Kingston Lake State Forest
RV Guide

Introduction

Discover your new favorite place to recenter yourself. Life can move fast, so plan your next weekend escape to this majestic state forest for a little self-care as you pause for the daily hustle. A beautiful oasis nestled near Shingleton Michigan, Kingston Lake State Forest is a great place to relax and surround yourself with the calming sounds of nature. C’mon out with your trailers for your next camping adventure as the park can accommodate RVs as large as 40 feet. The campground is first-come, first-served, and offers 16 primitive sites at this cozy location. Situated on a peninsula, camping here is a dream under the shade of many trees and privacy from the outside world. Anglers will be excited to visit this great Michigan lake as there is an abundance of bass, bluegill, perch, muskie, and walleye to catch during your vacation. Dip your canoe paddle into Kensington Lake to explore the islands at the park. At the end of a busy day, take in a memorable sunset across the lake as you sit around the campfire enjoying s’ mores. This state park exemplifies Mother Nature's beauty from beautiful flowers of spring to breathtaking views of the leaves changing during the fall months. Family-friendly, you’ll be glad you traveled to Kingston Lake State Forest in your campervan!

RV Rentals in Kingston Lake State Forest

Transportation

Driving

Welcome to beautiful Shingleton, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula! Perfect getaway for the weekend, you’ll be glad that you traveled in your RV to get a respite from a hectic life. This uncrowded forest campground is near Grand Marais and less than an hour and a half from Marquette, Michigan. A secluded state forest takes you to the very tip of the state of Michigan providing views and wildlife like no other in the country. Easy to access and open year round, the primitive campground is first-come, first-served and offers self registration. Plan to arrive at this camp early and get out in the wilderness today.

Parking

Come and camp in your motorhome at one of Michigan’s best kept secrets! Kingston Lake State Forest is a hidden gem as a majority of the sites provide water views in the campground. Situated on a peninsula that juts out into Kingston Lake, the campground can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length and provides back-in parking. The park does offer a boat launch to help with fishing trips or paddling adventures. Make sure to secure your required Michigan Recreation Passport in advance as there is not a visitor center on site but it is monitored by rangers.

Public Transportation

Campgrounds and parking in Kingston Lake State Forest

Campsites in Kingston Lake State Forest

Reservations camping

Munising / Pictured Rocks KOA

The Munising/Pictured Rocks KOA is conveniently near everything you could possibly want including the Upper Peninsula’s largest city, a major university with plenty of cultural and educational events, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and the national recreation area of Grand Island. Enjoy seeing the area’s cliffs, rock formations, waterfalls, beaches and lighthouses by driving, hiking, biking, boating or cruising. The campground features full hookups with cable and Wi-Fi, a heated pool, recreational facilities, a playground, a dog run, a pavilion, and a gift shop.

First-come first-served

Kingston Lake State Forest Campground

Stop and look around at all that Mother Nature has to offer during your next RV camping trip at Kingston Lake State Forest. A fantastic area for those who love a rustic setting, make plans to set up your next campsite at this no frills location. Once you arrive, you’ll find that the 16 spots to choose from offer water views of Kingston Lake. This well-maintained campground is first-come, first-served and provides private sites with fire ring and a picnic table. There are separate outhouse style bathrooms for campers to use at each end of the campsite along with a hand pump for water. Plan to bring your sunscreen and bug spray to use during your visit. Fishing is a breeze from your campsite or using the boat launch for your canoe or kayak on the crystal clear water. The campground is open year-round, however, in the winter months it depends on the weather and road conditions. If you plan on visiting during the winter, make sure to call ahead to check if the campground is actually open.

Seasonal activities in Kingston Lake State Forest

Off-Season

Picnicking Among the Trees

You will find that Kingston Lake makes for the perfect spot to have a picnic. Relax and have fun as you soak up the sunshine, viewing the surrounding nature of Kingston Lake State Forest as you enjoy your meal next to the peaceful water. So grab your basket filled with a delicious meal and dine at one of the picnic tables at the campground either way.

Stargazing

Enjoy the evening sounds as you sit back and observe Mother Nature’s light show while you’re camping in your trailer out in Michigan’s wilderness. Due to Kingston Lake State Forest;s location, there is less light pollution for campers to deal with, making it a fantastic place to see dense night skies. Grab your flashlight and blanket before you head outside your RV on a bright, crisp night. With the stars reflecting on the crystal Michigan Lake, get ready to look up and enjoy peaceful views to cap off a great day out in nature.

Birdwatching

Calling all bird lovers! You have come to the right place to see some fantastic birds during your vacation to add to your life list. After you set up your RV camping site, explore this secluded state forest that is great for enjoying many varieties of birds. From Canadian geese to Pileated Woodpeckers, many birds take a moment to rest and eat before they travel over Lake Superior. Don’t forget your camera to capture these amazing birds as it is a perfect time to catch some great photographs.

In-Season

Hiking

Get outside and hike the trails at this scenic state forest. Whether you walk or run, there are 22 miles of evergreens and pines around this breathtaking state park. Listen to the chirping of birds rather than the dinging of emails. Come and smell the wildflowers and see the beauty that mother nature has to offer you during your next RV camping trip. Plan to pack sturdy shoes, a hat, and sunscreen before you head out to the trails!

Getting Out on the Kingston Lake

Catch your breath and spend a few moments unplugging from a busy routine to get out on your kayak or canoe at Kingston Lake. Paddle through the beautiful lake as you surround yourself with the calming of nature. Take a few moments to explore the little islands while you’re out on your canoeing adventure. Kingston Lake State Forest is a great base camp area if you want to get out on the water and explore Michigan’s most beautiful waters.

Fishing at Kingston Lake

Grab your favorite ride and bait as you head out from your RV camping site to enjoy this favorite camping pastime. From fishing out on your boat at Kingston Lake or along the lakeshore, this place is an angler’s delight. Need to access the water? No worries, this campground offers a boat launch. You’ll find large schools of bass, bluegill, perch, muskie, and walleye to catch for your next supper. Grab your camera - you’ll want to capture your biggest catch yet.