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Activities
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Official

Established Camping

Nichols Lake South Campground

Nichols Lake South Campground, near Manistee, Michigan, is a fantastic spot for families and nature lovers alike. With spacious sites that feel like they stretch on forever, you’ll have plenty of room to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.

This campground boasts a beautiful beach area with a shallow, weed-free swimming spot, perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day. Visitors have raved about the clean facilities, including flush toilets and showers, which are a nice touch for a rustic setting. One camper noted, “A shower and flush toilets at a rustic campground!”—a sentiment that many seem to appreciate.

For those who love to explore, there are hiking trails that lead right to the lake, offering opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The campground is also close to the North Country Trail, making it easy to enjoy some scenic walks. Families will find plenty to keep the kids entertained, with biking paths and even a basketball hoop nearby.

While the campground has a laid-back vibe, it’s well-managed, with a camp manager on-site to help out. Just remember to double-check your directions before heading in, as some navigation systems can lead you astray. Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape or a longer stay, Nichols Lake South Campground is a solid choice for a memorable outdoor experience.

Description

National Forest

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Overview

Located on the south side of Nichols Lake, the campground and surrounding area offer excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, picnicking, hiking, camping, or just relaxing.

Recreation

Fishing and boating are popular activities at Nichols Lake. There is a paved boat launch at the campground. This site is one of the locations on the National Forest's for Kids Fishing Day Events for Michigan's Free Fishing Day in early June. Ice fishing is also popular in the winter. Swimming areas are marked with buoys, but there are no lifeguards. The North Country National Scenic Trail goes through the site near the boat ramp, providing good hiking opportunities.

Facilities

Fishing and boating are popular activities at Nichols Lake. There is a paved boat launch at the campground. This site is one of the locations on the National Forest's for Kids Fishing Day Events for Michigan's Free Fishing Day in early June. Ice fishing is also popular in the winter. Swimming areas are marked with buoys, but there are no lifeguards. The North Country National Scenic Trail goes through the site near the boat ramp, providing good hiking opportunities.

Natural Features

At 160 acres, Nichols Lake offers shore, pier, and boat fishing. Typical fish species available include bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, and northern pike. There is a swimming beach and accessible fishing pier available. Those wishing to enjoy the day at Nichols Lake will find a day use area located on the north side of the lake.

Nearby Attractions

The North Country Trail covers 4,600 miles from Crown Point, NY, to Lake Sakakawea State Park, ND. The segment that includes Nichols Lake has beautiful sections for both the advanced and weekend hikers. The nearest towns are Woodland, Bitely, and Brohman, about two miles to the south.

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Location

Nichols Lake South Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Baldwin, take M-37 south for 13.5 miles to 11 Mile Road. Turn right. Go west approximately 4.5 miles to the campground entrance. From White Cloud, take M-37 north for 13 miles to 11 Mile Road. Turn west for 4.5 miles to the campground.

Address

P.O. Box 69
Manistee, MI 49660

Coordinates

43.7230556 N
85.9025 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Fair
  • AT&T
    Fair
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2023

Beautiful park

Such beautiful huge sites. 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. Women's bathroom was clean and well stocked. Many opportunities for nature walks, even adjoining the NCT. Boardwalks available to walk to the lake with great swimming, floating, kayaking and fishing opportunities .

Site23 and 24
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Nichols Lake South Campground by loujimi47 , July 18, 2023
  • Review photo of Nichols Lake South Campground by loujimi47 , July 18, 2023
  • Review photo of Nichols Lake South Campground by loujimi47 , July 18, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 19, 2021

Great peaceful spot.

Nice campground, Paved pads, showers and flush toilets

No hookups. Getaway. Some spots have openings good for solar

Half are frist come frist server. Others are reservations

Campground manger on site. , Sell ice and wood at campground

Picnic table and lantern postcard each site

No dump station nearest one 10 miles away

Site23
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Nichols Lake South Campground by Jeff F., May 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Nichols Lake South Campground by Jeff F., May 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Nichols Lake South Campground by Jeff F., May 19, 2021
Reviewed May. 18, 2021

Great national forest campground

May 17. Not many rigs 3-5 smaller campers. Some fishing. Lake us right here, it's own boat lunch

Water, flush toilets showers hit water

Site24
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2019

An upgrade for a rustic forest campground

Nice place for a rustic forest campground. Nice beach with a shallow weed free swimming area. The sites are large and semi-private, quite a bit of space between the sites. In addition, this rustic campground has showers and flush toilets! Nice upgrade. Just be careful with navigation, all the systems have this road that does not exist, very strange. Approach for the south off 11 mile road. If your nav system is directing you north override it, it will take you to a dead end. Both google and apple maps have the problem.

  • Review photo of Nichols Lake South Campground by Bret J., August 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Nichols Lake South Campground by Bret J., August 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Nichols Lake South Campground by Bret J., August 12, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2019

Family friendly camping on a lake

Be clear on your directions. We found ourselves down a dead end dirt road and had to drive back out around town. Once here we discovered a wonderful campground. 

Campsites are nicely laid out and we found a bunch of open sites even many were already taken. It was clear that families camp here - bikes and children abound. There is even a basketball hoop by the host’s campsite. There are a few hiking trails that lead to the beach or to some close by fishing spots. The host sells firewood but there is also an ice freezer with bags for sale (a bit pricy though). Vault toilets and water are available. 

There are other local lakes and campgrounds. ATV, as well as off-road, driving trails are plentiful. Take some time to explore the small towns. 

This is a campground that is nicer than some of the other campgrounds we found in the area but it doesn’t feel as rustic either.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Nichols Lake South Campground by Art S., August 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Nichols Lake South Campground by Art S., August 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Nichols Lake South Campground by Art S., August 3, 2019
  • (11) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Nichols Lake South Campground?

    Nichols Lake South Campground allows vehicles up to 65 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Nichols Lake South Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Nichols Lake South Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Nichols Lake South Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Nichols Lake South Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Nichols Lake South Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is fair, AT&T is fair, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Nichols Lake South Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Nichols Lake South Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Nichols Lake South Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Nichols Lake South Campground?

    There are 28 campsites at Nichols Lake South Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts