Indian Lake State Park South Campground features modern amenities with 337 campsites spread across north and south units. Located near Manistique in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the campground sits at 610 feet elevation on the shores of Indian Lake, the fourth largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula. With 8,400 acres of water surface, Indian Lake maintains consistent shallow depths of 1-14 feet throughout most of the lake, creating warmer swimming conditions than nearby Lake Superior or Lake Michigan.
What to do
Visit Kitch-iti-kipi Springs: Located 5 minutes from Indian Lake State Park South Campground, this natural attraction features crystal-clear spring water. "Just needed a nice campsite for one night after traveling from Traverse City headed to Marquette. Made a reservation and booked a lake view site. Great lake view and 10 minutes away from Kitch-iti-ipi 'big springs'," notes Nicole M.
Explore Fox River Pathway: Access this hiking trail near Seney Township Campground. "The Fox River Pathway hiking trail begins just down the road from the park," explains Nikki P., who added that they had "reliable AT&T internet use at around 30-80 mbps download speeds" for those needing to stay connected.
Kayak Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Paddle along Lake Superior's shoreline to view colorful sandstone cliffs. A visitor to Munising Tourist Park Campground shared, "We explored area, kayaked Pictured Rocks, hiked Miners Falls (relaxing 1 mile with ability to get down to water), could have stayed longer."
What campers like
Lake access for swimming: Many campers appreciate the shallow, warm waters at Indian Lake. "The lake is accessible with a small beach and swimming section that many campers used," notes a camper about Camp 7 Lake Campground, which contrasts with the typically colder Lake Superior temperatures.
Spacious, private sites: Colwell Lake Campground offers well-separated camping areas. "We were looking for a campsite that we could drive up to, but we ended up going with a walk up campsite. It couldn't have been more perfect. It was totally private, with a little private entrance to the lake," reports Allison V.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area's lakes and forests support diverse wildlife. A reviewer at Camp Seven Lake Campground mentioned, "Incredibly beautiful lake. The pit toilets were super clean and the sites were amazing. Wish we stayed longer." Many sites allow for lakeside wildlife observation at dawn and dusk.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Lake Superior can create unpredictable conditions. According to a reviewer at Twelvemile Beach Campground, "We were here in late May, almost zero bugs (it was too cold). Big spacious sites, we tented in site 4 although in the generator loop area we couldn't hear them over the waves of superior."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others are first-come, first-served. For South Gemini Lake State Forest Campground, one camper noted, "This campsite was awesome! We camped right on the lake and due to how small the campsite is (only about 8 sites max). No reservations. You self-register when you arrive."
Insect preparedness: The UP is known for seasonal insects, particularly in early summer. "This year, the gnats were just about unbearable, but no fault of the campground (welcome to the UP)," shared Lora H. regarding Jack Pine Lodge and Campground, suggesting visitors pack appropriate repellents and possibly screened shelters.
Tips for camping with families
Look for shallow swimming areas: Families should prioritize campgrounds with gentle shorelines. "The beach was very nice with shallow, warm water... It seemed like a great place, not only for lunch, but for crafts or even a nap," shares a camper about Indian Lake State Park South Campground.
Consider accessibility to facilities: Some sites require significant walking to reach bathrooms. At Munising Tourist Park, a reviewer cautioned, "There needs to be at least an outhouse provided adjacent to the tent area. As it is, if nature calls you first have to hike down the path through the tenting area to the tent parking lot, then hike through the campground to the bath house."
Select campgrounds with activities: Jack Pine Lodge and Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Great campground! Book early to get a spot. It's clean, quiet and caters to riders. It has a shower building, 2 washers and 2 dryers, restaurant, store (only open certain hours), ice, dump station and 91 octane fuel on site," recommends Erika P.
Tips from RVers
Prepare for limited hookups: Many glamping close to Gulliver, Michigan requires self-sufficiency. "Small township campground with vault toilets, artesian well, 20/30 amp hook-ups, and Fox River access, $20/night (no reservations). Sites are easy to access and off of a main road," explains a visitor to Seney Township Campground.
Mind site layouts and privacy: RV sites vary significantly between campgrounds. At Munising-Pictured Rocks KOA, one camper observed, "The hookups are every other site so this forces the campers to always face each other. Overall a very underwhelming campground," highlighting the importance of researching specific site layouts before booking.
Book full-hookup sites early: For luxury glamping options, secure prime locations in advance. "This campground is all about what site you can get. I reserved a full hookup/waterfront site and it was amazing. All we had to do was step out our door to be looking at the water," shared Deb M. about Munising Tourist Park Campground.
