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Established Camping

Pete's Lake Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Pete's Lake Campground, near Munising, Michigan, is a rustic spot that offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for families and friends looking to unwind. With spacious, secluded sites surrounded by towering trees, it’s a great place to kick back and enjoy nature.

The campground features a swimming area and a boat launch, making it easy to dive into some fun on the water. Visitors have noted the clean vault toilets and the availability of potable water, which adds to the convenience of camping here. As one camper shared, “Campsites are pretty secluded, family-friendly atmosphere,” highlighting the peaceful vibe that many appreciate.

For those who love to explore, the Bruno’s Run Trail runs right through the campground, offering a scenic route for hiking or biking. Plus, the clear waters of Pete's Lake are perfect for kayaking or canoeing, providing a serene backdrop for a day of paddling. Many campers rave about the sunsets over the lake, making it a picturesque spot to relax after a day of adventure.

Just a short drive from Munising, you’ll find plenty of nearby attractions, including the stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Pete's Lake Campground is a solid choice for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy some quality time outdoors.

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Location

Pete's Lake Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Munising, Michigan, go approximately 3 miles east on State Route 28 to Highway 13 at Wetmore. Travel south on Highway 13 about 10 miles to Forest Service Road 2173. Turn left and drive about a half-mile to the road to Petes Lake Campground.

Address

P.O. Box 171
Munising, MI 49862

Coordinates

46.2281889 N
86.597 W

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Access

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

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4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2021

Large and rustic campground on a lake

This is a larger campground for this area. There are a variety of sites to choose from. You can find plenty of space in your site. There is also lots of shade to be found. Vault toilets, water and even some ADA resources are here. 

One interesting thing is that there are information plaques around camp giving you something to learn as you walk through camp. We’ve never seen this before- it’s a nice touch. This campground was hopping the day we showed up. We suggest getting reservations if you really want to camp here. 

The boat launch has some picnic areas and there is even a beach to swim at. A hiking trail runs right out of the campground too.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Pete's Lake Campground by Art S., August 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Pete's Lake Campground by Art S., August 9, 2021
  • Review photo of Pete's Lake Campground by Art S., August 9, 2021
  • (14) View All
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2021

Pete’s Lake

If you love kayaking and mountain biking and large secluded campsites that are inexpensive, this campground is for you! Close to Munising and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It’s rustic— no water or electric hookups. The KOA in town will let you dump and fill with fresh water for $15.

Site8D
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Pete's Lake Campground by Barbara C., July 25, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2020

Love this campground!

Campsites are pretty secluded, family-friendly atmosphere. The swimming area is a great spot for stargazing.

  • Review photo of Pete's Lake Campground by Kate W., August 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Pete's Lake Campground by Kate W., August 28, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2020

WARNING WARNING WARNING

Be Warned!!!

The campsite is great but the General Store nearby is very shady and is likely scamming tourists!

There is a guy at the General store 5 minutes down the road from Pete's Lake that will rent you a boat to take out on lake Superior if you like. He doesn't put his stuff online or do reservations.

During a busy season like when we were there, it felt like we were in luck to find a rental at all. But that's what I believe they want you to think.

We rented a large pontoon to take out on to Superior, not too many questions asked, it was all very easy and the return went well.

However, a couple days later, we got a message from the rental guy saying that we damaged the front of the boat and that there was exposed metal that could hurt a child (what?). He then billed our credit card an extra $150 for repairs to a front plate that he said was dented up and had popped out.  He said that we'd lied and if we had told him about it he'd have only charged us $50.

This struck me as odd since I had no reason to think we had damaged the boat in any way. It caused me to look back and check our photos that we took on the boat. It turns out that the front plate had already been all bent up and popped out of the sides and screwed in with metal screws when we rented it.

It really seemed like he had everything pre-planned and he even stated that he knew that the front pops out easily (as though it had sustained damage many times before) and that he had a standard fee for it. We're convinced that he's running this scam to get extra money out of vacationers with a part that is already damaged on the boat and trying to make them feel like they're in the wrong.

We are disputing the charge but he placed it on the card before talking with us.

The campsite is great though! Lots of stuff to do nearby and very clean. Some interesting characters around but we didn't feel like our stuff would walk away so chalk it up to Summertime in the UP!

SitePetes Lake Campground
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Pete's Lake Campground by Corey S., August 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Pete's Lake Campground by Corey S., August 19, 2020
Reviewed Mar. 18, 2020

Amazing!

My wife and I have tent camped here multiple times and love it. We typically go mid to late September and there are very few other campers. We love the quite peacefulness. The lake is great for a relaxing canoe or kayak. We talk about going back every time we go camping.

Reviewed Sep. 2, 2019

Great Forest Service Campground

Now one of my favorite campgrounds.  Quiet campground with lots of privacy on Petes Lake.  Labor Day Weekend and I didn't have time to reserve a spot so I headed up to the UP with the intentions of staying at Widewaters.  The sites at Widewaters were a little small and there was nothing good available.  I drove up the road to Petes Lake.  I was surprised that site 2 was still available when I got there.  Nice large site, with plenty of privacy that sites back a ways and a couple of good sets of trees for hammocks.  

The campground sits on Petes lake with plenty of spots to go and see the sunsets.  There is a swimming area and Bruno's run goes through the campgrounds.  Munising is about 20-30 minutes away and there is a gas station at the corner of M28 and FS13 to get some ice, refreshments and cell service.

Site2
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Pete's Lake Campground by Jessica V., September 2, 2019
  • Review photo of Pete's Lake Campground by Jessica V., September 2, 2019
  • Review photo of Pete's Lake Campground by Jessica V., September 2, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2018

My favorite ZEN place

Our family group has been coming annually to Pete's Lake since 2000 or 2001. We have tents, campers, canoe's and kayaks, bathing suits and bikes, grills, games and glow sticks. Our kids are now in their late twenties , and are bring their families and friends are always welcomed.

It's where we unwind, get off the grid, and sleep better than we ever have our whole lives...even napping on occasion.

We come for a whole week, we take up 3-4 campsites, and as we grow in size share in meal making ideas, and clean up .....

The park is dog friendly too!

But whether you want to hang out at camp and play cards, have campfire and play guitar.....or run/ride Bruno's Run and then go for a swim to cool off.....or spend hours on the clear, clear water paddling and watching nature Pete's Lake is incredible!

SiteThis year 2A, 6A, and 6
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Pete's Lake Campground by Patti F., July 3, 2018
  • Review photo of Pete's Lake Campground by Patti F., July 3, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 17, 2018

Secluded, private with large sites

We stayed at Petes Lake Campground from June 10-16, 2018. We enjoyed the large site of 3A and were traveling with three dogs. There are clean vault toilets and water available. There is no wi-fi or cellular service here. There is a nice beach and pier to enjoy the clear lake.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 23, 2017

Great getaway!

Petes Lake is a great campground tucked in the Hiawatha National Forest. The campground is located about 15 minutes south of Munising. We stayed in Munising at a private RV park for a few days before discovering this place and fell in love with it. The campground has only 41 sites but because they are well-spaced and heavily treed you have some privacy and don’t feel cramped.  If you want a campsite right on the water, look at sites 4a and 5a.  Sites 7a and 8a are walk-in tent sites having lots of privacy. There are plenty of sites that are long and level enough to fit large RVs you just have to be mindful there are lots of trees. The main roads in the campground are paved and wide enough to maneuver. Campsites have no utilities but there are vault toilets and potable water.  Picnic tables and fire pits are at each site and you are allowed to collect firewood from dead and downed trees (which I love since I am a campfire lover).  Be aware that there are only two vehicles allowed per site and you will be charged $6/vehicle/night. Since this is a National Forest campground, senior pass holders get ½ off camping making this a bargain at $9/night.

For the outdoor enthusiast who is looking to get away and enjoy the outdoors this place is great. It is set on the 190-acre Petes Lake where you have a swim beach, boat launch and fishing piers. We spent a couple of hours paddling the lake which was very peaceful. Running through the campground is the Bruno’s Run Trail – a 9-mile trail traversing the woods and around small ponds. This was a great trail except for some pesky bugs that started annoying us as we heated up. Our dog loved the hike because we passed a couple of ponds letting her cool off and get a drink. We only encountered four mountain bikers during our hike which was nice compared to the crowded trails in the nearby Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.  

We would definitely come back to this campground and it would be a 5-star if it had hook-ups for our RV.

Site20
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Pete's Lake Campground by Nancy W., October 23, 2017
  • Review photo of Pete's Lake Campground by Nancy W., October 23, 2017
  • Review photo of Pete's Lake Campground by Nancy W., October 23, 2017
  • (10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What do reviews say about Pete's Lake Campground?

Pete's Lake Campground receives consistently high marks for its peaceful atmosphere, large secluded campsites, and natural beauty. Campers appreciate the privacy between sites and the family-friendly environment. The lake is praised for its clear water and excellent kayaking and canoeing opportunities. Many visitors highlight the quiet peacefulness, especially in September when the campground is less crowded. The campground is particularly popular with outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy water activities and mountain biking. Some families have made it a tradition, returning annually for reunions and gatherings.

What facilities and amenities are available at Pete's Lake Campground?

Pete's Lake Campground offers 41 rustic campsites with no water or electric hookups. Facilities include clean vault toilets, potable water access points, and some ADA resources. The campground features a swimming beach area with a pier on the clear lake, perfect for water activities. There are no shower facilities or dump stations on-site, though the KOA in Munising offers dumping and fresh water fill for a fee. The campground has educational information plaques throughout. There is no Wi-Fi or cellular service at the campground, providing a true disconnect from technology.

Is there a map of Pete's Lake Campground showing the layout and campsites?

Yes, maps of Pete's Lake Campground are available through the Hiawatha National Forest's official website and at the campground entrance. The map shows the layout of all 41 sites, the lake access points, and facilities like vault toilets and water sources. Site 3A is noted as particularly large. For detailed campsite information before your trip, contact the Hiawatha National Forest office or check their website for the most current campground map.

Are there photos or a virtual tour of Pete's Lake Campground?

While there isn't a dedicated virtual tour of Pete's Lake Campground, photos can be found on the official Hiawatha National Forest website and various camping platforms. The campground features picturesque views of the lake, secluded wooded sites, and a beach area with a pier. For the most current images, check the USFS website or camping directories. The campground's natural beauty, particularly the stargazing opportunities from the swimming area, makes it worth capturing in photographs.

Where is Pete's Lake Campground located in Michigan?

Pete's Lake Campground is nestled within the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, approximately 15 minutes south of Munising. Its location provides convenient access to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore while offering a more secluded alternative to staying in town. The campground sits on the shores of Pete's Lake, providing a serene forest setting typical of the region.