Indian Lake State Park West Campground — Indian Lake State Park

We first checked out the ‘South CG’ and although it was on the lake, it was waaay too crowded for us. So we moved on to the west shore CG and it was def more our style. Quiet and rustic. From our site #9 we could hear some road traffic but we had a whole loop to ourselves. Pit toilets were very clean. No electricity. Campground not on the lake but the picnic area is. And if you want a shower you can take one at the south campground for $5.

We drove up to Manistique on a Friday night; I was originally worried that we wouldn't be able to find a first-come-first-served site on a Friday, so I was mentally prepared to find another place to stay.   We arrived at 5:30 (if you're from WI, don't forget about the time zone difference!) and there were only three other campers in the three western loops.  I felt so relieved!

We stayed at site 72, which was nice and flat and a quick walk to the water and bathrooms.  Our site was so peaceful and we slept well.  I still can't get over how few people were there on a Friday in summer!

There are no flush toilets or showers at this campground, but if you needed a shower, you could go to the main park on the south shore.

We bought our firewood from a house south of the campground entrance on H455.  It was an amazing price ($5) per square of firewood, and they offered kindling bundles for a dollar.

The west campground is close to Kitch-Iti-Kipi.  After having dinner at Clyde's in Manistique (great burgers!) we visited the Big Spring.  It was almost dusk and the park was still relatively busy.  I'm glad we went at that time of day; I can imagine how crowded it must get during mid-day.  The spring was awesome, and riding the raft out and back was fun.

I would highly recommend the West campsite.  It was so peaceful.  Close to Kitch-Iti-Kipi, a short drive into Manistique, and just a little over an hour drive to Pictured Rocks.

Attracted interesting families... Nice bathrooms. Big sites.