Within Manistee National Forest, Whelan Lake Campground provides both drive-in and walk-in sites managed by the US Forest Service. The established campground includes basic amenities like toilets, picnic tables, and allows campfires and pets, with cell service available.
Access involves dirt and gravel roads leading to the forest location. Recent visitors report significant ORV traffic throughout the day and night, along with activity from locals harvesting previously clear-cut wood. Some sites overlook the river valley with steep 70-degree descents to water access, making river entry challenging for children or those with mobility concerns. The campground sits near campsites near Manistee National Forest and works best for campers comfortable with forest road access and motorized recreation noise.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWhelan Lake Campground is located in Michigan near Custer
Directions
_ From Baldwin - _ Travel west on 56th St. for 13.5 miles. Turn right and travel north on Walhalla Rd. for 1.25 miles. Turn right and travel west on FR 6661 for 2.25 miles. The campground is located on the left side of the road.
Coordinates
43.91048266 N
86.15748828 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/10/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/10/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 1 hr 10 min from Muskegon, MI
- 1 hr 32 min from Traverse City, MI
- 1 hr 35 min from Grand Rapids, MI
- 3 hrs 25 min from Sheboygan, WI










