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Huron-Manistee/Nichols Lake
Overview
Nichols Lake offers a quintessential Michigan forest experience within the sprawling Huron-Manistee National Forests. Located near the small community of Brohman, this campground provides a peaceful retreat from the noise of modern life. It is divided into north and south sections, both offering a rustic atmosphere where the wind through the pines is the primary soundtrack. Visitors come here to disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Great Lakes State while enjoying the serene waterfront.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated in a densely wooded area of Newaygo County, characterized by towering hardwoods and sandy soils. Nichols Lake itself is a pristine 95-acre water body known for its clarity and calm surface. Because it is nestled deep within the national forest, the surroundings are exceptionally quiet, making it an ideal spot for those who want to avoid the crowds of commercial resorts. The White River also flows nearby, adding to the region's diverse aquatic landscape and lush vegetation.
Amenities & Park Features
As a national forest site, amenities prioritize the outdoor environment over luxury. The campground features primitive campsites without electric or water hookups, making it a favorite for dry campers and those who appreciate a traditional camping style. On-site facilities include vault toilets and hand-pumped drinking water. For recreation, the park offers a sandy swimming beach and a boat launch suitable for non-motorized or electric-motor craft. Each site is typically equipped with a fire ring and a picnic table for evening campfires.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore just outside the campground loops. The North Country National Scenic Trail passes right through the area, offering miles of hiking opportunities for all skill levels. Anglers frequently visit to catch bass and panfish in the lake's quiet waters. A short drive away, the Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary provides a unique look at local flora, while the nearby Pere Marquette River is famous for world-class trout fishing and paddling adventures.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is best suited for adventurous RVers who enjoy boondocking or dry camping in a scenic, natural setting. If you prefer the sounds of loons over the hum of air conditioners, this is the place for you. It is ideal for families who enjoy unplugged recreation like swimming and hiking in a safe, wooded environment. Small to mid-sized rigs will find the wooded sites most accommodating, offering a true sense of privacy and forest immersion that commercial parks cannot replicate.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Russ Holton
Would be nice if the campground boat ramp was maintained. It’s probably one of worst ramps in Michigan. 2025 update - 30 dollars a night and an 8 dollar reservation fee for rustic GTFO!Campground is well maintained by host, but the management company puts absolutely no money into upkeep. Picnic tables are in rough shape. Lantern posts are rotted out. Sites that have irrigation issues just get gravel dumped on them. Not a very comfortable surface for camping. The boat ramp is in horrible condition and is almost unusable. If you do manage to launch it only has 3 parking spots for 29 campsites and is usually taken up by the locals so they don’t have to pay to use the federal launch across the lake. It is also access to trails so hikers fill the parking lot too even though this is a campground only area. They don’t enforce any of this, but if you’re a camper with a boat trailer by yourself and park in the grass they will ticket you within the hour. There is one decent bathroom and pay shower, but it’s located on one side of the campground so it isn’t easily accessed from all 29 sites. Invaded by Gypsy moths so it rains caterpillar poop half the season. It’s a nice lake and decent campsites and the host is great, but this is not a 30 dollar a night campground by far!
Brenda Bergman
Love this campground, usually very quiet, a good amount of large sites with privacy and some that adjoin each other, reservable sites and first come sites, very handicap friendly for a rustic campground. The bathroom and shower house is old but usable, a nice boardwalk down to a small sandy beach. Firewood and ice available from the campground host.
Deanna Somero
Love camping here. It is always well maintained, lots of shade, and a beautiful lake for swimming and fishing.
Justin Bowers
Great host Dave. Lots are far enough that you have privacy. Lake is clear and shallow out quite a ways with sandy beach for kids to swim. You have to go to the other side of the lake for good fishing though. HOT showers and that's a huge bonus. Alot of caterpillars everywhere that was a huge nuisance. Definitely will be back though. Ice and firewood on site . Ice $3 wood $5 Our site was $22/night
Nick g
Its nice to have a place to take a hot shower when your camping for awhile