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.Recreat…
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.
Photos
Playground — USDA BWCLAKE MICHIGAN AT MANISTEELMRA Sign — USDA BWCOverlook Stairs — USDA BWCAmphitheatre — USDA BWCLAKE MICHIGAN AT MANISTEELAKE MICHIGAN AT MANISTEEBeach Stairs — USDA BWCDunes — USDA BWCLAKE MICHIGAN AT MANISTEEBeach Interpretative Signs — USDA BWCLAKE MICHIGAN AT MANISTEE
How to Get There
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.
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 LAKE MICHIGAN AT MANISTEE
Heading to LAKE MICHIGAN AT MANISTEE? 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 LAKE MICHIGAN AT MANISTEE?
No central reservation system listed for LAKE MICHIGAN AT MANISTEE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233714) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to LAKE MICHIGAN AT MANISTEE?
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.
How do I contact LAKE MICHIGAN AT MANISTEE?
You can reach the park at phone: 231-723-0141 or email: [email protected].
