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Recreation Region: Lake Michigan Beach Access

Lake Michigan Recreation Area

Lake Michigan Recreation Area is a four loop campground located on the shoreline to Lake Michigan between Manistee and Ludington.  In addition to the 99 single family sites and 3 group sites, the site also boasts a day use area with multiple picnic tables, pavilions and a playground, an ampitheater and an overlook.  Arrowhead Trail, which runs through the campground, connects to the wilderness trails that traverse Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area.

Reservations

Make Reservations Here

General Information

May 15 - October 10

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted.

Special Use Permit - 

  • No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less).
  • Permits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more).

Visit the Passes and Permits section for more information on obtaining a special use permit.

As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders - 

  • Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02
  • Occupancy and Use - Developed Recreation Areas, Dispersed Areas, Being Publicly Nude, Marine Prohibitions, Parking and Sanitation; R904-14-03
  • Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area; R904-14-09
  • Piping Plover; R904-14-11

Day Use (per vehicle):
$5.00/day; $15.00/seven day.

A Forest Service office painted red with a large wagon.

Address: 1170 Nursery Road Wellston, MI 49689
Phone: (231) 848-7090
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 44.15138889

Longitude: -86.19472222

Directions

From Manistee

  • Travel south on US-31 for 10 miles.
  • Turn right and travel west on W. Forest Trail Rd. for 8 miles.
  • W. Forest Trail Rd. becomes FR 5629. Continue west on FR 5629.
  • The road terminates at the site.

Parking

60 vehicle capacity

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Outdoor Science and Learning Outdoor Science and Learning
Water Activities Water Activities Hiking Hiking Picnicking Picnicking

Viewing SceneryViewing Scenery
Interpretive Areas/ExhibitsInterpretive Areas/Exhibits
Viewing WildlifeViewing Wildlife
Visitor ProgramsVisitor Programs

Last updated May 9th, 2025