Several rustic and modern campgrounds dot the area around Manistique, Michigan, where the limestone-rich terrain creates unique freshwater springs and offers abundant fishing opportunities. The region's climate features warm summer days with average highs of 75-80°F but can bring cool evenings even in July. State forest campgrounds typically offer more seclusion while established campgrounds provide amenities for longer stays.
What to do
Visit Kitch-iti-kipi Springs: Just minutes from Indian Lake State Park South Campground, this natural attraction features crystal-clear water. "This is a beautiful Campground with sites a few feet or a few yards from Lake Michigan... lots to do in the area. Make sure you go to Jack's Market for pasties and pot pies," recommends Dennis A.
Explore remote shorelines: The secluded beaches at Portage Bay State Forest Campground offer excellent paddling opportunities. "Every site has a short trail to the sandy shoreline of Lake Michigan. The cove is several miles across and shallow. In late June the water was swim-ably warm," notes John G.
Fishing excursions: Local waterways provide excellent fishing opportunities, particularly near Merwin Creek State Forest Campground. "This is a beautiful little campground with most sites being right on the river. There is a small boat launch," according to Michael M.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The maintained bathrooms at Manistique Lakeshore Campground receive consistent praise. "This probably was one of the cleanest campgrounds we ever went to. They have everything from full hookups to rustic tent sites. Each site has a huge permanent firepit," reports Lora H.
Spacious campsites: Campers appreciate room to spread out at Camp Seven Lake Campground. "We spent 7 days with friends. 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," shares Devora D.
Privacy between sites: Many campsites offer good separation from neighbors. "Campground is older and I understand it was purchased a year ago. Some of the spaces are a little tight but managable... Every site is close to the lake," notes Kevin J. about Indian Lake RV Resort.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. "If you are someone who needs a break from social media, I highly recommend [Portage Bay State Forest Campground]. Pros: Quiet, near the shoreline, clean campsites, nice campers. Con: there is zero cell service or plugs," advises Matt.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate seasonally. "Book early because sites go fast in the summer," warns Christian F. about Manistique Lakeshore Campground, which is open May through October.
Access challenges: Some remote sites require navigation on unpaved roads. "7 miles down a road that quickly shrinks to a one lane dirt and gravel road you will find a beautiful campground stretching out along the lakeshore. It's where the road ends so just keep going until you find it," explains Art S. about accessing Portage Bay.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Indian Lake RV Resort and Campground offers convenient lake access. "Really nice employees. Cleanest campsite bathroom I've been in. Our site looked right over Indian Lake," says Kelly C.
Activities for kids: Some campgrounds provide recreational facilities beyond swimming. "We had complimentary bikes you could use, fire wood and ice for sale, very very clean bathrooms, and the campground is smaller but with large sites," Alyssa C. notes about Manistique Lakeshore.
Insect protection: Come prepared for seasonal insects. "I wish we found it sooner so that we could have reserved a lake front site... They have pull through and back in sites. Very affordable pricing for the amenities," reports Marc W., who visited Manistique Lakeshore during high water levels.
Tips from RVers
Electrical options: Different campgrounds offer various hookup capabilities. At Jack Pine Lodge and Campground, "most sites have water/sewage and 30 or 50amp service," according to Erika P., who adds that the campground "has a shower building, 2 washers and 2 dryers, restaurant, store, ice, dump station and 91 octane fuel on site."
Site dimensions: RV sites vary in size across the region. "You can fit just about any size rig as the sites are huge. I wish we found it sooner so that we could have reserved a lake front site over looking the lighthouse," shares Marc W. about Manistique Lakeshore.
Pet-friendly accommodations: RVers with pets find numerous options for pet-friendly camping near Manistique, Michigan. Kewadin Casino offers simple overnight accommodations: "20 amp hookups on the grass, 30 on the pavement. $20 and $25. Park and pay at the gift shop," explains Clay H.
