Kingston Lake State Forest

Kingston SF in Pictured Rocks NP buffer zone. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer). I rate primarily based on desire for at least a moderate wilderness type experience w at least some camp site privacy. Cleanliness and care of campground are also taken into consideration. Overall Rating: 4.5. Looks to be on a piece of land that stretches out into Kingston lake. Price 2023: $20 Usage during visit: 3/4 full Site Privacy: pretty good Site Spacing: most sites are very well spaced. Site surface: Dirt covered Gravel Reservations: First come Campground Noise: Quiet Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: No. Boat ramp is at cg entry. Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: A hand pump Generators: ? Bathroom: Pit toilet. Clean Showers: No Pull Throughs: A couple Cell Service (AT&T): No bars Setting: Amazing lake setting. Weather: Partial sun o my Sept 2 visit Solar: Not for fixed panels Host: I didn’t see one. Rig size: 25’ max. Looks too tight for a big rig. Sites: Along lake or Water View: 1-7, 11- 16 , 8,11. All sites, I would be pleased with any site here. Not super private, but so many are right along the water and most of not all have a view of the water . Site 5 looks to have a water view from the campground road. But, it is the most private.

I loved my two nights here! Very quiet and a close, easy drive to the Pictured Rocks hikes I wanted to do. Spots are large and spaced out. Campground is first come first served, $15 a night + Michigan recreation pass. Vault toilets were okay. Well water available in the campground.

We didn’t stay (too buggy/too muggy near a lake) but very picturesque for cooler season camping. The water has a lot of tannic acid in it (rust color) so didn’t think getting in the lake would be enjoyable; not from the color but from not being able to see into it. Call me weird. Make a reservation, it is pretty; and looks to be quite cozy for fall camping.