Pete’S Lake Campground
4.4062 reviewsP.O. Box 171, Munising, MI, 49862, USA
Pete’S Lake Campground
$24.00 - $48.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$48.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates for individual sites are between $24 and $26, and group sites are $48 per night. Additional reservation fees of $8-$9 apply if booked online or via phone.
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About this campground
Escape to Pete's Lake Campground, where the pristine waters of a 190-acre lake meet the enchanting wilderness of Hiawatha National Forest. Here, spacious campsites tucked beneath towering trees offer the perfect blend of privacy and natural beauty, with some sites revealing stunning glimpses of the shimmering lake through the forest canopy. Whether you're casting a line from the shore at dawn, launching your kayak for a peaceful paddle, or cooling off at the sandy beach after exploring winding forest trails, Pete's Lake delivers the authentic Michigan wilderness experience you've been craving.
Pete's Lake Campground caters to a range of camping preferences, including tent, RV, and group camping options. Sites are spacious and private, with some overlooking the lake.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Michigan's Upper Peninsula seasons at Pete's Lake. Summer arrives with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and evening campfires under star-filled skies. As autumn paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, morning mists rise from the lake while afternoon rains create a symphony on your tent roof. When winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, the campground becomes a gateway to pristine snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures through silent, frosted forests.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient hardwoods mingle with whispering conifers, creating a natural cathedral above your campsite. The rolling hills surrounding Pete's Lake provide ever-changing vistas as you explore this corner of paradise. Each private site offers its own pocket of tranquility, whether shaded by century-old trees or positioned to catch glimpses of sunlight dancing on the water. Adventure beckons beyond your doorstep, with Big Island Lake, Fish Lake, and Straits Lake all waiting within a scenic 25-mile radius, each offering their own unique character and recreational opportunities.
Geological RegionPerched on the rugged beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Pete's Lake Campground showcases the region's distinctive landscape where ancient geological forces sculpted rolling hills now blanketed in a rich tapestry of deciduous and evergreen forests. This corner of Hiawatha National Forest represents millions of years of natural history, from glacial movements that carved the lake basins to the diverse ecosystem that thrives here today, offering campers a front-row seat to the Upper Peninsula's remarkable natural heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets and drinking water are marked as accessible. The campground terrain features rolling hills and shaded campsites, which may provide some challenges for mobility.
Sites SizeSites are spacious and large, with ample room for camping setups. One reviewer stated, 'Sites are huge and well spread apart.'
Sites PrivacyCampsites are private and secluded, surrounded by mixed hardwoods and conifers. One reviewer described them as 'big private wooded sites.'
Total Campsites49 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose lakeside sites for proximity to water features. Sites close to the beach are ideal for families.
Best CampsitesCampsites 31, 5A, and 32 are frequently praised for spaciousness, privacy, and proximity to lake amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 people allowed per site.
Groups
Group campsites are available at $48 per night during the peak season. These sites accommodate larger groups but specifics on the number of people or vehicles allowed are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has multiple loops with spacious, private sites. Paved roads provide access to sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 23 to September 29 during peak season. Closed out of season (September 30 to May 14).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by phone.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during certain times of the year such as May 14 to May 21 with first-come, first-served sites.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made prior to the check-in date with a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, such as forfeiting the first night's fees for individual campsites.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Pete's Lake Campground provides an array of recreational activities centered around its picturesque setting. Water-related activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating are popular, with anglers targeting northern pike, bass, walleye, and perch. The nine-mile Bruno's Run Trail offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, connecting campers to surrounding lakes. Wildlife viewing is also noted, with one user stating it’s a 'perfect place to relax.'
Hiking
The nine-mile Bruno's Run Trail passes directly through the campground, offering hiking opportunities amidst a wooded setting. Reviewers describe it as 'a nicely wooded trail' with some bugs but overall enjoyable.Fishing
Fishing is available at Pete's Lake, with species like northern pike, bass, walleye, and perch. One reviewer mentioned, 'The fishing in the lake was poor, but lake was gorgeous.'Swimming
The campground features a designated swimming beach, noted for its sandy bottom and clear water. One reviewer mentioned, 'Swimming section of the lake was nice to have, especially after we completed Bruno's Run.'Biking
The campground and surrounding Bruno's Run Trail offer biking opportunities. One reviewer stated, 'Bruno's Run was fun on a mountain bike. Didn't do the whole trail, just a couple miles.'Boating
Boating is permitted on Pete's Lake, including non-motorized options like kayaking and canoeing. Reviewers have appreciated the access right from campsites, with one commenting, 'Loved having access right from my site, perfect for the kayaks.'Wildlife viewing
Reviewers have noted the serene natural surroundings and opportunities for wildlife viewing, describing it as a 'perfect rustic park.'Beach activities
Beach activities are available at the designated swimming area, noted for its sandy bottom and clear water.Winter Activities
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available on Bruno’s Run Trail during the winter season.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular water sports at Pete's Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed only using dead and down wood. Firewood from outside the area is prohibited to prevent invasive tree pests.
- Quiet hours are enforced.
Hazards
General hazardsCampers should be aware of raccoons as noted in user reviews. Jet skis and speedboats, although allowed, can cause noise disturbances.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are located in Munising, MI, approximately 13 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 - September 29
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresPete's Lake, a 190-acre lake, is accessible within the campground. Fishing piers and a swimming beach are available.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include extra fees for multiple tents, cleanliness of vault toilets, generator noise during quiet hours, and occasional host mishandling of reservations.
HostMixed reviews about hosts. Some describe them as helpful and welcoming, while others found them overly strict with rules.
Campground Map
P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI, 49862, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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.
Access via paved roads until Highway 13 and Forest Service Road 2173. Seasonal access is likely consistent with forest road closures, but no specific closures or challenges are mentioned.Nearby places
Munising - Approximately 13 miles, a 20-minute drive.
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Munising, MI, approximately 13 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.4
62 reviews
Pete’S Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Pete's Lake Campground are mixed, with recurring themes of private spacious sites, clean facilities, and natural beauty. Negative feedback includes complaints about hidden fees and inconsistent enforcement of rules.
Review Summaries
Based on 62 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the cleanliness of vault toilets, spacious and private campsites, and the serene lake surrounded by natural beauty. Several users appreciated the proximity to Munising and...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include hidden fees for multiple tents, noisy neighbors, and inconsistent management by campground hosts. Some users were dissatisfied with generator usage and loud speed boats on...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend visiting during weekdays for a quieter experience, using satellite phones for emergencies due to lack of cell service, and purchasing firewood nearby to avoid invasive pests. They...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews praise the warm lake and outdoor activities like hiking and swimming. Winter reviews highlight snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Fall camping is noted for its quiet and scenic...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The campsites are spacious, wooded, and far apart from neighbors.'
2. 'Vault toilets were immaculate and smelled very fresh.'
3. 'Hidden fees for multiple tents ruined our trip.'
4. 'Quiet and...
Based on 62 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback includes praise for spaciousness and privacy at sites like 009 and complaints about noisy generators at site 005.
Based on 62 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets and drinking water were noted as accessible, but the terrain may pose challenges for mobility-impaired visitors.
Based on 62 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, with a limit of two per site. Reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly environment but advised caution due to the rule of one tent per site, which may affect sleeping arrangements...
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Last updated August 10, 2025