Boat Launch: Adjacent to the campground, there's a "small gravel boat launch" offering access for small watercraft to Pickerel Lake. This is ideal for those who enjoy paddling or fishing from a small boat (electric motors only are allowed on Pickerel Lake).

• Trash Collection: Unlike some truly dispersed sites, Michigan State Forest Campgrounds often provide trash collection, helping to keep the area clean and minimize waste left behind by campers.

It's important to remember that as a rustic campground, services like electricity, paved roads within the campground, or modern bathhouses with showers are not available. This is part of its charm for those seeking a more authentic outdoor experience.

Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground offers several compelling features that draw campers seeking a tranquil and nature-focused getaway.

• Beautiful Lakeside Location: The campground is "set against the sandy shoreline of Pickerel Lake," providing picturesque views and direct access to the water. This natural beauty is a significant draw, as one reviewer noted, it is a "very pretty location."

• Spacious and Quiet Sites: Campers praise the "large campground with lots of sizeable spots" and that it was "pretty quiet," particularly in the fall. This generous spacing offers privacy and a peaceful atmosphere, a welcome change from crowded parks.

• Pickerel Lake Pathway Access: The campground offers easy access to the scenic Pickerel Lake Pathway, a nearby trail perfect for hiking and mountain biking, allowing campers to explore the surrounding old pine forest and cedar swamp.

• Fishing Opportunities: While one reviewer noted the lake isn't "much use for fishing from shore," they also mentioned that "with a canoe or small boat or something there are some fish to be had," including bass, bluegill, and rainbow trout. For serious anglers, nearby spots may offer more, but it’s still a peaceful place to cast a line.

• Small Watercraft Friendly: The "small gravel boat launch" and electric-motors-only rule on Pickerel Lake make it ideal for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and small fishing boats, ensuring a tranquil paddling experience.

• Rustic Charm: The campground truly delivers on the "rustic campground" experience, which was "exactly what we were looking for" by one satisfied customer. This appeals to those who prefer a less developed, more natural setting.

• Hunting Access: The campground provides access to state land that is open to hunting, offering another recreational opportunity for visitors during appropriate seasons.

These features combine to create an inviting environment for a classic Michigan outdoor adventure, focused on nature, tranquility, and simple recreation.

As a Michigan State Forest Campground managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Pickerel Lake operates on a slightly different model than private parks. There are no traditional "promotions" in the commercial sense. Instead, the inherent "offer" is the affordable access to Michigan's beautiful state forests and lakes.

• Affordable Standard Rates: State Forest Campgrounds typically have lower nightly fees compared to private RV parks or state parks with full amenities. The fee for sites at Pickerel Lake (Otsego) is $20 per night, providing great value for a lakeside site.

• Michigan Recreation Passport: While not a discount on the campsite fee itself, having a Michigan Recreation Passport (an annual pass often purchased with your vehicle registration) is usually required for vehicle entry to state parks and forest campgrounds. This passport provides unlimited access to state recreation areas for the year, making it a great value for frequent users.

• First-Come, First-Served: Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground generally operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning "no reservations" are taken. This can be a "promotion" for spontaneous travelers who prefer not to plan far in advance, though it means arriving early, especially on busy weekends, is advisable to secure a spot.

For Michiganders, the affordability and simplicity of state forest campgrounds like Pickerel Lake are their primary appeal, offering a budget-friendly way to enjoy the great outdoors.

If you're ready to embrace the rustic charm of Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground, here's how you can get in touch for more information:

• Address: Pickerel Lake Rd, Vanderbilt, MI 49795, USA

• Phone: (989) 983-4101 (This number is typically for the managing DNR unit, often the local forest office or a nearby state park that oversees the forest campground.)

• Mobile Phone: +1 989-983-4101 (This is the same number, provided for easy dialing)

• Michigan DNR Website: The official Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website is the best resource for detailed information on Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground. Searching for "Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground DNR" will lead you to their official page, which provides details on amenities, activities, and current conditions. They often have maps and other helpful resources available online.

Since this is a first-come, first-served campground, calling ahead can be useful for general inquiries about road conditions, or if there are any specific alerts or closures. However, site availability cannot be guaranteed via phone.

For us Michiganders, Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground truly embodies the essence of what we love about our state's natural beauty and outdoor recreation. It’s a place that offers a genuine, unplugged experience without demanding excessive travel time from many parts of Michigan. The "rustic campground" feel is exactly what many of us look for when we want to escape the daily grind and truly immerse ourselves in the woods.

The "large campground with lots of sizeable spots" ensures a level of privacy and quietude that’s often hard to find in more developed areas. Being able to set up camp in a "very pretty location" right by the lake, even if the fishing from shore isn't epic, adds immense value. We appreciate the clean, well-maintained vault toilets and the access to hand-pumped wells – these are the simple comforts that make rustic camping manageable and enjoyable. The proximity to the Pickerel Lake Pathway for hiking and mountain biking, and the small boat launch for peaceful paddling, means there are plenty of ways to enjoy the surrounding natural environment.

While the access road might be a bit "rough," it's a minor hurdle for the payoff of such a peaceful and authentic experience. Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground is suitable for locals because it provides an affordable, accessible, and truly natural getaway. It's a place where families can introduce kids to real camping, where anglers can find quiet waters for a small boat, and where anyone can simply relax and enjoy the serene Michigan wilderness. It reminds us that some of the best adventures are found by taking the road less traveled, right here in our incredible Mitten State.