Pickerel Lake (Kalkaska) State Forest Campground

I scouted this campground over a holiday weekend and found all the sites that could accomodate RVs were occupied, while all the tent sites were available.  Returning on the Monday after the holiday with my tent, I was the only camper on site for all three nights I was there.  

I camped in Site 2, as it was close to the lake and fishing was my purpose in being there.  The campground is small (15 sites) and the cost is $20/night.  The vault toilets (2) were clean and well supplied with toilet paper.  The hand pump well takes a bit of priming to get going, but don't give up.  You will get water.  There is a small beach area next to a well maintained boat dock and concrete boat launch.  Everything at my site, fire ring and picnic table was in good condition.  As others have mentioned, this campground is right on a paved road.  For some reason, this road is popular with noisy motorcycles and pickup trucks.  Fortunately, the traffic almost completely stops by 9PM.  

The fishing was just ok.  Although rumor has it the lake is stocked with Walleye, my take was limited to abundant Bluegills, Pumpkinseeds, and Largemouth bass, many of which were on the larger size.  Waterskiing and jetskiing is prohibited on the lake before 11AM, but they come out in numbers after that time.  

All in all, being the sole camper at the site made for a pleasant stay.  I would not venture to stay there on a weekend or holiday.

Granted, we chose here to stay on 4th of July weekend. It was loud, understandably, any Campground on this exact weekend wouldn't be ideal. So, realistically,

1. Campground is right off of the road, so you will hear any traffic, which isn't too terrible if you happen to land a lakeside site, otherwise, you're literally next to the road with little barrier.
2. Next door to the Campground are cabins and vacation homes, gets VERY loud on the weekends when you have neighbors blasting music.
3. If you aren't ORV, this is not for you. You will hear people on the trails all day and night.
4. Swimming area: very small and literally right next to the boat launch. Shallow, unmarked, and sandy bottom.
5. Fishing: Took the kayaks out, beautiful clean and clear lake. Saw plenty of minnows, and a handful of very small bluegill, otherwise, not much else.

Lake is clean, clear, other than a few areas with lily pads and what looked like a Loon nesting area that had some low lying aquatic plants.

Nice for kayaking.

Please note, the lake is a decent small/medium siz3 and you will be seeing about 4 or 5 pontoons and handful of Jet skis