Pretty Lake State Forest Campground

Pretty Lake State Forest Campground is one of my favorite campgrounds in Michigan because it offers so many opportunities for outdoor activities in a great location.  The campground is located in the Pretty Lake Quiet Area.  This means no ORV's allowed and no motors on the lakes.  Peaceful as it can get.  There are ten lakes in the Quiet Area.  Many of the lakes have well marked and reasonably short portage trails, allowing kayakers and canoers great opportunities to explore.  If you're on foot, well maintained and marked trails will take you from lake to lake and even beyond.  The main lakes are stocked with a variety of trout for anglers.  Campsites are spacious; at least large enough for pick up campers and towed pop - up campers.  Some are well isolated, while others are close together for larger groups.  Some are found close to the lakeshore, with a nice view of the lake.  All have fire rings and picnic tables.

Great views, plenty of campsites, definitely many along the water. However the mosquitoes are quite rough. If you plan on doing any of the hiking trails you'll definitely need a bug net by far none. Most of the canoe and hiking sites look like they haven't been touched in a long time likely due to the remoteness

We stayed here a few times in summer of 2020. AT&T was too spotty for internet use (around 2 bars, 3 at best). Great State Forest campground with multiple sites; vault toilets, hand pump water, was $15/night then (likely $20 now), no reservations. Pretty Lake is connected to other lakes and is excellent for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. We also enjoyed the hiking trail several times with our dogs. Don't come here if you hate gorgeous views and outdoor recreation!

Far from the road and town so there are no distractions. Sites are large and comfortable with a short distance to pretty Pretty Lake. The fishing is also good.

This is a very quite campground. Big sites with many close to the water. Several water pumps and out houses. One of my favorites!

This campground has 18 sites, lots of little walking paths, as well as hiking trails that lead you to other nearby lakes that don't have access for vehicles. Those other lakes also allow for hike in camping for a more remote setting, even though this campground is fairly remote itself. There is a day use area, as well as a commons area for campers. The camp sites are set into three loops and each loop has vault toilets for easy access.

This is one of my favorite campsites in Michigan. We happen to stumble upon it after endlessly searching for a spot at Pictured Rocks. There is a beautiful sand bottomed lake for swimming on many sites are right on the lake. The lake also connects to several other small lakes in the area. You can kayak or canoe to each lake during the day. The sites are large and from what I remember they have vault toilets. No showers. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table and some firendly chipmunks.