Reviews

Rachel Rantanen

$40/night for sites. $5/day to park at the beach. All cash or check. We thought sites were first come first serve but they also do reservations. Sites are primitive with pit toilets, water spigots, and a dumpster within each loop. Plan for no cell service. You can purchase ice and firewood from camp hosts in the loops closer to the lake.

Rebecca Lents

The dispersed campsites in the area are great but I was unimpressed with the recreation area. The water was nowhere near as clear as other places and there were no rocks to be found. There are no fees for America the Beautiful pass holders.. I'm not sure if there were fees without the pass but usually there are.

Amanda Kilroe

One of the best campsites we’ve ever been to- so gorgeous. All of the beach goers were respectful, even on the 4th of July weekend. The beach was pristine and the facilities included a parking lot, drinking water faucets, and drop toilets. There was also a very nice path leading to the beach.

Ty Reed

Excellent campground with easy walking access to lake Michigan and what feels like a private beach. Easy walking access to the Nordhouse dunes hiking trail. The site I stayed at had flush toilets and fresh water but no electric, which was perfect for our needs. Camp hosts Charles and Bonnie were super friendly and helpful

Mini House Big Living

As of June 2025, it’s $40 a night for dry camping; however, you are paying for the access to the beach and trails. There is free dispersed camping nearby, but not suitable for a big rig or sites that can fit a big rig would require a drive to the beach. So we opted for this campground. 2 loops (Hemlock and Violet) are first-come, first-serve and the other two loops require reservations. We showed up at 5p on Friday, June 6th, and there were plenty of open spots. Stayed in Hemlock site 9. Fantastic campground, easy access to the beach, and the camp hosts were incredibly kind. Verizon had no cell signal at all. AT&T sometimes had 1 bar. Not possible to use Starlink because it is heavily wooded. So, be prepared to be fully off grid while you are here. We are in a 27 foot class A and did fine navigating the campground and the sites!!

Janice Korepta

Beautiful trails, gorgeous views of the lake, quiet campsites... what could be better!

Mariah Groulx

This is the most beautiful, CLEAN campground I’ve ever been to! It’s quiet even though there’s 25 sites in one loop. The Lake is the best! You have to watch the sunset!!! 100% recommend!

MikeHgl

A non- camping review / recreation only: If you want miles of beautiful, natural, untampered Lake Michigan beach to explore, there is no better place in Michigan than this location. ( With the possible exception of Sleeping Bear Dunes) This federal land is somewhat under the radar, especially compared to nearby state parks. Expect a 10+ mile paved drive through forest to the beach area. Walk along the beach for miles and enjoy the Lake Michigan shoreline as it has always looked for millennium. Hike south and, eventually, you will enter the north end of Ludington State Park and encounter the lighthouse. Go north and I'm not quite sure how far you can go. It's beautiful and all natural and refreshing. Rolling dunes and pounding surf. There are trails along the edge of the woods ( see picture of map,this spot is the upper parking lot) but nothing beats walking along the edge of the surf. You're going to get wet and it can be slow going but so what. An easy place to get lost and forget where you entered the shoreline. No internet service ( Verizon) Leave only your footsteps and take only your memories.

Preston Oyler

This is an exceptionally awesome campground!!! It is fairly primitive, so it is for campers who are going to enjoy “real”CAMPING! I have been going here since as long as I can remember, and have never tired of being in the wooded sights, riding the bike trails, and enjoying the beach! I love the clean, quiet nature feel, and I am sure that you will fall in love with it also!!!

db deVries

One of my most favorite places in the world. So beautiful and serene. Many, many memories made here.

Jessica

Great camping spots, super close to Lake Michigan Beach and omg beautiful! Wonderful chill getaway spot.

Mindi Marlow

I've always loved the campground here. It's starting to get pretty pricey though ($27 per night). There are wonderful beaches, lots of hiking trails, group camping, a playground (if you go to the group camping area), and lots of wilderness as it is in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area. I've never seen the whole place filled (there are 100 camp sites and 4 or 5 group sites with varying distances to the beaches), but the amphitheater is often really crowded when they have a program going. Kids are safe to play on the paved driving area around the loops, but keep an eye on younger children as it is technically bear country (though I've been camping here for 25+ years and never seen anything more dangerous than a raccoon).

kevin kruger

Very large camping sites. Always enjoy staying here. Miles of beach to explore Hiking and biking trails are good. Usually see deer while using them.

Gary Schultz

Quiet, rustic camping at it's best! Yes, there is some "vault" toilets that can drift an odor occasionally, but it's a rustic campground! There is water spigots for filling up jugs, and nice spacious, well picked up sites. We camped here back in the mid 80's when our children were young & always thought about coming back. So, years later, retired & enjoying it all over again. The hosts are a couple of the nicest we have encountered in nearly 48 years of camping!