Shelley Lake Campground in Brohman, MI – Essential Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts

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Shelley Lake Campground in Brohman, MI
Essential Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Previous Reviews:

Shelley Lake Campground: The road in is Gravel and .5 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. Shelley Lake is a 15-acre lake, surrounded by National Forest land, the family-style campground is the only access to the lake. A foot-bridge over the creek leads to one of the sites. This campground is very popular during fishing season. Sites are surrounded by an oak and maple forest. The lake is only 15-feet at its deepest point.

About This Location

Shelley Lake Campground in Brohman, MI, gives you a quiet, natural spot if you’re itching to get outside. This small campground sits right on Shelley Lake—a mellow 15-acre lake tucked away in national forest land. It’s the kind of place that feels hidden, with dense woods and a calm vibe that’s just right for unwinding.

There aren’t many sites here—just a handful, including some walk-ins near the best swimming. The campground opens up from May through September, which matches the local weather: warm summers, gentler spring and fall. If you’re after a quieter nature trip, this place is worth a look.

You can drive in easily enough, and the basics are covered for tents or small trailers. It’s simple, but you get swimming, fishing, and boating (there’s a boat launch). For anyone exploring the Huron-Manistee National Forests, it’s a peaceful, practical base.

Key Takeways

• Quiet lakeside camping in the woods
• Open May to September—summer’s the sweet spot
• Basic amenities for tents and small trailers

Shelley Lake Campground in Brohman, MI

You’ll find Shelley Lake Campground near Brohman, Michigan, in Newaygo County—right inside the Huron-Manistee National Forests, next to a small 15-acre lake.

There are 8 sites, mostly for tents. Some are right by the water, which is always a win. A footbridge crosses a creek to the lake, adding a bit of charm.

Other campgrounds aren’t far—Pickerel Lakeside, White River Roughing Area, Croton Township, Sandy Beach at Croton Township Park, and White Cloud City Campground are all within reach.

Boating’s easy with the launch here, and the Brohman/White Cloud area has a peaceful, forested feel. Great for hiking or just kicking back.

If you want a little local culture, La Belle de la Riviere is nearby and adds some history to the trip.

Shelley Lake Campground keeps things simple and rustic for anyone who wants to soak up some nature near Brohman.

Things To Do

There’s no shortage of outdoor stuff to do at Shelley Lake Campground. Fishing’s a big draw here—people love casting a line in the lake or the nearby rivers.

You can bring your own boat, kayak, or paddleboard, or find rentals not far away. Swimming’s an option too, especially when the weather’s good.

Hiking trails snake through the nearby oak and maple woods. If you want to stretch your legs further, Newaygo State Park and even the trails by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore aren’t out of reach.

Bikers and horseback riders can hit up Big Bend Park or Oxbow Park for some solid trails. And if you’re here in winter, the Hungerford Cross Country Ski Trail is a favorite for skiers.

Other lakes—Indian Lake, Pettibone Lake County Park, and Diamond Lake County Park—give you more spots for canoeing or fishing.

Golfers aren’t left out either. Marquette Trails Golf Course and Intimidator Golf Course are close enough if you want to squeeze in a round between campfires.

Directions

If you’re coming from White Cloud, just head north on M-37 for about 10 miles.

Turn right onto Forest Road 5450 (FR 5450) and keep going east for half a mile.

After that, take the primitive road that leads right to the campground. It can get rough, so take it slow.

Plug “Shelley Lake Campground, Brohman, MI” into your GPS—it usually does the trick, but don’t be surprised if the last stretch is unpaved.

Here’s the quick version:

Check road conditions before you go, especially after storms. You don’t want to get stuck before you even unpack.

Vehicle Access

Getting in with a vehicle is doable, but the roads are tight. Smaller cars or trailers work best—big RVs just aren’t a good fit, and you’ll probably regret trying.

Parking’s limited—maybe three vehicles at a time—so pack light and carpool if you can.

There’s a boat launch, but for fuel or rentals you’ll need Hardy Dam Marina, which is nearby and better set up for bigger boats.

Shelley Lake doesn’t have water hookups or space for big rigs. It’s rustic, so plan accordingly and double-check your vehicle size before you head out.

RV And Camping Trailer Information

You can bring RVs and trailers to Shelley Lake Campground, but it’s got its limits. The standard RV sites fit travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-ups, and Class C motorhomes. Class A rigs? Sorry, the roads and sites are just too tight.

The roads here get pretty narrow, so if you’re hauling something big, think twice. Tent campers can use the RV sites too, so there’s some flexibility.

No cabins for rent, but you’ll find basic restrooms. Bring your own water and supplies, since hookups are scarce.

If you’re towing, check your site and vehicle length before you book—nobody wants a bad surprise at the end of a long drive.

There’s a boat launch close by, so hitting the water is easy. Whether you’re in a small trailer or a midsize RV, it’s a quiet, family-friendly spot. Just rustic enough to feel like camping should.

Paid Or Permit Sites

At Shelley Lake Campground, you’ll find that most camping sites come with a fee. That money goes right back into keeping the place running and making sure campers have what they need.

If your group’s got 74 people or fewer, you don’t have to bother with a special use permit. Once you hit 75 or more, or if you’re planning something commercial or a big event, you’ll need to get a permit sorted out.

There’s a pretty good mix of site types here. Some spots have electrical hookups—20, 30, or even 50 amp service—so you can pick whatever works for your setup.

Camping fees kick off at about $10, which honestly isn’t bad for families or small groups. Paying for a site locks in your spot and gets you access to the basics.

Here’s a quick look at how the fees and permits shake out:

Helpful Boondocking Information Links:

Over 10,000 Free Boondocking Locations
Boondocking Recipes for 1000’s Of Camping Meals
Bureau of Land Management
Government Recreation Area
National Park Service
Leave No Trace

State Specific Information Links

Michigan Park Service
Michigan Fish and Game
Department of Natural Resources