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.

## 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.

Nichols Lake South Campground

Bitely, MI is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Bitely. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Bitely and user-submitted reviews.

Bitely

The Best Camping Near Bitely, Michigan

This is a rustic national forest campground with some very pretty sites, a good beach for swimming, and a small boat launch and pier for fishing. Definitely would visit again!

Small quite campground, good swimming and fun fishing.

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.

Family friendly camping on a lake

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. 

An upgrade for a rustic 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



Great national forest campground 

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


Great peaceful spot. 

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 . 

Photos of Nichols Lake South Campground

Real photos from real campers