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    Lake Michigan Recreation Area

    4.5 (2 reviews)

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    Orchard Beach State Park

    Orchard Beach State Park

    3.6
    (16 reviews)
    12.5 mi

    My friends and I were supposed to go to a music festival out of the state last fall but of course…read moreplans changed, so we decided to book a camping weekend at Orchard Beach State Park instead. Located in Manistee, there is plenty to do nearby but unfortunately the weather was pretty rainy for most of the weekend we were there. The access to the beach was closed due to erosion but there are other beaches available. Checking in was easy and there is onsite ice and firewood for sale. The host site was awesome with lots of books for use and a whiteboard with local info. Our site had water and electric hookup, so we were tucked in amongst several RVs and motor homes. The campground was very quiet, which was nice! The restroom facilities were clean and functional, although one had a small set of stairs leading into the actual bathroom area which made it not so accessible. We were on spot 95, which is right near the highway. We knew this going in and could see from the photos that it didn't look that close. Well, it was pretty close, and very loud with road noise. This wasn't a big deal for us but if noise bothers you I'd skip this part of the campground. Another thing to note is that some of the sites hold water when it's been raining, so maybe not the best for tent camping. Our site seemed ok but it was mostly dirt so it did get a little muddy. Nothing too terrible, though. Overall we enjoyed our stay but this definitely wasn't my favorite of the state parks we've visited or camped at. There is a nice lookout point over the lake that made for some nice photos, and getting into town was easy.

    Small compared to other state parks across Michigan, but a stunning state park nonetheless located…read moreon bluffs above Lake Michigan! The campground is wonderful and we really loved that it was one that was more underrated and less trafficked. We had a prime camping spot with an uninterrupted view of the lake and even though the weather we had during this weekend wasn't the best, we made do with cozy time in the tent, did a hike through the state park that was lovely and well maintained, and explored the nearby downtown of Manistee, of which Orchard Beach State Park is located just 5-10 minutes north! A wonderful weekend and state park in my books!

    Photos
    Hiking trail @ Orchard Beach State Park
    Hiking trail @ Orchard Beach State Park
    My dog & tent @ Orchard Beach State Park
    My dog & tent @ Orchard Beach State Park
    Reading overlooking Lake Michigan @ Orchard Beach State Park

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    Reading overlooking Lake Michigan @ Orchard Beach State Park
    Matson's Big Manistee River Campground

    Matson's Big Manistee River Campground

    4.8
    (4 reviews)
    17.4 mi

    Went here with my dad a few times in the 70s and 80s. Was back recently for a fall getaway with…read moremy wife. We weren't there to fish, as practically everyone else there was, but we found it a nice base for hiking and color touring. It got a little noisy on Saturday night, when the place was mostly full, but very quiet the next two nights. We were in the section along the river, where most others were tenting like we were, though there were a few RVs there too. The site was level, though the ground was a little stony, which made driving tent stakes a challenge. Lots of shade, though no trees where we could conveniently set up a clothesline. The fire ring is portable, so you can move it to maximize distance from your tent, regardless of what corner of the site you want to pitch it on. The one real inconvenience is that getting to the showerhouse (and the drinking water spigot) from that section of the campground requires a fairly lengthy walk that includes a steep hill climb. But once you're up there, you'll find clean, well-kept facilities. Shower stalls were roomy. There's a small camp store on site that sells some basic gear and groceries, as well as fishing tackles and souveniers. This is a nice, cozy northwoods destination. And one of these days I'll get back to fish!

    We recently stayed at Matson's campground and we're extremely pleased with our vacation. The…read moregrounds and bathrooms were very clean and well maintained. We loved the beautiful views from the bluff above the Big Manistee River and the relaxation in the glider chairs and community fire pit provided by the campground. Thank you so much for a wonderful stay Cheryl, Scott and Hank!

    Photos
    Fisherman along the river.
    Fisherman along the river.
    View from the bluff.
    View from the bluff.
    Matson's Big Manistee River Campground

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    Platte River Campground

    Platte River Campground

    4.4
    (23 reviews)
    43.9 mi

    We were unfamiliar with this campground, but we made reservations months in advance for two nights…read moreof tent camping in June, 2023 in Loop 4 (site 418). And, we're so glad that we did. It's a wonderful campground that is well-maintained by the National Park Service. The sites are huge, with a lot of space between you and your neighbors. The pads for pitching your tent are equally large, flat, and sandy -- and each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. The clean bathrooms and showers are down the road, as are heavy duty containers for trash and recycling. The Rangers at the office were very friendly, and helpful. They also warned us to be bear-aware, as bears had been spotted near the campground. (We didn't see any). Unfortunately, there weren't any nature programs during our 2-night stay but we were there mid-week. We were staying at this campground primarily to visit the main sites of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Most of the main attractions (Empire Bluffs hike, Dune Climb, Scenic Drive) are about ten or more miles away. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find a path adjacent to the campground that went down to Lake Michigan (about one mile each way). It mostly flat with walking in sand the closer you get to the lake. You could also drive down to a park at the end of the road. It's a wonderful place to watch the sunset. There are also nearby options for bicycling and kayaking. The campground is a bargain at $26 per night for tent camping. (You also need to pay the entrance fee for the national park). There was a nice mix of other campers ... solos with a dog or two; retirees; and young families. All were quiet and abided to the rules for quiet hours and no generators in loop 4. We also lucked out with respect to the lack of bugs. We had been fighting mosquitos and midges in other wooded areas in northern Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, but hardly had any insect issues at this campground. Two things worth mentioning. (1) Given the warnings about being bear aware, the NPS should consider installing bear boxes at each site for the storage of food and other scented items. (2) Firewood can be purchased at a "vending machine" for $7. While the machine for traditional firewood was working, the one for a composite substitute that we wanted to try had a broken credit card reader (and we didn't have the right denominations to pay cash). Overall, a great trip!

    Stayed here with my husband & our friends over the summer & had a great time! The bathrooms &…read morecampsites were clean. The sites themselves are a bit small. With 4 people, 2 tents, & a canopy, we were pretty cramped, but able to make it work! There was a trail leading to a beautiful beach area & Lake Michigan. The place for kayak/canoe rental is a super short drive & is also a general store & ice cream shop! We had such a great time & can't wait to go back! Sites book up REALLY fast, so if you are thinking of booking definitely do it well in advance!

    Photos
    Platte River Campground
    Platte River Campground
    Platte River Campground

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    Lake Michigan Recreation Area - campgrounds - Updated July 2026

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