Lake Michigan AT Manistee
Campground · Michigan · 53 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Manistee National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 53
- Bookable sites
- 54 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 50
- People per site
- 3
- Accessible sites
- 621 ft
- Elevation
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.The facts
- 53 bookable sites
- 3 accessible sites
- Vehicles up to 54 ft
- Up to 50 people per site
- Loops: GROU, OAK, ORCHID
Site types
- 48 Standard Nonelectric
- 3 Group Standard Nonelectric
- 2 Tent Only Nonelectric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups.
53 campsites at Lake Michigan AT Manistee
Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G01 | GROU | Group Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | 50 | 🐾 |
| G02 | GROU | Group Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | 50 | 🐾 |
| G03 | GROU | Group Standard Nonelectric | — | — | — | — | 50 | 🐾 |
| 051 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 052 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 38 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 053 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 34 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 054 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 44 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 055 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 44 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 056 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 48 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 057 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 058 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 38 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 059 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 060 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 061 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 42 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 062 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 063 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 44 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 064 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 38 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 065 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 066 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 34 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 067 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 42 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 068 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 34 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 069 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 38 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 070 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 46 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 071 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 38 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 072 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 38 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 073 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 074 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 48 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 075 | OAK | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | — | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 026 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 54 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 027 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 30 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 028 | ORCHID | Tent Only Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 44 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 029 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 52 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 030 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 44 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 031 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 032 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 48 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 033 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 46 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 034 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 035 | ORCHID | Tent Only Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 52 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 036 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 32 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 037 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 038 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 38 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 039 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 040 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 041 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 44 ft | 8 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 042 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 28 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 043 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 44 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 044 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 38 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 045 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 40 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 046 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 047 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 34 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 048 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 049 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 36 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 050 | ORCHID | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | Lakefront | 38 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
Getting 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.
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.
44.11917, -86.42750 · 44°7'9.0"N 86°25'39.0"W
Typical weather
Typically 80°F in Jul, down to 30°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 30 | 33 | 42 | 55 | 67 | 76 | 80 | 78 | 72 | 59 | 46 | 35 |
| Low °F | 19 | 19 | 25 | 35 | 45 | 54 | 59 | 59 | 52 | 42 | 33 | 24 |
| Precip in | 2.2 | 1.6 | 2.2 | 3.4 | 3.3 | 3.8 | 3.3 | 3.3 | 3.3 | 4.1 | 3.2 | 2.7 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 9.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
Fees for the Group Sites are as follows, $55/night for up to 25 occupants and $72/night for 26-50 occupants.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Lake Michigan AT Manistee
- Can you reserve a site at Lake Michigan AT Manistee?
- Yes, Lake Michigan AT Manistee is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Lake Michigan AT Manistee have?
- 53 sites.
- What is the maximum RV length at Lake Michigan AT Manistee?
- 54 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Lake Michigan AT Manistee?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Michigan AT Manistee.
- Are campfires allowed at Lake Michigan AT Manistee?
- Campfires are allowed at Lake Michigan AT Manistee. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Camping near Lake Michigan AT Manistee
- Marzinski Horse Campground 15.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Sand Lake Campground 24.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Lake Michigan Recreation Area 0.8 mi · Campground
- Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Nurnberg Trailhead 2.3 mi · Facility
- Udell Trailhead 19.1 mi · Facility
- Whelan Lake Area 19.7 mi · Campground
- Bear Track Campground 19.8 mi · Campground
- Pine Lake Campground 21.4 mi · Campground
- Elk Canoe Campground 23.8 mi · Campground
- Timber Creek Campground 24.5 mi · Campground
- Sulak Campground 24.6 mi · Campground
- Low Bridge Canoe Landing 26.8 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 231-723-0141
- Email Help.Huron.Manistee@AmericanLL.com
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-26.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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