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.
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!