Pretty Lake State Forest Campground

For Michigan residents yearning for a truly rustic and peaceful escape into the heart of the Upper Peninsula, Pretty Lake State Forest Campground in Newberry, MI, offers a unique opportunity. Nestled within a designated "Quiet Area," this campground is specifically designed for those who value tranquility and unmotorized recreation. If your ideal camping trip involves paddling serene lakes, enjoying excellent fishing, and immersing yourself in a secluded natural environment, Pretty Lake is a destination that promises a genuine wilderness experience, though it's essential to arrive prepared for its rustic charm and the realities of nature.

Pretty Lake State Forest Campground is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and provides a back-to-basics approach to camping. It's a place where you won't find bustling crowds, loud generators, or motorized boats, as the "Quiet Area" designation ensures a peaceful atmosphere. While one reviewer's experience highlighted challenges with inconsiderate campers and significant insect activity, the core appeal of Pretty Lake remains its beautiful lakes, opportunities for silent sports, and the rare chance to truly disconnect. It's crucial for prospective campers to understand and embrace this rustic setting to fully appreciate its unique offerings.

Pretty Lake State Forest Campground is located on Pretty Lake Rd, Newberry, MI 49868, USA. This places it in Luce County, deep within Michigan's vast and beautiful Upper Peninsula, approximately 25 miles northwest of Newberry. The journey to Pretty Lake takes you off the main thoroughfares and onto more rustic, less-maintained forest roads typical of such secluded areas. While accessible by vehicle, visitors should anticipate a slower, more deliberate drive, especially if pulling a trailer.

The campground's setting within the "Pretty Lake Quiet Area" is a key aspect of its location. This designation means that Pretty Lake and its surrounding chain of seven interconnected lakes (including Brush, Camp 8, Long, Bullhead, and Beaverhouse lakes) are reserved for unmotorized use only. This ensures a pristine and quiet environment, perfect for paddling and nature observation. Carry-in access for boats is located approximately 50 yards from the parking area at Pretty Lake, facilitating easy entry to the water.

For Michigan residents, Pretty Lake offers a true escape into the less-developed parts of the UP, providing a sense of remoteness without being entirely inaccessible. It's a destination for those willing to venture a bit further for a more authentic and serene outdoor experience.

Pretty Lake State Forest Campground provides a very basic, rustic set of services, aligning with its primitive camping philosophy and "Quiet Area" designation. Campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient experience:

• Rustic Campsites: The campground offers 18 drive-in sites suitable for tents and trailers of various sizes, each typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring.
• Walk-in/Paddle-in Campsites: Additionally, there are eight more secluded walk-in/paddle-in sites (sites #19-#26) located along the Pretty Lake Pathway and the chain of lakes, offering an even more remote experience. Some of these are on Beaverhouse Lake and Camp 8 Lake.
• Vault Toilets: Basic vault toilets (outhouses) are provided as the only restroom facilities, consistent with a rustic state forest campground.
• Hand Water Pump: Potable (drinking) water is available from a hand-pump well, a crucial amenity for basic needs. Campers should be prepared to pump their water.
• No Electricity: There are no electrical hookups available at any of the campsites.
• No Reservations: Sites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are generally not accepted. This requires flexibility, especially during peak seasons.
• Trash Facilities: Despite its rustic nature, provisions for trash disposal are available, encouraging campers to keep the area clean.
• Picnic Area: A day-use picnic area is located on the west side of the campground, featuring picnic tables and a charcoal grill.

Visitors must remember that a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry. The 15-day maximum stay limit and the rule of one camping unit and six people per site help manage capacity and maintain the campground's serene atmosphere.

Pretty Lake State Forest Campground, despite its challenges (like bugs), boasts several unique features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for specific types of Michigan campers:

• Designated "Quiet Area": This is a significant highlight. The absence of motorboats and other motorized activities on Pretty Lake and the surrounding chain of lakes ensures an exceptionally peaceful and tranquil environment, ideal for true relaxation and immersion in nature.
• Beautiful Lake Complex for Paddling: Pretty Lake anchors a chain of seven interconnected lakes (Pretty, Brush, Camp 8, Long, Bullhead, Beaverhouse, and Deer Lake) linked by short portages. This creates a paddler's paradise, perfect for multi-lake canoe or kayak excursions. The portages are generally easy and short.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lakes are stocked, with splake, perch, and panfish often caught in Pretty Lake. Other nearby lakes also offer various fish species, making it a great spot for anglers.
• Access to Extensive Hiking Trails: The campground provides access to the Pretty Lake Pathway (2.2 miles) and the larger North Country Trail, offering numerous opportunities for hiking and exploring the diverse forest landscapes. Some hike-in sites are along these trails.
• Rustic and Secluded Setting: For those seeking to truly "get away," the campground offers a remote, secluded atmosphere. The sites are generally spacious, and the overall feel is one of being deep in the wilderness.
• Walk-in/Paddle-in Campsites: The availability of eight remote sites accessible only by foot or paddle provides an even more immersive backcountry experience for adventurous campers.
• Winter Camping: The campground is open year-round, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping, though roads may not be plowed.
• Natural Beauty: Despite the presence of insects in certain seasons, the "beautiful lakes" and wooded surroundings offer stunning scenery and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

These highlights, particularly the quiet area designation and the extensive paddling/fishing opportunities, make Pretty Lake a unique and appealing choice for Michiganders seeking a specific kind of tranquil outdoor adventure.

As a Michigan State Forest Campground, Pretty Lake State Forest Campground typically does not have a direct, on-site phone number for individual inquiries. These campgrounds are managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) through their regional offices or nearby state parks.

Address: Pretty Lake Rd, Newberry, MI 49868, USA

General Contact Phone (Managed by Muskallonge Lake State Park): (906) 658-3338

Mobile Phone (This is likely the same general contact number): +1 906-658-3338

Since Pretty Lake State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations, it's best to consult the Michigan DNR's official website for the most current information regarding fees, operating dates, and any alerts (such as road conditions or insect advisories). While you can call the listed number for general MDNR inquiries related to the area, specific site availability information often isn't provided for first-come, first-served campgrounds. Therefore, campers should plan to arrive prepared with alternative options, especially during popular times.

For Michigan residents, Pretty Lake State Forest Campground offers a quintessential Upper Peninsula rustic camping experience that is deeply suitable for those seeking a true escape into nature. Despite potential challenges like abundant insects during certain times, its core offerings align perfectly with what many Michiganders crave: peace, natural beauty, and unadulterated outdoor recreation, all within the confines of our own state.

The "Quiet Area" designation is a significant draw, providing a unique environment where motorized distractions are absent. This allows for an exceptionally serene atmosphere, perfect for paddling the interconnected chain of lakes in a canoe or kayak, enjoying the sounds of nature, and indulging in excellent fishing for splake, perch, and panfish. For locals, this means a rare opportunity to truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle, fostering a deep sense of calm and rejuvenation.

Furthermore, the campground's direct access to the Pretty Lake Pathway and connection to the North Country Trail provides extensive opportunities for hiking and exploring the diverse forest landscape. Whether you prefer drive-in sites for convenience or desire a more secluded adventure in the walk-in/paddle-in sites, Pretty Lake caters to various levels of outdoor enthusiasm, making it flexible for different local preferences.

While the review mentioning inconsiderate campers and generators highlights potential issues that can arise in any public campground, these are generally exceptions, and the DNR's "Quiet Area" rules are designed to prevent such disturbances. The presence of bugs, though bothersome in early summer, is a natural part of the Michigan wilderness experience and can be mitigated with proper preparation. For the prepared and respectful Michigan camper, Pretty Lake State Forest Campground offers an authentic, beautiful, and profoundly peaceful retreat, allowing them to reconnect with the wild heart of the Upper Peninsula without leaving their home state.

Pretty Lake State Forest Campground

Pretty Lake Rd, Newberry, MI 49868, USA