South Manistique Lake State Forest Campground

Star4.52
26 reviews
South Manistique Lake State Forest Campground
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

745 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
Get Directions
South Manistique Lake State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Official campsite fee information not provided on the campground page. A reviewer noted there was no charge for the campsites themselves, but no...
Show more
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Michigan
Provider
(906) 492-3415
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 26 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefullakesites

"Mostly positive (predominantly 4–5 star) reviews praising a quiet, rustic lakeside setting, strong fishing and paddling opportunities, and generally well‑maintained vault toilets; occasional notes about primitive amenities and spotty cell service."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

South Manistique Lake State Forest Campground

South Manistique Lake State Forest Campground

46.1758, -85.7914

Driving directionsLocated about 5.5 miles southwest of Curtis via South Curtis Road, Long Pointe/Long Point Road, Sherman Road and Randall Road.
Nearby places
Curtis — ~5.5 miles
Nearby supplies
Curtis (about 5.5 miles) — basic services

Best Time to Camp at South Manistique Lake State Forest Campground

While the campground welcomes visitors year-round, it transforms with the seasons in true Upper Peninsula fashion. Summer and fall bring the most comfortable camping conditions, though winter adventurers should note that roads and the campground itself aren't maintained or plowed during the snowy months—making it a true wilderness experience for those brave enough to venture in during the colder season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is most comfortable; prime season for swimming, fishing and paddling.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall brings comfortable conditions and scenic Upper Peninsula foliage/solitude.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring usable for fishing/paddling but may be wet and less comfortable than summer/fall.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year‑round but seasonal roads not plowed; winter access and services are limited.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.

About South Manistique Lake State Forest Campground

Escape to the tranquil shores of South Manistique Lake at this hidden gem of a state forest campground. With 30 rustic sites nestled among towering trees and direct lake access, you'll find the perfect blend of peaceful wilderness and waterfront camping—no reservations needed, just arrive and claim your spot for up to 15 days of pure Upper Peninsula serenity.
Rustic state forest campground with 30 sites for tent and trailer use; first-come, first-serve. Some sites have direct water access via narrow footpaths; site #27 is a pull-through site.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
15-day maximum stay

Amenities available

Potable water
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Fishing and paddling are primary activities; lakefront access for swimming and small-boat launching. Winter camping is possible though seasonal roads are not plowed.
FishingSouth Manistique Lake is noted for excellent walleye, crappie and bluegill fishing; other warm‑water species are also caught.
SwimmingLake suitable for swimming but there is no developed beach; water access is via narrow footpaths at some sites.
Boating
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWater access via narrow, sometimes uneven footpaths. Seasonal roads are not plowed in winter. Limited or inconsistent cell service is likely in this remote area. Typical rustic- campground limitations (no showers, vault toilets, hand-pump water).

Weather at South Manistique Lake State Forest Campground

Reviews

4.5
26 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
South Manistique Lake State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mostly positive (predominantly 4–5 star) reviews praising a quiet, rustic lakeside setting, strong fishing and paddling opportunities, and generally well‑maintained vault toilets; occasional notes about primitive amenities and spotty cell service.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Quiet, peaceful and natural setting; excellent fishing (walleye, crappie, bluegill); lakeside and walk-up sites; maintained vault toilets; boat launch and opportunities for paddling; sites described...
Show more
Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early on busy summer days to secure lakeside sites; bring your own water containers and be self-contained; bring bug spray and secure food from wildlife; use carry‑in boats or kayaks for...
Show more
Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very rustic. We had a blast."; "Beautiful natural quiet peaceful campground."; "This campground... it is my idea of the perfect campground."
Based on 26 reviews
0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to South Manistique Lake State Forest Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Last updated February 2, 2026
Advertisement
Nearby Campgrounds
Campgrounds you may also like
Popular campgrounds in Michigan
Campgrounds
South Manistique Lake State Forest Campground