Managed by Michigan's DNR Forest Resources Division, Kingston Lake State Forest Campground sits within the Shingleton State Forest Area on a forested peninsula that extends into a small inland lake. Every site at the campground faces or borders the water directly, a layout that sets it apart from most state forest options in the Upper Peninsula. No reservations are accepted. Sites fill on a first-come, first-served basis.
The campground's defining feature is consistent waterfront access across all sites, not just a handful of premium spots. Shari G. notes that "all sites surround a medium-sized lake and have direct water access," with each site tucked individually into the deciduous forest for reasonable privacy and shade. Sites are well spaced, large enough for multiple tents and a vehicle, and the dirt-and-gravel surface drains well. Cell service is essentially nonexistent on AT&T, so plan accordingly.
Kayaking, fishing, and swimming are all accessible directly from camp, and a boat ramp sits at the campground entrance rather than in the middle of the loop, which keeps through traffic low. A 4-mile trail departs from the campground and connects to Lake Superior, though reviewers note that blue blazes can be hard to follow where the route intersects OHV and snowmobile trails. Wildlife sightings including deer, beavers, foxes, and coyotes are common. Bears are reportedly present in the area.
Amenities are rustic but functional: vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. The hand pump at the campground entrance produces water with high mineral content that reads cloudy and brown; most visitors bring their own or filter lake water instead. Supplies and groceries are available in Munising, roughly 25 minutes away. Fall visits draw particular attention for the color of the deciduous canopy, though the campground runs from April through October. Sites near Twelvemile Beach Campground to the north give access to Lake Superior if a larger-water experience is the priority.
Description
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsKingston Lake State Forest is located in Michigan near Pictured Rocks National Park
Coordinates
46.58500057 N
86.22700018 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/18/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/18/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 48 min from Green Bay, WI
- 4 hrs 8 min from Appleton, WI
- 4 hrs 17 min from Traverse City, MI
- 4 hrs 59 min from Wausau, WI




































