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Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground (Kalkaska)
Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground (Kalkaska)
This rustic campground sits on the shore of Pickerel Lake and offers excellent boating, paddling and fishing opportunities. The campground is shaded with hardwoods and beautiful birch trees. There are 13 sites for tent and small trailer use. The campground is located 13.5 miles north of Kalkaska via County Road 612 and Sunset Trail Road.
What to expect, finding a site
These rustic campgrounds offer stunning river and lakefront settings, perfect for fishing, boating, and paddling. Here's what you can expect:
- No reservations. Sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- There are vault toilets.
- Potable (drinking) water is available from a hand-pump well.
- No electrical available.
- Overnight fees ($20 for most sites) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground.
- Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay.
- One camping unit and six people are allowed per site.
Rates, dates and more
Recreation Passport required
A Recreation Passport (park pass) is required for vehicle entry into all state park and forest campgrounds.
Operating dates and amenities
View state forest campground rates. operating dates & amenities
State forest campground info
Find more info on state forest campgrounds.
Amenities & activities
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At a glance
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Detailed view
Boat launch
Fishing
Hunting
ORV trails or routes
Paddling
Rustic sites
Vault toilet
Water access
Winter camping
Boat launch
A boat launch is located on Pickerel Lake on the northwest side of the campground.
Fishing
Panfish, bass and pike are caught in Pickerel Lake. Nearby fishing opportunities include Big Twin lake (1 mile north) and Manistee Lake (4 miles southwest).
Hunting
This campground provides access to state land open to hunting. Firearm hunting is not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling.
ORV trails or routes
The Kalkaska Trail Route can be accessed near the campground.
Paddling
Explore Pickerel Lake from the campground. Carry-in access is located at the boat launch.
Rustic sites
Vault toilet
Water access
This rustic campground is located on Pickerel Lake.
Winter camping
This rustic campground is open all year; however, the campground and seasonal roads are not plowed.