Established Camping
Lake Michigan Recreation Area
Lake Michigan Recreation Area, near Ludington, Michigan, is a fantastic destination for those seeking a rustic camping experience close to the stunning shores of Lake Michigan. With spacious campsites that offer picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for gathering around the fire and enjoying the great outdoors.
This campground is known for its beautiful sunsets and easy access to the beach, just a short walk away. Visitors have raved about the well-maintained pit toilets and the peaceful atmosphere, making it a great spot for families and pets alike. One camper shared, “We had a blast! The campground was a 5-minute walk to the beach from our loop.”
For those who love hiking, the nearby Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness offers trails that are less crowded, ideal for a day of exploration. The campground is also surrounded by scenic views, with plenty of opportunities for photography, especially at sunset. Just be prepared for some pesky mosquitoes and bring your supplies, as resupply options are a bit of a drive away.
Whether you’re tent camping, RVing, or trying out glamping, Lake Michigan Recreation Area has something for everyone. With its friendly vibe and natural beauty, it’s a great choice for your next outdoor adventure.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Huron-Manistee National Forests
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.
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.
Fee Info
Fees for the Group Sites are as follows, $55/night for up to 25 occupants and $72/night for 26-50 occupants.
Location
Lake Michigan Recreation Area is located in Michigan
Directions
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.
Address
LOWER PENNISULA
MI
Coordinates
44.1191667 N
86.4275 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations