Michigan / Mason County / Manistee National Forest / Manistee National Forest - Manistee Ranger District

Lake Michigan At Manistee

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens May 15, 2026. Reservations available through Recreation.gov for Oak and Orchid loops; Hemlock and Violet loops operate first-come, first-served.

About

Lake Michigan Recreation Area is a four-loop campground situated on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan between Manistee and Ludington. The campground provides 99 individual campsites across Oak, Orchid, Hemlock, and Violet loops, plus 3 group sites accommodating up to 50 guests each. Two loops operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others accept reservations through Recreation.gov. The recreation area sits along Porter Creek and offers direct access to a beautiful sandy beach ideal for swimming. A hardwood forest surrounds the campground, creating a scenic backdrop for camping. Amenities include a day-use area with multiple picnic tables, pavilions, a playground, an amphitheater for educational programs, and an overlook deck with views of Lake Michigan. All campsites feature picnic tables and pedestal grills. Recreation opportunities abound with trout fishing in Lake Michigan, hiking the Arrowhead Trail (a loop trail connecting campground to beach), and access to the nearby Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area for backpacking. Bird watchers can spot unique species including piping plover and prairie warbler. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the Huron-Manistee National Forests' nearly one million acres of public land along Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

Directions

From Manistee, travel south on US-31 for 10 miles. Turn right onto W. Forest Trail Road (FR 5629) and travel west for 8 miles to the campground. From the south, take US-31 north 11.5 miles from US-10 at Scottville, then turn left onto Forest Trail Road (FR 5629) for 8 miles.

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