Shelley Lake Recreation Area
Open year-round with reduced maintenance November 1 through April 30. First-come, first-served; not available on Recreation.gov. No potable water on site.
Heat Advisory issued July 14 at 3:02PM EDT until July 15 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 104. * WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest, and west central Michigan. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Air Quality Alert issued July 14 at 10:59AM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued an Air Quality Alert for July 15, 2026, for elevated levels of fine particulate due to wildfire smoke. Pollutants within those areas are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups with the potential for Unhealthy, especially north. This is a Statewide Air Quality Alert Plumes of smoke from Canadian wildfires are expected to move into the region this week. The plumes will reach the upper peninsula this evening, sinking into the northern lower peninsula overnight. Models are showing the smoke plumes will reach the Michigan/Indiana border Wednesday evening. It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory conditions like asthma. Watch for symptoms including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning in nose, throat, and eyes. You can help reduce air pollution by limiting activities, such as: - outdoor burning; - use of residential wood burning devices. Tips for households: - Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters. For up-to-date air quality data for Michigan visit the MiAir site: Michigan.gov/MiAir For up-to-date air quality data nationally visit EPAs Air Now site: AirNow.gov For further health information, please see MDHHS Wildfire Smoke and Your Health site: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/environmental-health/your-health- and-wildfire-smoke Air Quality Alert Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy July 14, 2026
About
Shelley Lake Recreation Area provides a quiet, secluded camping experience on a small 15-acre lake entirely surrounded by National Forest land. The campground is the sole access point to Shelley Lake, making it a popular destination during fishing season. The lake's shallow depth of just 15 feet at its deepest point creates favorable conditions for warm-water fish species. The campground sites are nestled within an oak and maple forest, offering shade and natural beauty. A foot-bridge over the creek provides access to one of the campsites, adding a unique character to this small facility. Both motorized and non-motorized boating are permitted on the lake, and ice fishing is available in winter months. This is a primitive, low-development campground with vault toilets but no potable water. Campers must bring their own drinking water or treat water from nearby sources. The campground operates year-round but is not maintained from November 1 through April 30, meaning services are reduced during winter months.
Directions
From White Cloud, travel north on M-37 for 10 miles. Turn right and travel east on FR 5450 for 0.5 miles. Follow the primitive road to the site.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (231) 745-4631 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| USFS Shelley Lake Campground | |
| Huron-Manistee NF Alerts |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!