Lake Michigan At Manistee

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Overview

Lake Michigan Campground is perched on the shores of Lake Michigan, 15 miles south of Manistee. The area creates an incredible setting with a scenic overlook of the lake and a sandy swimming beach. This family campground provides an array of hiking and biking trails, plus swimming, fishing and kayaking.

Recreation

A hardwood forest gives way to a beautiful sandy beach at the shores of the lake with a playground for younger campers. Trout fishing in Lake Michigan is another big draw.

Bird watchers delight in seeing unique species like the piping plover and prairie warbler.

The Arrowhead Trail, a short loop trail created by Boy Scouts, forms a loop between the campground and the beach. A trailhead for the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is also within the recreation area.

Facilities

An amphitheater offers educational programs throughout the peak season. Other amenities include flush and vault toilets, beach access and an overlook deck. Campsites are equipped with picnic tables and pedestal grills.

Group campsites can each accommodate a maximum of 50 guests.

Natural Features

The recreation area sits on the eastern banks of Lake Michigan along Porter Creek, due north of Hamlin Lake. As the second largest of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan provides stunning views and limitless options for water recreation. It covers a whopping 22,400 square miles and ranks as the fifth largest lake in the world.

The Huron-Manistee National Forests encompass nearly a million acres of public protected land. Nearly 6,000 acres is wetlands that extend over the northern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

Nearby Attractions

The nearby Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area has abundant trails for hiking and backpacking.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.

Camp site features

Across 53 camp sites:

Fire pit: 25 of 53 sites
Picnic table: 25 of 53 sites
Pets allowed: all 53 sites
ADA accessible: 3 of 53 sites
Group sites: 3 of 53 sites
Longest RV: 54 ft
Largest party: 50 people

Fees

Fees for the Group Sites are as follows, $55/night for up to 25 occupants and $72/night for 26-50 occupants.

Directions

From the north, take US-31 south 10 miles from its junction with M-55 in Manistee, then right on Forest Trail Road (FS 5629) for 8 miles to the site. From the south, take US-31 north 11.5 miles from its junction with US-10 at Scottville, then left onto Forest Trail Road (FS 5629) for 8 miles the site.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

322 reviews

5 stars

188

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Dawn G

Loop:Orchid

Site:

Reviewed 19 days ago

Great campground: spacious sites, nice ammentites (picnic table, fire pit, hanging post, paved drive) and clean bathrooms!

Beth D

Loop:Grou

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

I LOVE Lake Michigan Rec. Area!!! My only gripe was that the water was shut down for the season at the group site (across the road), so we had to go to the campground to fill up, which took a LONG time (large group). This made cooking/cleaning a bigger chore. The website should state when the water is shut down for the season... or perhaps not have the group sites available if the pump isn't available. Otherwise, amazing views, peaceful setting, and an enjoyable time.

Peter S

Loop:Oak

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Great day hiking in Nordhaus dunes

Anna D

Loop:Grou

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

A beautiful, quiet spot with easy access to the beach. We come back as a group every year and we always look forward to it.

Andrew W

Loop:Orchid

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Had a great stay at Lake Michigan Recreation Area!

Steven w

Loop:Oak

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Vault toilets were kept clean and stocked. Sites were large and pretty private. Heavily wooded, so a bit dark, and buggy. Beach access was very nice (after awalk or drive) Lots of dogs barking though

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve