Free — you'll pick up right here.
Watch this campground
Sign up to watch it — saving subscribes you to gate, closure and report changes.
Michigan
Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good
2 factors · 2 sources
Newest 12 h ago · oldest 9 d
caution: Agency alerts
26 active alerts in Huron-Manistee National Forest; most severe: Lumberman's Monument to close Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting Tuesday September 15, 2026
USFS9 d ago
clear: Weather
Clouds, high 65°F / low 56°F, 0% precip — 86/100 for campground
OpenWeather12 h ago
Been out here in the last few days? One report keeps this current for everyone.
Live from Recreation.gov for LAKE MICHIGAN AT MANISTEE.
Sign in to get an email when a site opens up for your dates.
LAKE MICHIGAN AT MANISTEE
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
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.
Lake Michigan Recreation Area
~0 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Wisconsin.
Lakeview Campsite
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Wisconsin.
Beechwood Campground
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Wisconsin.
Cedars Campground
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Wisconsin.
Pines Campground
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Wisconsin.
Farm View Resort
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Wisconsin.
Cartier Park Campground
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Wisconsin.
Crystal Lake Campground
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Wisconsin.
Penny Park Campground
~19 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Wisconsin.
Poncho's Pond
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near Wisconsin.