Pickerel Lake (Otsego) State Forest Campground

Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground offers rustic amenities at an affordable $15 per night. The campground features 40-41 sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Shared vault toilets are well-maintained and strategically placed throughout the grounds. For water, hand pump wells are available, though some may occasionally be out of service. While the campground has no electricity or modern facilities, the sites are spacious and can accommodate both tents and smaller RVs. None of the sites are directly on the water, but lake access is available via trails.

Pickerel Lake offers excellent opportunities for water recreation, including swimming and kayaking on its small but beautiful waters. The campground provides lake access and a boat launch for easy water entry. Hiking trails connect the campsites to the lake and surrounding forest. The area is located in Michigan's elk country, making wildlife viewing a popular activity. Though small, the lake is perfect for peaceful paddling, fishing, and cooling off on warm days. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking by the lake at dedicated areas with tables.

Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations accepted. All 40 rustic sites are available to whoever arrives first. For the best chance of securing a site, consider arriving early in the day, especially during peak summer weekends and holidays. The campground's $15 nightly fee is typically paid on-site. For the most current information about reservation policies, contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground consistently receives high ratings, with many visitors giving it 4-5 stars. Campers particularly appreciate the spacious sites that offer good privacy, especially in the more remote areas. The $15 nightly fee is frequently mentioned as an exceptional value. Visitors praise the well-maintained vault toilets and the campground's overall cleanliness. The beautiful lake setting and convenient location are also highlighted as positives. While some note that no sites are directly on the water, most find the lake access via trails to be adequate for enjoying water activities.