South Manistique Lake State Forest Campground

4.50

22 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

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Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

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...

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) 492-3415

What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 22 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

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.

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: 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.

Weather and SeasonsWhile 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.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to sunlight filtering through a canopy of mature mixed forest, with the gentle lapping of South Manistique Lake just steps from your tent. This eastern Upper Peninsula treasure in Mackinac County offers heavily shaded campsites that provide natural air conditioning on warm summer days, while short, easy trails lead you down to the water's edge. The lake itself is a paddler's dream—calm waters perfect for kayaking or canoeing, with excellent fishing opportunities throughout the day. What makes this spot truly special is its wonderfully remote atmosphere; you won't find crowds or over-development here, just you, the forest, and the lake.

Geological RegionEastern Upper Peninsula (Mackinac County)

Campsite details

Total Campsites30 campsites

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Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

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.

Fishing

South Manistique Lake is noted for excellent walleye, crappie and bluegill fishing; other warm‑water species are also caught.

Swimming

Lake suitable for swimming but there is no developed beach; water access is via narrow footpaths at some sites.

Boating

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsWater 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

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 79%

Wind: 16.6 mph

Overcast

Weather History

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Good to know

Common complaintsPrimitive amenities (no hookups, no showers or flush toilets) and first-come/first-serve booking can be inconvenient; some reviewers report spotty cell reception; no developed beach; winter access limited because roads are not plowed; insects can be a consideration in summer.

Campground Map

South Manistique Lake State Forest Campground

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

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.5

22 reviews

Recommended

South Manistique Lake State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 22 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...

Based on 22 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...

Based on 22 reviews