Camping options near Bitely, Michigan include several small, rustic campgrounds nestled along scenic lakes in the Manistee National Forest. The area features both established campgrounds like Highbank Lake, Walkup Lake, and Sawkaw Lake, as well as dispersed camping opportunities. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, though sites typically lack hookups and modern amenities. Campgrounds range from small facilities with 6-9 sites to more developed options with modest amenities, providing a range of experiences from isolated forest settings to lakefront locations.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with most open from May through September or October, while a few like Walkup Lake Campground remain open year-round. Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration, though some larger facilities like Nichols Lake South Campground offer reservations. Amenities typically include vault toilets or outhouses, drinking water access at most established sites, and basic infrastructure like fire rings and picnic tables. Cell service can be limited throughout the region. "Easy, small, quiet, weekend getaway, first come first serve for us. $20 for a night, small water station and restrooms in the middle of park," noted one camper about Highbank Lake.
The waterfront locations represent a significant draw for visitors to the Bitely area, with several campgrounds situated directly on small lakes. Campers appreciate the fishing opportunities, swimming access, and boat launches available at many sites. While some campgrounds receive consistent praise for their scenic lakeside settings and spacious sites, others generate mixed reviews regarding noise levels from nearby roads. Several visitors mentioned the pristine natural surroundings and access to hiking trails, including connections to the North Country Trail. Privacy between sites varies significantly by location, with some offering well-separated, wooded sites while others feature more open layouts. As one camper described Sawkaw Lake: "Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around. Easy access to North Country Trail."
$30 / night
"We found ourselves down a dead end dirt road and had to drive back out around town. Once here we discovered a wonderful campground. "
"Our family had two sites next to each other and it seemed like half an acre! Some very uneven areas. Quiet time was strictly observed, camp manager was helpful and watchful."
$30 / night
"Got in late around 9:30 at night, but was able to find the last camp site. The sites are small but are all equipped with several spots for tents. "
"Some sites are right on the small lake while others are more wooded. Some of the sites are close together so choose the style you prefer."
"The first loop was almost filled so we checked the second one and found a site away from others. It felt like we were alone until we took a walk around the campground."
"Nice and spaced out sites with easy access to a beautiful lake, friendly and helpful management, and well taken care of vault bathrooms. Pricing isn’t bad either."
"Found several spots around Sawkaw Lake, to include Little Half Moon Lake which is right next to it. Nice and quite."
"Brand new vaulted toilet, lake view and deep forest all around. Easy access to North Country Trail. Loved it!"
"Great campsite with trails nearby and amazing fishing opportunities! Close to Baldwin!"
"Short 5-10 min walk from the river where we were able to see a ton of spawning salmon. Just be careful walking on the road, locals fly down it."
$10 / night
"Our plan just to find an inexpensive and wild camp and road trip to explore northern Michigan ."
"We are accustomed to very rustic camping and prefer to be distanced from our neighbors. Walkup camp is a really sweet campground except for the noise from the very close by road."
$15 / night
"the big lake unit has large sites with lake views and 2 vault toilets. the little lake unit has small sites, 1 vault toilet, some lake views, some views of nearby houses (more mosquitos at the time too"
"On the lake with a boat launch. One hand pump water source at the entrance, no electric."
$10 / night
"Couple hiking trails and ground to explore and relax after driving all day. Probably wouldn’t recommend any big rigs."
"This was such a beautiful location!! And definitely a nice find!"
"I love the campsites at this state park, they're decently big and each site is surrounded by trees. The sites are a little close together but all in all we really enjoyed our stay."
$30 - $110 / night
"Minutes outside Baldwin, Mi., Bowman Bridge is out in the middle of nowhere. Which, if you like that kind of camping, is awesome. It is a small campground without much shade on the sites."
"Add easy access to the Pere Marquette River to sling a streamer at some beasty browns and it's a great place to spend a weekend."
ScoutGreat campground, there’s a hot tub and pool, both very clean. There’s a camp store with great wood fired pizzas and ice cream.
Our site was nice but free placement made it difficult to get into the site. I would choose this same area but the sites on either side of 19 in the future.
There’s also a large open area that feels like a parking lot, I would not want to stay in that section.
ScoutOwners are great. Close to fishing, ATV and ORV trails.
ScoutNew owners are energetic and enthusiastic. Friendly and accommodating, great place quiet great for fisherman outdoors people ATVs and ORVs
LegendHad a nice and peaceful 1-night stay while traveling through the area. 8 sites total, some sites with direct lake access, the others in the woods with space in-between. Only one other camper on a Sunday night stay. A dumpster near the entrance. Two clean pit toilets. Mosquitos like crazy right now. Good cell service.
ScoutWolf Lake Campground & Resort is a family-owned, family-run place where the owners take the time to get to know their guests. The restrooms are recently updated and well maintained. There is a small visitor fee for extra guests, but otherwise it’s a peaceful, quiet spot to relax.
TravelerThis is a first come first serve CG but we were so early we were the only ones there. Located at the end of several gravel roads the sites are clean and well maintained.
Good fire rings and posts with hooks for drying fishing gear are at each site. The sites had been blown free of leaves and were clean and neat as were the pit toilets.
The water pump was sans handle but we had brought plenty anyway.
The area is beautiful and right next to the Little Manistee!
ScoutI found a spot in the middle of green road perfect for my tent and hammock fire wood in abundance very peaceful road a little soft because of rain but not to bad 16 minutes to the nearest gas station bathroom and 30 minutes to civilization lol having fun with my dog
ScoutStayed in Cedars April 17-19. The water spigot are all off, Sanitation Station also has no fresh water. No workers present. Presume still winter protocols but could not find info anywhere relating to this. Only that site has "access to potable water". The shower/toilet house was operating. Wish we would have known since finding water on the fly is such a pain. Otherwise, some sites were soggy due to excess rain but ours was dry and the area was very pretty with hilly forest views behind site.
ScoutThis spot is not for your typical RVs. Probably not even your typical car. Mostly seeing trucks and Jeeps. It is possible to park out and then walk in. That being said, it's really pretty and my mini skooly could make it in.
Dispersed camping sites near Bitely, Michigan offer tent and RV options with varying accessibility levels throughout the year. The area sits within the Manistee National Forest, where campers encounter mixed hardwood forests and small inland lakes at approximately 900 feet elevation. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, while summer highs typically reach the 70s-80s°F.
Fishing access points: Benton Lake Campground provides excellent fishing spots with multiple docks. "Fishing was great, lots of blue gill and bass," notes a visitor at Benton Lake, where anglers can launch small boats or fish from two accessible piers.
Paddling opportunities: The Pere Marquette River near Bowman Bridge Campground offers canoeing and kayaking routes. "We highly recommend Baldwin Canoe Rental as they were able to pick us up at the campsite (on time too!) and take us straight to the canoe launch. We paddled for about 4 hours before beaching at the access at Bowman Bridge," explains one camper.
Trail connections: Several campgrounds connect to the North Country Trail system. At Sulak Campground, campers appreciate that "sites back up to the north country trail. Very spacious and more than 50 yards in between some of them." Hiking options include both short loops and access to longer trail segments.
Lake views: Many sites offer direct views of small lakes. As one visitor to Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground describes, "the big lake unit has large sites with lake views and 2 vault toilets. The little lake unit has small sites, 1 vault toilet, some lake views, some views of nearby houses."
Privacy between sites: Site spacing varies between campgrounds. At Benton Lake Campground, "the sites are really big and spread out. They are split between 2 loops. The first loop was almost filled so we checked the second one and found a site away from others. It felt like we were alone."
Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, many campgrounds maintain good facilities. "The toilets are well maintained and the camp manager was super nice. We stayed Sunday-Tuesday both times and it wasn't busy and we felt alone in the forest which is perfect," reports a visitor to Benton Lake.
Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds have limited access for larger vehicles. At Shelley Lake Campground, "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."
Water availability: Not all campgrounds offer drinking water. Those that do typically provide hand pumps. At Highbank Lake Campground, "the water source has its own building. The vault toilet has a ramp for accessibility."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate from May through September. A camper at Leverentz Lake notes that "the campground was full on a late september weekend but still quiet and didn't feel crowded at all."
Swimming options: Some lakes offer good swimming access for children. At Newaygo State Park Campground, "I bring the kids to this park every 4th of July weekend, we absolutely love it. I always reserve my site on the Poplar side, due to it having closer access to the lake to swim."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp at Walkup Lake in Bitely, Michigan?
Yes, you can camp at Walkup Lake Campground in Bitely, Michigan. This campground offers drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access options, making it versatile for different camping styles. Basic amenities include water and toilets. The campground provides good access to Walkup Lake for fishing and other water activities. While it's not as developed as some larger state park campgrounds, it offers a more rustic experience that many campers prefer for a peaceful nature retreat.
What campgrounds are available near Bitely, MI?
The Bitely area offers several campground options within short driving distance. Highbank Lake Campground and Walkup Lake Campground are both located near Bitely, offering drive-in access with basic amenities like water and toilets. If you're willing to venture a bit further, you'll find additional options like Sawkaw Lake and Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground near Baldwin. These campgrounds provide access to the natural beauty of Michigan's lakes and forests, making them ideal for those seeking outdoor recreation in the Bitely region.
What lakes in Bitely, MI offer good fishing and camping access?
Several lakes around Bitely provide excellent fishing and camping opportunities. Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake offers a family-friendly camping experience with direct access to Bass Lake, known for good fishing. The campground features nicely spaced sites, a playground, and lake access via a path. Additionally, Sawkaw Lake near Bitely offers drive-in camping with basic toilet facilities and fishing access. Highbank Lake is another option in the area with camping facilities and fishing opportunities. These lakes typically contain species like bass, pike, and panfish, making them popular destinations for anglers camping in the Bitely region.
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