Kingston Lake is a small inland lake in the Lake Superior watershed, sitting in the forested interior of Alger County just south of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Specific inflow and outflow details are limited, but the surrounding area drains north toward Lake Superior via small creeks and the Hurricane River system.
Kingston Lake is a small, shallow inland lake in the UP and likely freezes reliably through winter. No specific ice fishing reports are common for this lake — it's better known as a summer camping destination. Always check ice thickness locally before venturing out.
Where is Kingston Lake?
Is there a boat launch on Kingston Lake?
Is there camping at Kingston Lake?
Is Kingston Lake near Pictured Rocks?
Is there cell service at Kingston Lake?
Can you swim in Kingston Lake?
How do I get to Kingston Lake without getting stuck?
Kingston Lake is a small, secluded inland lake in Alger County — tucked into the Upper Peninsula forest just south of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It's the kind of place where you lose cell service on the drive in and that's the whole point. The lake is quiet enough that mornings are glass-calm, and the Kingston Lake Campground wraps around the shoreline with 16 first-come-first-served rustic sites, almost all waterfront, for $15–20 a night. There's a small boat launch on-site, but this is a canoe-and-kayak lake, not a big-motor destination.
Fishing reviews are mixed — one visitor reported a week of unproductive fishing, but locals claim monster bass live in here. The lake's real draw is its proximity to Pictured Rocks while offering a quieter, cheaper alternative to the national lakeshore campgrounds. Twelvemile Beach is a short drive north. Be warned: Google Maps may try to route you down Baker Grade, a sandy two-track that has wrecked more than one camper setup. Stick to the main roads if you're towing anything. No cell service, vault toilets, hand-pump water — this is full rustic UP camping.