Whelan Lake Area

4.22

18 reviews

650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

735 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forests site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

735 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Huron-Manistee National Forests site

Official Website

Get Directions

Whelan Lake Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is no fee for camping at this site.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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) 745-4631

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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 18 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslake

"Users describe Whelan Lake Area as remote, scenic, and suited for primitive camping enthusiasts. Its lake access is a highlight for activities like fishing and swimming."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304

Whelan Lake Area

650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304

Driving directionsFrom Baldwin, travel west on 56th St. for 13.5 miles. Turn right and travel north on Walhalla Rd. for 1.25 miles. Turn right and travel west on FR 6661 for 2.25 miles. The campground is located on the left side of the road.

Access is via unpaved road FR 6661, which could be challenging in poor weather conditions, such as mud during spring rains. As mentioned by one user review, "The trail to it gets muddy in the spring or after rain. It can be hairy in a sedan."

Nearby places

Baldwin (approx. 15 miles, 25 minutes)

Walhalla (approx. 2 miles, 5 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies are likely available in Baldwin, approximately 15 miles away. Fuel availability is not detailed.

Best Time to Camp at Whelan Lake Area

Experience the full spectrum of Michigan's seasons at Whelan Lake, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer transforms the area into an aquatic playground, with temperatures climbing above 80°F—perfect for afternoon swims and evening campfires. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests burst into flame-colored brilliance, though pack rain gear for those crisp, showery days. Winter brings a hushed beauty to the frozen lake, with temperatures hovering around 40°F during the day and dipping into the 20s at night—ideal for hardy souls seeking solitude. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and migrating birds, though muddy trails and April showers remind visitors to come prepared for changing conditions.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer called an "aquatic playground" with swimming, boating and warm weather use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Forested setting implies strong fall colors; specific fall reviews limited.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Spring rains make trails muddy and access challenging per seasonal reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Area not maintained in winter; roads and toilets unmaintained, making winter camping difficult.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No explicit peak season pricing; open year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round (January 1 - December 31), but the area is not maintained in winter.
Current Alerts: None noted.

About Whelan Lake Area

Escape to the untamed beauty of Whelan Lake Area, where wilderness camping meets pure Michigan adventure. This hidden gem in the Huron-Manistee National Forests invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's rhythms. With pristine lake views and direct access to the legendary Pere Marquette River, you'll find yourself immersed in a landscape that rewards self-sufficient adventurers. Here, primitive camping means just you, your gear, and a fire pit beneath the stars. As one satisfied camper puts it, this is "perfect for people who can camp without all the extras!" Pack in, pack out, and discover why sometimes the best amenities are the ones nature provides: crystal-clear waters for swimming, abundant fishing opportunities for bluegill and perch, and endless paddling routes that wind through untouched wilderness.

Camping options include dispersed camping at a primitive site. Sites are free, and amenities are minimal.

Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this pristine corner of Michigan remains quietly tucked away in the forest shadows, the land itself tells an ancient story through its old-growth trees and timeless waterways that have sustained generations of outdoor enthusiasts.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Michigan's seasons at Whelan Lake, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer transforms the area into an aquatic playground, with temperatures climbing above 80°F—perfect for afternoon swims and evening campfires. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests burst into flame-colored brilliance, though pack rain gear for those crisp, showery days. Winter brings a hushed beauty to the frozen lake, with temperatures hovering around 40°F during the day and dipping into the 20s at night—ideal for hardy souls seeking solitude. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and migrating birds, though muddy trails and April showers remind visitors to come prepared for changing conditions.

ElevationThe gentle topography of this lakeside retreat creates an accessible wilderness experience, with level camping areas that make setting up camp a breeze while still offering varied terrain for exploration.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a tapestry of mixed woodlands where towering pines whisper secrets to hardy oaks and maples. Whelan Lake sparkles at the heart of this natural sanctuary, its waters teeming with bluegill and perch that dance beneath the surface. The surrounding Huron-Manistee National Forests create a vast playground of interconnected trails, hidden coves, and wildlife corridors where deer paths cross with hiking routes. On misty mornings, watch as the lake exhales wisps of fog that curl through the trees, while evenings bring a symphony of loons and the gentle lap of waves against the shore.

Geological RegionNestled within the expansive Huron-Manistee National Forests, Whelan Lake Area showcases the remarkable diversity of Michigan's federal lands. The nearby south branch of the Pere Marquette River has carved its way through this landscape over millennia, creating a water-rich environment where lakes, streams, and wetlands intermingle. This protected wilderness encompasses vast tracts of mixed woodlands, pristine waterways, and the kind of unspoiled terrain that has made Michigan a destination for nature lovers since the forests were first set aside for public enjoyment.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open access
no formal check-in process.

Check-out

Open access
no formal check-out process.

Stay Limit

Not explicitly stated in authoritative sources.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests are allowed as long as the group does not exceed 75 people without a permit.

Groups

Group site-specific details are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features dispersed camping areas with no formal layout.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms; camping is first-come, first-serve.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is dispersed and first-come, first-serve; no specific walk-up availability details provided.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable, as reservations are not needed.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned.

Site SizeLots of open camp areas, many with lake views," according to user reviews.

PrivacySites are noted for their scattered layout, with some reviews mentioning remote and secluded settings.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites near the lake for better views and easier access to water activities.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Whelan Lake enjoy fishing, swimming, hiking, and non-motorized boating activities. Hunting and shooting are also mentioned as recreational activities.

HikingHiking opportunities include day hikes and backpacking trails. Users noted muddy trails in spring conditions.

FishingFishing is popular with bluegill and perch being the commonly caught species, as noted by campers.

SwimmingSwimming is noted as an enjoyable activity as per user reviews stating the lake is very swimmable.

BoatingNon-motorized boating including canoeing is a popular activity in the area.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include muddy roads during spring rains and lack of potable water and restrooms. Wildlife interactions are possible due to the surrounding forest.

Active AlertsNone noted.

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 the designated fire pits at each site. "The camp sites only have fire pits," according to one user review.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not detailed.

Emergency ServicesBaldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station (15 miles away); Nearest hospital details are null.

Trash & Recycling"Trash is entirely up to you. Unfortunately, many visitors leave trash behind," as highlighted by a user review.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Whelan Lake; the south branch of the Pere Marquette River is nearby.

Camp HostNo campground hosts are mentioned.

Weather at Whelan Lake Area

Reviews

4.2

18 reviews

Satisfactory

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

Users describe Whelan Lake Area as remote, scenic, and suited for primitive camping enthusiasts. Its lake access is a highlight for activities like fishing and swimming.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Free camping; scenic lake views; activities like swimming, fishing, and canoeing; primitive camping with fire pits available; user reviews mention the beauty of the lake and its remoteness.

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Difficult navigation due to inaccurate Google Maps; trash left behind by campers; muddy access trails in the spring.

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Call the ranger station for accurate directions; bring trash bags to clean up; prepare for primitive camping with no amenities; suitable for those who enjoy independent camping.

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring rains make trails muddy and challenging for access. Winter months see no maintenance of the roads or toilet facilities, making camping difficult.

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

"If you can find it, it's a pretty cool primitive campsite. Lots of open camp areas, many with lake views." "We found it and had a great time! It's free to camp and you can swim and fish in the...

Based on 18 reviews