Shelley Lake Campground, near Brohman, Michigan, offers a rustic escape in the heart of Huron-Manistee National Forests. With a handful of sites, it’s a cozy place for those looking to unwind and enjoy nature without the crowds.

The campground features picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings. Visitors have noted that while the sites are close to the road, the area remains peaceful and quiet, making it a decent choice for an overnight stay. One camper mentioned, “For $10... how can you not give this 5 stars,” highlighting the affordability of this location.

If you’re up for some exploration, there are hiking trails nearby, and the lake provides a scenic backdrop for relaxation. Just keep in mind that access to water is limited, so be sure to bring your own supplies. The lack of signage can make it tricky to find, but once you’re there, you’ll appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you.

While the facilities are basic, with pit toilets and no running water, many campers enjoy the simplicity and charm of the campground. It’s a great spot for tent camping or RVs, though larger rigs might find the roads a bit narrow. Whether you’re passing through or looking for a quiet place to crash, Shelley Lake Campground has a laid-back vibe that many find appealing.

Shelley Lake is a 15-acre lake, surrounded by National Forest land, the family-style campground is the only access to the lake. A foot-bridge over the creek leads to one of the sites. This campground is very popular during fishing season. Sites are surrounded by an oak and maple forest. The lake is only 15-feet at its deepest point.

Shelley Lake Campground

Bitely, MI is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Bitely. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Bitely and user-submitted reviews.

Bitely

The Best Camping Near Bitely, Michigan

First we didn’t find a sign- just a gravel circle next to the road. At the back of the gravel we found a small sign pointing down a narrow road (it didn’t say any names). We drove down it but it’s a narrow fit with few turn-outs- picture a classic, small 2-track trail. I would hesitate to take a larger camper here. After a drive we came upon the fee sign and 2 direction choices. 

  

We drove right and only found a few campsites. They were large and we were able to drive right into them. We actually found it easier to drive into the campsite to make the turn than to stay on the two-track. The trees are right next to the road. The lake wasn’t visible from this side. There was a walk-in site at the end of this track. It was far enough that none of the campsite was visible from the turnaround. 

  

The lack of signs and less well kept nature left us feeling a little less than comfortable here.

Very rustic with a really narrow road

This campground has 7 sites, two are walk ins and two are side by side. The lake is beautiful but the best swimming is from the two walk in sites, the only other access is by the bridge and boat launch and has gravel for boat trailers. As you get deeper it’s less rocky and more mucky. It would probably be difficult to park a large camper in any of these spots. Their is one bathroom in the secluded site across the bridge and one by the check in sign. The bathrooms are not vaults they are true outhouses with fencing for walls and no roof. Bring your own toilet paper and water. To find the site look for the dirt lot just be for the 11th street turn for Nichols lake. There is no sign by the road and it’s easy to miss. We’ve been here many times.

Small and Rustic

need a quiet crash the night spot. It’s with ok sized sites. But for $10..... how can you not give this 5 stars. Couple hiking trails and ground to explore and relax after driving all day. Probably wouldn’t recommend any big rigs. 

If you’re overlanding and just

Table, fire ring, metal hanger/post, clean sites. A bit of road noise but otherwise nice and peaceful.

Easy peasy

The road to the park off 37 is unmarked and easy to miss. With the exception of the two walk-ins, the sites feel like they are right on the road. This wasn't really a big deal as it's pretty hidden and not too busy, still could have been uncomfortable if the campground was full. Narrow roads, no large RVs. No water access (without filtering devices to use the lake water) and pit toilet (no door, no roof, behind a fence). Some sites have lake views, the best sites seem to be the walk-in sites on the lake. There are trash bins by the check-in but still quite a bit of litter around the sites and on the road. Quiet and decent price for overnight or a plan B if other FFS campgrounds are full.

Photos of Shelley Lake Campground

Real photos from real campers