How much does camping cost at Pine Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Pine Lake Campground range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pine Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Pine Lake Campground has 28 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Pine Lake Campground?

Pine Lake Campground is open OPENS SATURDAY MAY 2. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Pine Lake Campground?

Pine Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Pine Lake Campground have?

Pine Lake Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Pine Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Pine Lake Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Pine Lake Campground?

Pine Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pine Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Pine Lake Campground include Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pine Lake Campground

Q: Is Pine Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pine Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are first-come, first-served as noted in authoritative content and user reviews. "This is a nice place to show up first thing in the morning to grab your site of choice." (User review, Nicholas J Carroll).

4.21

52 reviews

1170 Nursery Road Wellston, MI 49689

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

791 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

OPENS SATURDAY MAY 2

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

791 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

OPENS SATURDAY MAY 2

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Pine Lake Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fee per night for a single site is $30. Extra vehicles incur an additional $10 per night. Day-use fee is $10 per vehicle. Payment must be...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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USFS

Provider

231-848-7090

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1170 Nursery Road Wellston, MI 49689

Pine Lake Campground

1170 Nursery Road Wellston, MI 49689

Nearby places

Manistee (17 miles, approximately 25 minutes). Wellston (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Closest location for groceries and camping supplies is Dublin General Store, known for jerky and other essentials. Short drives to Tippy Dam and Wellston provide access to fuel and additional supplies.

Driving directionsFrom Wellston, MI, take State Rt. 55 west for 0.6 miles to Bosschem Rd. (County Rt. 669) and Pine Lake CG signs. Turn left onto Bosschem Rd. and go southeast 1.1 miles to Pine Lake Rd. Turn right onto Pine Lake Rd. and go 2.8 miles to campground.

The campground is accessible via paved roads. The parking aprons are grass, which may pose challenges during wet conditions. "Plan on doing most of your driving during the day as it gets DARK on the forest roads, which can get up to 70 mph." (User review, Nicholas J Carroll). Seasonal access noted: "Open May 8 through September 13."

Weather at Pine Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pine Lake Campground

Summer delivers the warmest weather and best lake access. Daytime highs run 70-85°F, nighttime lows in the mid-50s to low-60s. July and August weekends fill all twelve sites quickly. The lake is warm enough for swimming, and fishing picks up with the heat. Late May and early June bring clear skies and dry trails without peak crowds. Mosquitoes are a problem, especially near the wetlands. One reviewer called it a "mosquito infested swamp." Late November and December bring freezing temperatures and snow that close the campground entirely.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: warm water, busiest, positive summer reviews and full weekends.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: OPENS SATURDAY MAY 2

About Pine Lake Campground

Pine Lake Campground sits on the shores of the Manistee National Forest's largest lake, a 156-acre glacial body with clear water and a split personality. The western shore stays wild and swampy, protected habitat for bald eagles. The eastern shore has private cabins scattered among the trees. Twelve primitive sites spread across grass parking aprons, vault toilets only, $30 per night.

The campground is designed for rustic camping with a mix of sites suitable for tent and potentially small RV camping.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the warmest weather and best lake access. Daytime highs run 70-85°F, nighttime lows in the mid-50s to low-60s. July and August weekends fill all twelve sites quickly. The lake is warm enough for swimming, and fishing picks up with the heat. Late May and early June bring clear skies and dry trails without peak crowds. Mosquitoes are a problem, especially near the wetlands. One reviewer called it a "mosquito infested swamp." Late November and December bring freezing temperatures and snow that close the campground entirely.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Udell Hills roll through this section of the Huron-Manistee National Forests at 791 feet elevation. Pine Lake covers 156 acres, carved by glaciers. The western shore is federally protected wetland where bald eagles nest among cattails and fallen logs. The eastern shore has private cabins visible through the pines and hardwoods. The water is clear enough for swimming and fishing, though one reviewer complained about murky hand-pump well water. Dense forest provides shade but limits lake views from most sites. Deer show up at dawn. The varied topography creates microclimates across the campground's small footprint.

Geological RegionPerched within the rolling terrain of the Udell Hills, Pine Lake Campground showcases the fascinating geological story of Michigan's landscape. This corner of Manistee National Forest holds the distinction of harboring the forest's largest lake—156 acres of crystal-clear water carved by ancient glaciers. The lake's unique character emerges from its split personality: the federally protected western shore maintains its wild, swampy character where rare wildlife thrives among cattails and fallen logs, creating critical habitat for the resident bald eagles. In contrast, the eastern shore reveals how humans have gently integrated with this landscape through thoughtfully placed private cabins. This diverse topography within the greater Manistee National Forest creates microclimates and varied habitats that support an impressive array of flora and fauna.

Scenic ViewsLimited lake views due to vegetation and the campground's spur layout. Some user reviews mentioned beautiful views: "Very beautiful view of Pine Lake from campsites" (Jim Wilson).

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are available within this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are documented.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

Groups

There are no designated group sites, and no information on group capacity is provided.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSingle spur road with twelve sites on grass aprons. Sites don't sit directly on the lake. The layout runs toward the swimming beach. Spacing provides decent privacy, though vegetation blocks most water views.

Reservation PlatformsReservations not available.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served as noted in authoritative content and user reviews. "This is a nice place to show up first thing in the morning to grab your site of choice." (User review, Nicholas J Carroll).

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are documented, and the toilet facilities are not wheelchair-friendly.

Site SizeThe campground consists of 12 combined sites with grass parking aprons.

PrivacyThe sites are noted as clean, secluded, and tranquil. However, some user reviews point out occasional flooding at certain sites and limited views due to vegetation.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early for site selection; some sites may be wet in rainy conditions. "Some sites are a little wet right now" (Dean Craig).

Amenities available

Pine Lake Campground offers basic amenities suitable for rustic camping. Vault toilets and a single hand-pump water spigot are present, but potable water is not available. The campground doesn’t have a dump station, electricity, or Wi-Fi. Cell phone reception is not mentioned in the data.

Potable water

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Pine Lake Campground offers activities primarily centered around the lake, including fishing, swimming, and boating.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Beach activities

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include snakes as mentioned in user reviews: "Watch out for the snakes" (Tiffanie Morgan-Martin). Some sites experience wet conditions after rain.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are the only restroom option.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Emergency ServicesCadillac/Manistee Ranger Station and District, 1170 Nursery Road Wellston, MI 49689 (Phone: 231-848-7090, open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed on federal holidays). Nearest hospital and police station information not provided.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling information is specified within the provided authoritative or user data.

Water FeaturesDirectly next to Pine Lake, which spans 156 acres. Swimming beach with shallow gravel bottom noted as good for swimming.

Cell CoverageInformation about cell phone reception is not available.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

52 reviews

Satisfactory

Pine Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Pine Lake Campground as a peaceful and clean destination with rustic amenities. Positive experiences include the clean, tranquil environment, and good fishing and swimming conditions. Some negative reviews mention occasional site flooding, mosquitoes, and subpar water quality from the hand pump.

Review Summaries

Based on 52 reviews

What Campers Love

- Tranquil and secluded environment. - Clean campsites and well-maintained vault toilets. - Good fishing and swimming opportunities. - Rustic charm and natural beauty.

Based on 52 reviews

Common Concerns

- Occasional flooding at certain sites. - Mosquito prevalence in the area. - Negative experiences with the hand pump water supply ('urine-colored water').

Based on 52 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are identified as the best or worst, but users recommend arriving early for better site selection.

Based on 52 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early to claim the best sites. - Bring your own potable water as none is available on-site. - Be prepared for mosquitoes and bring repellent.

Based on 52 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are generally positive, emphasizing the tranquil environment and water-based activities. Some complaints about mosquitoes and flooding occur during wetter months. Winter data is...

Based on 52 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice clean beech. Good outhouse with toilet paper fully stocked. Camp site was clean and secluded. Absolutely beautiful.' 2. 'A rustic campground great fishing watch out for the snakes.' 3. 'No...

Based on 52 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews explicitly address accessibility features.

Based on 52 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews mention pet policies or experiences.

Based on 52 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Families after a clean gravel-bottom swimming beach and bluegill fishing will be happy here. The sites are well-maintained and spaced for privacy, and bald eagle sightings on the western wetland shore are a real bonus. Summer weekends fill fast, so plan to arrive Friday morning.

Skip if

Bringing only a filter and trusting the hand pump will disappoint: multiple reviewers describe the water as yellow. Mosquitoes are genuinely bad near the wetland edge, and low-lying sites flood after rain. No hookups, no showers, no dump station, cash or check only.

Nearby Campgrounds

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4.3

(41)

Bear Track Campground

1170 Nursery Road, Wellston, MI 49689

Bear Track Campground sits on a bluff overlooking the Little Manistee River in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, about 16 sites arranged in a single loop at 680 feet elevation. Fees run $30–40 per night. Reviews consistently mention the seclusion, spacious sites, and clean vault toilets. There's no potable water on-site.

Pine Lake Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Pine Lake Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Pine Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pine Lake Campground

Planning Tips

About Pine Lake Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

Water activities

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Pine Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pine Lake Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews