Onekama camping options extend beyond the immediate lakeshore, with diverse terrain across both Manistee National Forest and the Lake Michigan watershed. Sites range from sea level along the shoreline to elevations of approximately 800 feet in the forested highlands. Most campsites near Onekama, Michigan experience a humid continental climate with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F during peak camping season, though evening temperatures often drop into the 50s even in July and August.
What to do
Kayaking the Platte River: From Platte River Campground, access excellent paddling opportunities. "We camp on full moon nights and hit the river for night kayaking," explains Nikki M., who visits regularly from Traverse City. The campground offers "great hiking trails and lake MI access," with Anne G. noting that the "sites in the three loops are nicely placed so that you have foliage and space between sites."
Lake Michigan beach access: Lake Michigan Recreation Area provides beautiful shoreline exploring with a short walk from campsites. "We loved this campground. Very short walk to the beach and very nice bathrooms. Also very close to Nordhouse Dunes," shares Rachael S., who appreciates how it feels like "you're in the wilderness" while still being close to towns when needed.
Horseback riding trails: For equestrians, Manistee National Forest Marzinski Horse Trail Campground offers specialized facilities. "This established and well maintained campground is free, and you can stay up to two weeks," notes reviewer evi L., adding that "the campsites are all flat and quite large, being that they are meant to accommodate people with a horse trailer, and there are numerous hitching posts throughout."
Fishing opportunities: Matson's Big Manistee River Campground provides direct river access for anglers. Shawn M. mentions they have "a boat launch with rentals for boats, kayaks, and even a little fishing charter type deal if you'd like. Manistee river is very nice to kayak and go fishing."
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: At Lake Michigan Recreation Area, the campsites offer generous room between neighbors. Lisa B., who has visited annually for 15+ years, notes "the sites are huge, the quiet is amazing and the location is second to none!" Kathie M. agrees, mentioning "campsites were large and well spaced with lots of trees and privacy."
Clean facilities: Kampvilla Park earns consistent praise for maintenance standards. Matthew E. notes the "facilities were extremely well maintained" while Karen B. says there are "extremely clean bathrooms n showers." Amy Y. adds that "the indoor pavilion area is great for rainy days. There are board games and puzzles to do."
Proximity to Lake Michigan: Green Road dispersed camping near Nordhouse Dunes offers rustic sites close to the shoreline. "We love it here!" says Deanna A., explaining it's "a 5 min hike to dunes/beach" with "stunning and mesmerizing" forest surroundings. Courtney K. adds, "All up and down Green Rd. there's a ton of quiet pull offs, some with fire pits some without."
Family-friendly amenities: Northern Exposure Campground includes activities for children. "Great place for a group of families to come camp together," says Anne G. Danielle S. reports "Kid's EVERYWHERE! 🥰 It's absolutely perfect for the entire camping spectrum. Nice clean bathrooms, a nice little store and restaurant right there."
What you should know
Beach access limitations: Several campgrounds face shoreline erosion challenges. At Orchard Beach State Park Campground, Joie V. notes "Due to high waters the past few years there is no beach." Steve R. explains the park "is situated on a cliff, overlooking Lake Michigan, but the stairway down to the water level is closed and it appears to have been closed for some time."
Crowding issues: Popularity impacts some locations, particularly during peak times. At Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, Kate K. observes it "has unfortunately gotten a little overpopulated. The over night area used to be a quiet and peaceful place to unplug and unwind, but now it feels more like a party beach." Bradley B. recommends avoiding weekends, noting "by the time we left there was about a mile of cars parked after us."
Diverse site layouts: Campground configurations vary widely. At Betsie River Campsite, Deb M. mentions "sites are pretty close together, and with many people having a boat, and/or extra canopies, etc., it seemed so very crowded." However, it offers compensation through location: "right on a bike path and close to the super cute town of Frankfort."
Wildlife considerations: Campers should prepare for natural encounters. Joyce B. warns that at Platte River Campground, she "was told a black bear visits the campgrounds at least once a week, but is not much a nuisance as long as campers store their food in the car."
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer excellent cycling access. Debra O. notes Betsie River Campsite has "a nice bike path runs right in front of the campground" and is "very family-friendly." Chris W. adds it's "less than a 3 mile walk/bike ride to downtown Frankfort and the lakeshore, which has a ton of things to do."
Playground facilities: Northern Exposure Campground provides dedicated play areas. Anne G. mentions it has a "nicely equipped playground and evening activities at the Camp Store/Office on special weekends," while Beth G. appreciates that "our lot was huge" and the staff "was all very nice."
Swimming access for children: When selecting sites, consider water entry points. Andrea B. says Platte River Campground is "wonderful. Most sites are very large, shaded, private and have level areas for tents or campers. There is a (long) walking trail to the beach, and many areas to hike, fish or tube down a river nearby."
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds organize special events. K describes Northern Exposure as the "best place for a family vacation!!" while Macy M. says "My kids had a blast, paved roads, beaches, camp store."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At Platte River Campground, Kevin M. advises paying attention to site layout, noting "The site itself was moderately large. I could have fit 2 4 person tents comfortably or 3 smaller tents. Maybe more if you don't use the fire ring." He adds the sites are "fairly isolated from neighboring sites, I could hear other people but not see them for the most part."
Hookup availability: Kampvilla Park offers full-service options for RVers. K H. shares, "Owners went above and beyond to assist with our set up... Their assistance consisted of offering us an extra hose extension, another part for the sewer connection, and assisted with making sure Everything was working correctly before they left."
Seasonal limitations: Be aware of weather impacts on site conditions. Bobbi Jo K. found Green Road dispersed camping "beautiful, especially in the fall" but cautions "Roads are great until you get to the road to camp. There are very large holes and dips, thankfully we found a spot right away before we got in far."
Accessibility factors: Consider vehicle requirements for dispersed camping. For Green Road sites, Andrew G. notes "There are a LOT of ORVers so be prepared for people zooming up and down the road with super loud engines" and explains that while "there are plenty of really rustic pull-offs" some "are harder to find or even get a vehicle to without 4WD, but most of it is easily accessible in a 2WD vehicle."
