About Pete’s Lake Campground
Overview Petes Lake Campground, located in the center of Michigan's Hiawatha National Forest, is surrounded by several lakes and offers excellent hiking, biking, fishing, boating and more. Snuggled amongst mixed hardwood trees, the campground offers a swimming beach and day-use picnic area away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Recreation Visitors enjoy a variety of water-related recreation opportunities. The campground also has fishing pier next to the day-use area. Anglers can expect healthy populations of northern pike, bass, walleye and perch in the lake. The nine-mile Bruno's Run Trail, which winds its way past a host of small lakes in the area, passes directly through the campground and is a popular trail for hiking and biking, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.Facilities The campground offers multiple spacious and forested private campsites for tent and RV camping. A few sites overlook the lake. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings and about half of the sites have access to a grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. A shaded day-use picnic area at the campground offers multiple tables and benches right on the lake shore. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are also provided in the picnic area, as well as a fairly large parking area.Natural Features The campground is situated on the upper peninsula of Michigan, on the shores of the 190-acre Petes Lake. It sits amid rolling hills that are forested with a variety of deciduous and conifer trees. Many of the campsites are shaded and private. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (906) 767-1111. Nearby Attractions Big Island, Fish and Straits lakes are all within 25 miles of the campground.
How to Get There
From 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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Pete’s Lake Campground
Heading to Pete’s Lake Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Pete’s Lake Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Pete’s Lake Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233174) for the latest entry policy and availability.
Are pets allowed at Pete’s Lake Campground?
Pets are mentioned in this park’s information. Specific rules (leash requirements, banned areas) vary by location — verify on the official site before bringing your dog.
How do I get to Pete’s Lake Campground?
From 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.
References & Official Resources
