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Lake Michigan At Manistee
FSU.S. Forest Service — Michigan · Huron-Manistee National Forests
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Huron-Manistee National Forests |
| Location | Michigan · Huron-Manistee National Forests · 44.11917, -86.42750 · Map |
| Sites | 53 public sites counted from the federal listing — 48 standard nonelectric; 3 group standard nonelectric; 2 tent only nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 53 sites Water hookups at 0 of 53 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 53 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 53 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 54 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 49 sites · 30 ft: 48 sites · 35 ft: 41 sites · 40 ft: 25 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Fees for the Group Sites are as follows, $55/night for up to 25 occupants and $72/night for 26-50 occupants. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 11:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 53 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 3 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 231-723-0141 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-06-26.
From the official listing
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.
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
15 mi straight-line · MichiganFSU.S. Forest ServiceSand Lake Campground
25 mi straight-line · MichiganFSU.S. Forest ServiceBowman Bridge
29 mi straight-line · MichiganFSU.S. Forest ServiceUpper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites
30 mi straight-line · MichiganFSU.S. Forest ServiceGleasons Landing
30 mi straight-line · BALDWIN Michigan
Trip Card — Lake Michigan At Manistee
Michigan · Huron-Manistee National Forests
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Michigan · Huron-Manistee National Forests |
| Fees | Fees for the Group Sites are as follows, $55/night for up to 25 occupants and $72/night for 26-50 occupants. |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 54 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 53 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233714 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.