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Map showing campground location near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
Camper submitted image from Ross Lake State Forest CampgroundView 15 Photos
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Ross Lake State Forest Campground

4 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Managed by the MIDNR Forest Resources Division within the Shingleton State Forest Area, Ross Lake State Forest Campground sits about 30 to 40 feet above a small lake in the forested landscape near Melstrand, Michigan. The campground runs on a first-come, first-served basis with roughly ten sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. No reservations are taken. Sites fill to around 75 percent capacity on busy fall weekends, so arriving early in the day gives campers the best selection, including site 10 on the corner, which reviewers single out as the only one offering meaningful privacy.

Sites are close together, with sandy and grassy surfaces and little shrubbery between them. The deciduous tree canopy makes the campground well-suited to fall visits, when foliage adds considerably to the setting. Cell service is limited, with one reviewer reporting two bars on AT&T and another noting no service at all. The lake itself is accessible by foot, though the slope down from the sites is steep enough to make carrying kayaks or canoes difficult. A nearby boat launch provides a more practical put-in point for paddlers and anglers. Cusino Lake State Forest Campground and North Gemini Lake State Forest Campground are among the camping spots around Shingleton State Foreset Area for those who want alternatives nearby.

Pit toilets are on-site and, as Shari G. notes, "kept clean and well stocked." Drinking water comes from a hand pump. There are no electrical hookups or showers, and RVs should stay under 20 feet. Munising, roughly 20 minutes away, provides groceries, gas, and supplies for those staging a longer stay in the area.

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Map & DirectionsRoss Lake State Forest Campground is located in Michigan near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

46.4848305 N
86.26636455 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Drive Time

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Ross Lake State Forest Campground

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5 Stars

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4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

A rustic 10-site campground offering basic amenities and beautiful lake access for fishing and kayaking. Many campers appreciated the peaceful setting and clean facilities, though some noted limited site privacy.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2023

Lake Location

Ross Lake: (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: 2 Price 2023: $20 Usage during visit: 75% full Site Privacy: No privacy in shallow sites with no shrubbery between sites Site Spacing: Close Site surface: Sand / grass Reservations: No Campground Noise: Quiet during my drive through Road Noise: Maybe a little from low trafficked access road Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: Hand pump. Generators: I believe they are allowed Bathroom: Clean pit toilets. Showers: No Pull Throughs: A couple Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars. Setting: Along liane which is not visible from sites. Weather: Warm and clear today. Bugs: I have experienced moderate mosquitoes in the after following a dip in temperatures. With increase in temp, they are becoming a bit more numerous. Solar: Too shady for a fixed roof panel. Host: Yes Rig size: Keep it under 20’ Sites: Only site 10, on a corner offered privacy which is created by the trailer

SiteDrive Through
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Ross Lake State Forest Campground by Roger W., October 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Ross Lake State Forest Campground by Roger W., October 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Ross Lake State Forest Campground by Roger W., October 7, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2023

Rustic Tent Camping

It was a very good site, limited facilities but good for tent camping. Some sites have view of the lake. There were 5 sites left when we got there around 9 at night.

Site4
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Oct. 24, 2020

Lovely Autumn Color & Quiet

Sitting about 30-40 feet above a small lake are about 10 small-medium first come, first served campsites. All sites are primitive, with a picnic table and fire ring. No electricity, but we run on solar so are always set with what we need. 

Sites are close-ish together which is perfect for camping with friends, but doesn’t allow for much privacy. Gorgeous deciduous trees made the fall season extra special. Pit toilets are kept clean and well stocked. 

We found this campground after realizing that it was Columbus Day weekend and all the reservable sites along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore were full. This, and a few other state forest campgrounds, had plenty of space. It’s maybe a 20 minute drive back up to Lake Superior, and about the same to Munising where you’ll find groceries, gas, and supplies. 

While it’s an easy walk down to Ross Lake, it’s relatively steep for bringing kayaks or canoes down and up again. Best to use the nearby boat launch. We found the walk along the forest road delightful, but it’s just that, not really a hike.

Site2
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Ross Lake State Forest Campground by Shari G., October 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Ross Lake State Forest Campground by Shari G., October 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Ross Lake State Forest Campground by Shari G., October 24, 2020
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2019

Loved it here!

Extremely rustic campground. Only 10 sites available on first come first served basis. Set a few miles off the beaten path, a great spot for fishing, kayaking, canoeing & swimming. No cell service available. Ross Lake is beautiful. There is pump water & toilets available. My favorite thing about this campground was listening to the haunting loon songs over the lake at night. I will definitely go back. The lake is set right between Munising & Grand Marais.

  • Review photo of Ross Lake State Forest Campground by Rachel G., August 15, 2019
  • Review photo of Ross Lake State Forest Campground by Rachel G., August 15, 2019
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ross Lake State Forest Campground located in Michigan?

Ross Lake State Forest Campground is located off the beaten path in Michigan's state forest system. The campground sits approximately 30-40 feet above a small lake. It's a secluded destination that requires traveling several miles from main roads to access. The remote setting offers a peaceful wilderness experience away from busy tourist areas, with no cell phone service available at the campground or immediate vicinity.

What recreational activities can you do at Ross Lake in Michigan?

Ross Lake offers excellent outdoor recreation opportunities in a peaceful natural setting. The beautiful lake is perfect for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. Some campsites provide scenic views overlooking the water. The quiet environment makes it ideal for nature observation and relaxation. While hiking trails aren't specifically mentioned, the state forest setting typically provides opportunities for walking and exploring the surrounding woods. The lack of cell service ensures a true disconnection from technology while enjoying outdoor activities.

What amenities are available at Ross Lake State Forest Campground?

Ross Lake State Forest Campground is an extremely rustic facility with minimal amenities. The campground features approximately 10 primitive sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Basic facilities include pump water and pit toilets. There is no electricity, cell service, or modern conveniences. The fee is $20 per night. Sites vary in size but can accommodate small to medium camping setups.

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