Indian Lake State Park South Campground provides year-round access to camping near Manistique, Michigan. The area features several inland lakes within the Hiawatha National Forest, which covers over 880,000 acres across the Upper Peninsula. Winter temperatures often drop below 10°F, while summer averages around 75°F, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences. Terrain varies from sandy lakeshores to dense pine forests with moderate elevation changes.
What to do
Explore waterfalls and springs: Several campgrounds near Manistique serve as ideal basecamps for waterfall explorations. "This campground is close to Munising therefore convenient for visiting Pictured Rocks and other tourist draws in the area," notes a visitor to Munising Tourist Park Campground. Another camper at Camp Seven Lake Campground shared, "We stayed here for almost a week and were able to explore all the waterfalls in the area and the UP in general. P.S. it is really close to Kitch-Iti-Kipi! Go see these phenomenon; it is special."
Kayak and paddle: Lake Superior and inland lakes offer numerous paddling opportunities. "We used the boat launch and had no issues at all," reports one visitor to Indian Lake State Park. For a different experience, consider exploring the Manistique River: "Canoeing on the Manistique River" was recommended by a camper who visited during October.
Hike scenic trails: The region features well-maintained hiking routes through diverse terrain. "The North County Trail passes right through this campsite," explains one reviewer about Twelvemile Beach Campground, though they caution "no dogs allowed on the trail (we were issued a warning)." Another camper adds that "the loop around the lake was a nice walk to start the day" at Colwell Lake Campground.
What campers like
Private lake access: Many sites offer direct water access. At Colwell Lake Campground, "most of the campsites here need to be reserved-there are only a handful of first come. Whichever site you get there is beach front access with an actual sandy beach!" A camper at South Gemini Lake enjoyed that "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."
Spacious sites: Visitors frequently mention generous site dimensions. "This is one of the best campgrounds I've been to in a while! Wow. The sites were very large!" writes a camper at Indian Lake State Park. Similarly, at Camp Seven Lake, a reviewer noted: "The site that we both had were huge. Nicely shared. Mostly shaded but did have a few areas of sun. I loved the fire pit."
Winter accessibility: For yurt camping, Manistique, Michigan offers year-round options. "Had the entire park to ourselves over the last 4 weeks, on weekends," reports a winter visitor to Fayette Historic State Park Campground. This makes the region viable for cold-weather adventures, with some parks maintaining electric service even in winter months.
What you should know
Reservation strategies: Popular sites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. "Book early to get a spot," advises a reviewer about Jack Pine Lodge and Campground. For Twelvemile Beach, another camper warns: "No reservations so you need to be early and persistent in finding a campsite."
Limited services: Many rustic sites lack amenities. "Vault toilets could use a good clean out and start fresh but the stall area was clean," notes a Camp Seven Lake visitor. At Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping, visitors should note sites "don't have any of the hookups or amenities mentioned on the site profile - some do have rudimentary fire pits though."
Weather considerations: The Upper Peninsula experiences extreme conditions. "I would warn though that the mosquitoes were pretty bad when we visited," shares a Hickey Marsh camper. For Lake Superior sites, wind can be challenging: "We were not prepared for Lake Superior gusts of winds. Literally had to put our kayaks on both sides of the tent," reports a Pictured Rocks visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access options: Family-friendly beaches vary by location. "The beach was very nice with shallow, warm water," reports a visitor to Indian Lake. At Camp Seven Lake, "This is a great swimming and fishing lake! Sites are big and some even have electric. Outhouses are clean... You can have two units on a site (you do both have to pay) and still have room to gather and play."
Campground activities: Some parks offer organized events. Jack Pine Lodge and Campground provides "a shower building, 2 washers and 2 dryers, restaurant, store (only open certain hours), ice, dump station and 91 octane fuel on site." At Indian Lake, a visitor mentioned "They even do weekly events such as 'Traveling Trivia' for kids. Pet friendly too!"
Alternative accommodations: Beyond tent camping, Manistique offers yurt camping and cabin options for families seeking more shelter. "Beautiful quite campground in the middle of nowhere has a nice bar with good food. WiFi is great, friendly people," writes a Jack Pine Lodge visitor, making it suitable for families who want connectivity while camping.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites with full services are limited. "Not a whole lot of full hook up sites available. Several out in the open right at the highway... back in the woods there is electric only," notes a camper at Munising Pictured Rocks KOA. For Fayette Historic State Park, an RVer reported, "Nice campground with electric hook up no water at site. Nice spacious shaded sites with pull throughs available."
Size limitations: Many campgrounds have restrictions on RV length. At South Gemini Lake, a visitor observed "I think tent camping would be ideal here, but we did see one small trailer." For more sizable rigs, Jack Pine Lodge might be more appropriate as it's described as having "clean and warm cabins, modern and rustic campsites."
Indian Lake State Park South Campground provides year-round access to camping near Manistique, Michigan. The area features several inland lakes within the Hiawatha National Forest, which covers over 880,000 acres across the Upper Peninsula. Winter temperatures often drop below 10°F, while summer averages around 75°F, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences. Terrain varies from sandy lakeshores to dense pine forests with moderate elevation changes.
