Hemlock Campground And Boat Launch

4.12

28 reviews

1170 Nursery Road Wellston, MI 49689

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,420 ft

Price

$16 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Cadillac/Manistee Ranger Station and District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,420 ft

Price

$16 - $30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Cadillac/Manistee Ranger Station and District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Hemlock Campground And Boat Launch

$16.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single campsite fee is $30 per night. Day-use fee is $10 per vehicle. Payments are accepted in cash or check. Users have reported a cheaper rate of...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

(231) 848-7090

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What Campers Say

4.12

Satisfactory

Based on 28 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlakewell-maintainedsites

"User reviews for Hemlock Campground highlight its secluded and rustic nature, with positive feedback on the serene environment, well-spaced campsites, and clean facilities. Some negative feedback includes the abundance of mosquitoes during summer, lack of potable water, and a reportedly rude campground manager."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1170 Nursery Road Wellston, MI 49689

Hemlock Campground And Boat Launch

1170 Nursery Road Wellston, MI 49689

Driving directionsFrom Cadillac, MI, take State Rt. 55 east 1.1 miles to Pole Rd. Turn right onto Pole Rd. and go 1.3 miles to campground. NOTE: Pole Rd. sign also displayed as Mitchell Dr.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, specifically State Rt. 55 and Pole Rd/Mitchell Dr. The parking aprons are paved, ensuring smooth access for vehicles.

Nearby places

Cadillac: Approximately 2.4 miles or 10 minutes.

Nearby supplies

The campground is about 10 minutes from downtown Cadillac, where groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available.

Best Time to Camp at Hemlock Campground And Boat Launch

Experience the best of Michigan's seasons at Hemlock, where warm, dry summers invite endless days of outdoor adventure and crisp autumn mornings wrap the campground in a palette of gold and crimson. Summer visitors should come prepared with insect repellent, as the lush wetlands that make this area so biodiverse also attract mosquitos during the warmer months. The changing seasons bring their own unique charm, from spring's awakening wildflowers to autumn's spectacular foliage display.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer praised for lush scenery and wildlife; mosquitoes increase in hotter months.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

2.5 / 5

Fall visits were reported as negatively affected in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open from May 8 (late spring); wildlife viewing begins but season is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 8–Sept 14; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season spans May 8 through September 14.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 8 through September 14.

About Hemlock Campground And Boat Launch

Nestled on the western shores of Lake Mitchell near Cadillac, Hemlock Campground and Boat Launch offers an enchanting escape into Michigan's natural wetlands. This thoughtfully designed campground features a single loop of paved sites, where early arrivals can claim convenient pull-through spots near the entrance or coveted lakefront sites that put you just steps from the water's edge. In early summer, the surrounding marshlands burst into color as wild iris paint the landscape in vibrant purples, creating a photographer's paradise and a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Hemlock Campground offers a rustic camping experience with 18 combined sites suitable for both tents and RVs with no utility hookups. The campground features paved parking aprons and accommodates a range of camping styles, from primitive tent setups to larger RVs.

Historical SignificanceYour stay at Hemlock Campground places you within the storied boundaries of the Manistee National Forest, a treasured landscape that has captivated visitors for generations. This scenic wonderland represents Michigan's rich forestry heritage and ongoing commitment to preserving natural spaces for public enjoyment and wildlife habitat.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Michigan's seasons at Hemlock, where warm, dry summers invite endless days of outdoor adventure and crisp autumn mornings wrap the campground in a palette of gold and crimson. Summer visitors should come prepared with insect repellent, as the lush wetlands that make this area so biodiverse also attract mosquitos during the warmer months. The changing seasons bring their own unique charm, from spring's awakening wildflowers to autumn's spectacular foliage display.

ElevationPerched at 1,420 feet above sea level, Hemlock Campground offers a refreshing retreat where mature forest canopy meets wetland ecosystem. The elevation provides comfortable temperatures even during summer's peak, while towering trees create natural shade corridors perfect for stringing up hammocks and enjoying lazy afternoon naps accompanied by the gentle sounds of nature.

Natural Features and SceneryHemlock Campground immerses you in a rare marshland ecosystem where nature puts on a daily show. The surrounding wetlands serve as a thriving wildlife corridor, offering exceptional opportunities to spot herons, waterfowl, and other marsh inhabitants in their natural habitat. Come early summer to witness the spectacular bloom of wild iris transforming the landscape into a living impressionist painting. Mature hardwoods and evergreens frame each campsite, providing both privacy and those perfect branches for hammock camping under a canopy of green.

Geological RegionSituated in the scenic Caberfae region along Lake Mitchell's western shoreline, Hemlock Campground occupies a unique ecological niche where forest meets wetland. This marshy landscape, dotted with residential properties along the lake's edge, creates a fascinating study in contrasts between developed and wild spaces. The area's geological history has crafted an environment perfectly suited for diverse wildlife, from the smallest marsh flowers to the great blue herons that fish these productive waters. Early summer transforms these wetlands into nature's garden when wild iris blooms carpet the marshes in stunning displays of color.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at any time as the campground operates on a first-come-first-served basis.

Check-out

Check-out time unspecified.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 individuals per site.

Groups

Group sites are not available at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features a single loop layout with 18 combined tent and RV sites. Four pull-through sites are near the entrance.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 18 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyNo detailed information on cancellation policies provided.

AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair-accessible. No other specific accessibility features are described.

Site SizeThe campground consists of 18 combined sites with paved parking aprons.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as secluded and far enough apart to provide privacy. Mature trees at the sites add to the sense of seclusion.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesSites further from the entrance are quieter, more private, and offer better views of Lake Mitchell.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Hemlock Campground provides limited recreational opportunities centered around Lake Mitchell. Popular activities include fishing, motorized and non-motorized boating, and bird and wildlife viewing. Hiking trails are not available.

FishingFishing is permitted in Lake Mitchell, with opportunities to catch northern pike, bluegills, walleye, bass, and sunfish. The lake is marshy, which may impact fishing conditions in some areas.

BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating are supported on Lake Mitchell. The campground features a boat ramp for easy water access.

Wildlife viewingThe west end of Lake Mitchell is marshy and excellent for wildlife viewing. Campers have reported hearing owls at night and observing other local fauna.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe campground is located in a swampy area; mosquitos can be heavy during summer months. Users have reported ticks in some seasons.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire pits, which include attached grills.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours unspecified.

Emergency ServicesCadillac/Manistee Ranger Station is nearby for emergencies. Address: 1170 Nursery Road Wellston, MI 49689. Phone: (231) 848-7090. Operational hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the provided information.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located on Lake Mitchell and includes a boat launch. The marshy west end is unsuitable for swimming.

Camp HostCampground managers are on-site and maintain cleanliness. However, reviews of the host's interaction vary; some praise their friendliness, while others cite rudeness.

Weather at Hemlock Campground And Boat Launch

Reviews

4.1

28 reviews

Satisfactory

Hemlock Campground And Boat Launch is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Hemlock Campground highlight its secluded and rustic nature, with positive feedback on the serene environment, well-spaced campsites, and clean facilities. Some negative feedback includes the abundance of mosquitoes during summer, lack of potable water, and a reportedly rude campground manager.

Review Summaries

Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciated the secluded campsites surrounded by mature trees, the clean and well-maintained facilities, and the rustic camping atmosphere. The availability of fire pits with grills was...

Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints included the absence of potable water, mosquitoes during summer months, and occasional issues with campground management. The lack of playgrounds and hiking trails was also noted by...

Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing mosquito repellent, especially for visits during summer. Campers are advised to prepare for a lack of potable water and to bring sufficient drinking water. Summer was...

Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer was universally praised for its lush scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. However, visitors noted an increase in mosquito activity during hotter months. Fall visits were negatively...

Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Loved it! Secluded campsites, far enough apart, but all close to the amenities. The atmosphere is real, down-to-earth camping.' - Shannon Davis 2. 'Campsites are well spaced, outhouses are clean,...

Based on 28 reviews