Lake Michigan Recreation Area in Manistee, MI
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| W. Forest Trail Road/Green Rd Manistee, MI 44.1054, -86.400948 Elevation: 658′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Unofficial) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Lake Michigan Recreation Area in Manistee: The road in is Dirt and 1 miles from a paved road. Lake Michigan Recreation Area is open All year, weather permitting. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 30′. You may stay 14 Days per site at Lake MI Recreation Area.
Free camping along Green Road north and south of W. Forest Trail Road which is located about a mile east of Lake MI. Lots of trees here so large class A RV’s may not be able to travel too far on Green Road, but there is also a State Forest Campground located here with water/bathrooms for $8/day. Beautiful beach and forest with walking trails and a spectacular lookout near the beach.
This is Federal Forest Land so it does have a Ranger. May not be the best place to camp during deer season as it does get a lot of hunters in mid-November, but a beautiful location the rest of the year. May be inaccessible in winter as the roads are not plowed.
The gas station at the corner of US31 and W. Forest Trail Road has showers and water. Manistee just to the north or Ludington to the south has everything else you would need. If you are in the area, make sure you drive to Ludington State Park along Lake Michigan!
About This Location
The Lake Michigan Recreation Area in Manistee, MI, gives outdoor lovers a fantastic spot along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. You’ll find a big campground with four loops right on the lakefront, so it’s easy to get to the beaches and hiking trails. Whether you’re camping or just stopping by for the day, there’s plenty here if you want to soak up nature or jump into water activities.
Nearby, we can wander through places like Magoon Creek Natural Area, which has some really cool dunes and forests. The area even runs educational programs—honestly, it’s a good way to learn about local wildlife and the erosion that’s always shaping Lake Michigan’s edge. You can roll in with your RV or trailer, no problem; they’ve made it pretty convenient for all sorts of visitors.
You could spend your time here just walking quietly, fishing, or swimming either in the lake or over at Magoon Creek Park. It’s a nice mix if you’re looking for different ways to get outside in Michigan. The Lake Michigan Recreation Area in Manistee stays well-managed, too—permits are required if you’re staying overnight, which helps keep things safe and tidy for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Four campground loops with lakefront access
- Natural areas and educational programs nearby
- Vehicle access, including for RVs and trailers
Lake MI Recreation Area in Manistee, MI
You’ll find the Lake Michigan Recreation Area in Manistee on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, not far from Manistee in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. It sits inside the Huron-Manistee National Forests, a huge protected area with loads of outdoor opportunities. The recreation area has freshwater beaches and sits close to wild spots like Porter Creek and the Manistee River.
The campground splits into four loops, so there are plenty of camping spots right along the lake. It’s actually one of the biggest federally-run campgrounds around here. You can swim, fish, or hike—all with those classic Great Lakes views.
If you want something a bit more rugged, the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is nearby, with trails and sandy dunes to explore. There’s also a small store on-site for basic supplies if you forget anything.
Honestly, if you love nature and want easy access to Lake Michigan’s quieter waters but still want forests nearby, this is a solid pick. The fresh water and scenery draw families and outdoor fans here all the time.
Things To Do
There’s a lot to keep you busy at Lake Michigan Recreation Area in Manistee. Several hiking trails wind through the forest, letting you really get into the trees and away from the crowds. If you’re into biking, there are paths for that too—nothing too wild, just a nice ride.
The picnic area has plenty of tables and a few pavilions, so you can chill in the shade or have lunch. There’s a playground close by, which is handy if you’ve got kids along.
If water’s more your thing, the sandy beach gives you easy access for swimming. It’s a good spot to just relax or get in the water. Fishing is popular, too, with lots of shoreline to try your luck.
You’ll find single-family campsites as well as group sites if you’re staying overnight. It’s usually pretty quiet, nature all around, and camping under the stars here just feels right.
Some folks use the nearby ORV trails, mostly for off-road vehicles, but the forest is open enough for other outdoor stuff, too.
| Activity | Available Features |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Multiple trails in forest |
| Picnicking | Picnic tables, shaded pavilions |
| Swimming | Sandy beach, water access |
| Fishing | Shoreline access for fishing |
| Biking | Designated bike paths |
| Camping | Single-family and group sites |
You could easily spend a whole day out here at Lake Michigan Recreation Area in Manistee just bouncing between the woods and the lake.
Directions
If you’re heading to Lake Michigan Recreation Area in Manistee, start from the city center and head south on US-31 for about 10 miles. That’ll get you closer to the lake and forest.
After those 10 miles, turn right onto W. Forest Trail Rd. and keep going west for another 8 miles. At some point, W. Forest Trail Rd. turns into Forest Road 5629—don’t worry, just keep following the signs.
Plug in 1005 Forest Ave, Manistee, MI 49660 to your GPS or phone map. That’s the address, and it’ll get you there without much hassle.
There’s parking near the Lake Michigan Recreation Area in Manistee and trail entrance. The area stays open year-round, so you can plan a trip whenever you want.
If you’re new here, the Arrowhead Trail from the campground leads you straight to the sandy shore of Lake Michigan. It’s an easy, popular trail—hard to get lost.
Vehicle Access
You can drive right up to the Lake Michigan Recreation Area in Manistee using US-31. If you’re coming from up north, take M-55 to Manistee, then head about 10 miles south. After that, turn right on Forest Trail 5629 and follow it for 8 miles.
The site has parking for about 60 vehicles. Each campsite allows one vehicle per site. If you bring more than one car, you’ll have to pay a daily fee for the extras, so keep that in mind.
Parking is set up near the main campground loops by the lake, so it’s pretty easy to get to the trails, picnic areas, and beach.
Cell service isn’t great out here—don’t count on your phone for directions or emergencies. It’s smarter to download maps before you leave home.
If you need help, the Cadillac/Manistee Ranger Station is open 24/7, and you can always call Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777 for reservations or questions about vehicles.
Just a bit of pre-planning makes getting in and parking a lot smoother at Lake Michigan Recreation Area in Manistee.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
Campsites at Lake Michigan Recreation Area in Manistee work for both tents and RVs. Most sites have enough space and are pretty level, so setting up your trailer shouldn’t be a headache.
There are several loops—Oak Loop and Orchid Loop come to mind—and each has its own vibe. Most sites don’t have electricity, so if you need power, you’ll want to bring a generator.
Bathrooms include both flush toilets and vault toilets. Showers are there, but sometimes limited. There’s a dump station for RV guests to empty tanks, which is a nice touch.
Group campsites can hold up to 50 people, with extra space and fire pits for cooking or just hanging out by the fire. There are also some more private spots scattered around the campground if you want a quieter stay.
Every campsite at Lake Michigan Recreation Area in Manistee comes with a fire pit and picnic table. You’ll need to reserve your site ahead of time and display your tag while you’re there. Day-use visitors pay a fee per vehicle.
Generators are allowed, but you can only use them outside of quiet hours—common courtesy, really. The grounds stay well-kept, and the rules help keep things pleasant for everyone.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At Lake Michigan Recreation Area in Manistee, you’ll find both paid campsites and some spots for dispersed camping. Most of the campsites charge a fee and need to be reserved in advance—especially if you’re eyeing a group site.
Single campsites go for $40 per night. If you’re coming with a crew, small group sites (up to 25 people) cost $100 a night, while larger groups (26 to 50 people) pay $115.
You get a picnic table and a pedestal grill at each campsite, which makes things a bit easier. Group campsites handle up to 50 people, so they’re handy for reunions or big get-togethers.
Some areas in the forest allow dispersed camping, but you won’t get the same amenities as the paid sites. It’s a good idea to double-check the rules and permit situation for those spots before you set up camp.
If you’re using the boat launches, expect to pay $7 per vehicle for a daily parking pass. First Street launch charges $10 per day or $50 for a season pass if you’re boating.
You’ll need to book your reservation online or by phone ahead of time. Honestly, that’s the best way to make sure you snag a spot and don’t roll up to a full campground—especially when it’s busy.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Drinking Water Near Water Pay Phone Restrooms |
RV Camping Tent Camping Fishing Hiking Horse Trails Hunting Swimming Wildlife Viewing |
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