Established Camping
Sand Lake Campground — Manistee National Forest
Sand Lake Campground, near Manistee, Michigan, is a solid choice for those looking to unwind in a rustic setting. This campground features a clean beach and spacious campsites, making it a great spot for families and groups to enjoy some quality time together.
Visitors often rave about the well-kept facilities, including a modern bathhouse with showers. One camper noted, “The bathrooms and showers are usually cleaned daily, so despite dirty camping conditions, they remain pretty nice.” The quiet, wooded environment offers a peaceful retreat, with many sites providing a good amount of privacy thanks to the trees.
If you’re up for some adventure, you’re just a short drive from Lake Michigan, perfect for a day at the beach. Plus, the nearby town of Dublin has a general store known for its housemade jerky, which is a nice treat after a day of exploring. Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking your RV, Sand Lake Campground has the essentials for a memorable camping experience.
Description
National Forest
Huron-Manistee National Forests
Overview
Sand Lake Campground is situated on the scenic shores of Sand Lake and provides a selection of sites shaded by a mixed hardwood forest. Just beyond the trees is a well-loved, sandy swimming beach. The campground is located 15 minutes from the Pine National Scenic River and several other lakes. The popular campground sits within the Huron-Manistee National Forests, far enough from town to let its natural splendor shine, but close enough for convenient access to gas and groceries.
Recreation
Power boating, sailing, canoeing, hiking and swimming are some of the most common activities on the lake. Anglers delight in the waters well-stocked with bluegill, perch and smallmouth bass. A picnic area and boat ramp are available for use.
Facilities
The campground provides conveniences like coin showers, flush toilets and drinking water faucets. Visitors often rave about the nice, private bathrooms with vanities.
Natural Features
Sand Lake boasts about 50 acres of mostly shallow waters. The campground is nicely wooded; some sites are heavy shaded while others are much more open. Summertime temperatures are generally around 80 degrees. The Huron-Manistee National Forests encompass nearly a million acres of public protected land, including nearly 6,000 acres of wetlands that extend over the northern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
Location
Sand Lake Campground — Manistee National Forest is located in Michigan
Directions
From Wellston, MI, take Seaman Road 3.9 miles south through Dublin. Just beyond the grocery store, turn right and stay on Seaman Road. Go 0.5 miles to Sand Lake Road (Forest Road 5728) and the campground sign. Turn right onto Sand Lake Road and go 0.6 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
44.1680556 N
85.9294444 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 4 min from Traverse City
- 1 hr 29 min from Muskegon
- 1 hr 36 min from Grand Rapids
- 1 hr 44 min from Midland
