Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground

LAT 44.715873536099998 LONG -85.323627004800002

Required

(35) $20

The campground is nestled among rolling oak and pine forested hills on the northern shore of Guernsey Lake. Located in Kalkaska County, 8 miles west of Kalkaska.

It is campground managed by Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park.

More Information

This rustic campground is adjacent to Sand Lakes Quiet Area, making it ideal for nature observation, hiking and camping. It is nestled among rolling oak and pine forested hills on the northern shore of Guernsey Lake. The Sand Lakes Quiet Area Pathway connects the campground to the North Country Trail, a national scenic trail that stretches from North Dakota to New York and includes more than 1,500 miles of hiking route in Michigan. Guernsey Lake is 50 acres and has a maximum depth of 46" providing excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, brown trout, perch and sunfish.

There are 35 campsites sites for tent and small trailer use. Eight of the sites are walk-in sites. Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. The campground is located 8 miles west of Kalkaska via Island Lake Road and Campground Road.Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations.

View Campground closing and opening dates.

Trails

Sand Lakes Quiet Area Pathway
Trail Length: 7.40 (Miles)

Activities (Display as List)

Cross-Country Skiing Item is accessible.
Cross-Country Skiing: Sand Lakes Quiet Area Pathway (on site) has 8.5 miles of looped trails that are rated moderate with flat to very hilly terrain. It connects to the North Country Trail. Other nearby trails include Muncie Lake Pathway (7 miles southwest) and the Vasa Trail (6 miles west).
Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: Largemouth bass, brown trout, perch and panfish are caught in Guernsey Lake. Other nearby fishing opportunities include Island Lake (2 miles northeast) and the Boardman River (7 miles southwest).
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking: The Sand Lakes Quiet Area Pathway (on site) has 8.5 miles of looped trails that are rated moderate with flat to very hilly terrain. It connects to the North Country Trail. Other nearby trails include Muncie Lake Pathway (7 miles southwest) and the Vasa Trail (6 miles west).
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting: This campground provides access to state land open to hunting. Firearm hunting is not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling. Learn more about hunting.
Mountain Biking Item is accessible.
Mountain Biking: The Sand Lakes Quiet Area Pathway (on site) has 8.5 miles of looped trails that are rated moderate with flat to very hilly terrain. Other nearby trails include Muncie Lake Pathway (7 miles southwest) and the Vasa Trail (6 miles west). Learn more about mountain biking.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing: Sand Lakes Quiet Area Pathway (on site) has 8.5 miles of looped trails that are rated moderate with flat to very hilly terrain. This trail is open to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. It connects to the North Country Trail. Other nearby trails include Muncie Lake Pathway (seven miles southwest). Please be courteous of groomed ski trails by snowshoeing off the tracks.

Facilities (Display as List)

Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch: A boat launch is located on Guernsey Lake.
Rustic Site Item is accessible.
Rustic Site
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Walk-in Sites Item is accessible.
Walk-in Sites: There are eight walk-in sites that are 100-200 yards from the parking area. Visitors using these sites should be prepared to pack-in/pack-out their supplies and trash.
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access: This rustic campground is located on Guernsey Lake.