Indian Lake West Campground

Star4.31
16 reviews
Indian Lake West Campground

Quick Facts

Price

$20/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

72 campsites

Season

Typically open mid-J...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Michigan DNR site

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Indian Lake West Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly fee: $20 per 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan
Provider
(906) 341-2355

What Campers Say

4.31

Recommended

Based on 16 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanlake

"Google reviews are overwhelmingly positive: visitors repeatedly call the West campground peaceful, quiet, clean, and well‑kept; the volunteer/host (Mike) is frequently praised."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at Indian Lake West Campground

$20/night

Campsite fees

Prices verified December 13, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan DNR website.


Best Time to Camp at Indian Lake West Campground

The campground welcomes visitors during the heart of summer, typically opening its gates in mid-June and remaining accessible through the Labor Day weekend. This seasonal window captures Michigan's finest weather for swimming, boating, and enjoying warm evenings around the campfire under star-filled skies.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Typically open mid-June through Labor Day.

About Indian Lake West Campground

Tucked along the peaceful western shore of Indian Lake, this semi-modern campground offers the perfect balance of rustic charm and essential comforts. With 20-amp electrical hookups, vault toilets, and hand-pump water stations, the 20-site loop welcomes first-come, first-served campers seeking a quiet, wooded escape from mid-June through Labor Day.
Semi-modern (partial facilities): 20-amp electrical service at sites and vault toilets; more rustic than the park’s modern/south campground.
Historical SignificanceNearby attractions include Kitch-iti-kipi (Palms Book State Park) and the Bishop Baraga Shrine; the campground is often used as a base for regional Upper Peninsula sightseeing.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground welcomes visitors during the heart of summer, typically opening its gates in mid-June and remaining accessible through the Labor Day weekend. This seasonal window captures Michigan's finest weather for swimming, boating, and enjoying warm evenings around the campfire under star-filled skies.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine your tent nestled among towering trees with generous spacing between sites, creating natural privacy in this serene woodland setting. The campground blends shaded forest campsites with sunny open grassy areas, all just steps from Indian Lake's shimmering waters. A charming day-use area features a carry-in boat launch for paddlers and anglers, plus a swing set for families, making it easy to spend lazy afternoons by the lake before returning to your peaceful wooded retreat.
Geological RegionMichigan's central Upper Peninsula
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Campsite details

Total Campsites72 campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonTypically open mid-June through Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Amenities available

Potable water
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Small day-use/picnic area and carry-in boat launch provide lake access; popular for paddling and fishing. No designated swim beach in the West unit.
Fishing
Fishing on Indian Lake is a common activity; anglers visit the lake from shore and small boats/kayaks.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Fires are allowed (reviewers advise bringing your own firewood).
  • Quiet hours are Reviewers report an 11:00 PM quiet time.

Hazards

General hazardsReports of swimmer's itch in Indian Lake; the lake is generally shallow which can limit larger motorboats. Limited or spotty cell coverage at the West Campground (no T-Mobile or Verizon reported; some AT&T LTE reported).

Weather at Indian Lake West Campground

27
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 71%
Wind: 13.2 mph
Overcast

Weather History
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Good to know

Common complaintsLack of showers and modern restrooms in the West unit (no showers on-site); at least one reviewer noted 'No swimming.'

Campground Map

Indian Lake West Campground
Driving directionsLocated in the park's west shore unit on County Road 455 (west unit), described as about 4 miles northwest of the park; self-registration is available at the west shore unit contact station or at the south shore unit office.
Nearby supplies
Manistique (short drive)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.3
16 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Indian Lake West Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Google reviews are overwhelmingly positive: visitors repeatedly call the West campground peaceful, quiet, clean, and well‑kept; the volunteer/host (Mike) is frequently praised.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Very peaceful and secluded; clean vault toilets (noted as lit at night); helpful, attentive campground host; good for fishing, photography and a rustic lakeside experience.
Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campsites are first-come, first-served—plan accordingly. Expect 20-amp electrical only, bring your own firewood and supplies, and drive to the south/modern campground if you need showers (small fee).
Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

This campground is so peaceful and quiet.; Outhouses are clean and lit at night.; Loop 25-36 was peaceful and not another soul around.
Based on 16 reviews

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Last updated December 13, 2025
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