Indian Lake West Shore Campground

west shore campground - indian lake state park

Hey Michigan adventurers! Are you searching for a tranquil camping spot where peace and quiet are abundant, and the natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula surrounds you? Look no further than Indian Lake West Shore Campground, part of the expansive Indian Lake State Park, nestled near Manistique. This semi-modern campground is a true "gem" for those who prefer a less crowded, more serene outdoor experience, making it an ideal retreat for Michigan locals yearning to reconnect with nature without sacrificing essential comforts.

Indian Lake West Shore Campground is consistently praised for its calm and peaceful atmosphere. Unlike larger, more bustling parks, this unit of Indian Lake State Park offers a distinctly quiet setting, even on weekends. One reviewer enthusiastically noted, "What a gem! This place is quiet and peaceful. Hardly anyone is here on the weekend." This low-key environment is perfect for campers who prioritize relaxation and a genuine escape from everyday noise. The campground is also well-regarded for its cleanliness, with visitors highlighting that the "bathrooms are very clean and lit at night," a welcome convenience for rustic or semi-modern sites.

While considered semi-modern, the campground provides essential amenities that enhance the camping experience. Each site offers a "20amp power supply," a significant convenience for charging devices or running small appliances. Although water access is "limited to vault toilets with drinking fountains and jug fillers available," there are "a few areas available for water" within the campground for refilling. Campers also have the option to use the modern shower facilities at the South Unit of Indian Lake State Park for a small fee, ensuring hot and clean showers are within reach, despite being in "desperately short supply" at times. The peaceful surroundings, combined with these thoughtful amenities, create a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere, making Indian Lake West Shore Campground a truly appealing destination for Michiganders seeking a relaxed outdoor getaway.

Indian Lake West Shore Campground is located in Manistique, MI 49854, USA. More specifically, it is part of Indian Lake State Park, with the West Shore unit situated approximately 4 miles northwest of the park's main office (South Unit) on County Road 455. This placement positions it beautifully on the western shore of Indian Lake, one of the Upper Peninsula's largest inland lakes.

Accessibility to Indian Lake West Shore Campground is generally straightforward. The park is easily reachable from US-2, a major highway traversing the Upper Peninsula, which makes it convenient for travelers coming from various parts of Michigan. Once within the park area, clear signage typically guides visitors to the West Shore unit. As a semi-modern campground, the internal roads are usually well-maintained, suitable for both tent campers and those with RVs or trailers.

The location offers direct access to the vast Indian Lake, which is the fourth-largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula, covering 8,400 acres. This proximity means campers have immediate opportunities for fishing, boating (with a carry-in boat launch available within the west shore unit), kayaking, and canoeing. Beyond the lake, the campground serves as an excellent base for exploring a wealth of regional attractions. Within an hour's drive, visitors can reach famous sites like Kitch-iti-kipi (The Big Spring) at Palms Book State Park, the picturesque Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and the majestic Tahquamenon Falls. The Hiawatha National Forest and Seney National Wildlife Refuge are also nearby, offering extensive opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching. This combination of lakeside tranquility and accessibility to major U.P. landmarks makes Indian Lake West Shore Campground a highly desirable and convenient choice for Michigan outdoor enthusiasts.

Services Offered (Semi-Modern Campground Amenities):

• Semi-Modern Campsites: Offers 72 sites, primarily suitable for tents and RVs, each with electrical service.
• 20-Amp Electrical Service: All campsites are equipped with 20-amp electrical hookups.
• Clean Vault Toilets: Restrooms are limited to clean and well-maintained vault toilets.
• Water Access Points: Drinking fountains and jug fillers are available for water, though not at every site.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires.
• Carry-In Boat Launch: A small launch is available within the west shore unit for kayaks, canoes, and small watercraft.
• Self-Registration: Campsites are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, with self-registration at the contact station.
• Showers (at South Unit): Campers can use the modern showers at the Indian Lake South Modern Campground (approximately 3 miles away) for a fee (typically $5 per shower).
• Designated Swim Beach (at South Unit): While the West Shore unit has lake access, a designated swimming beach is located at the South Unit.

Features / Highlights:

• Peaceful & Quiet Atmosphere: Consistently praised for its tranquility and low-key environment, even on weekends.
• Direct Indian Lake Access: Provides immediate proximity to one of the U.P.'s largest inland lakes for various water activities.
• Clean & Lit Vault Toilets: A noteworthy feature for a semi-modern campground, enhancing comfort.
• Electrical Hookups at Sites: All sites offer 20-amp power, a significant convenience for rustic camping.
• Excellent Fishing: Indian Lake is known for a variety of fish species, including perch, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, and bass.
• Proximity to Major U.P. Attractions: Centrally located for day trips to Kitch-iti-kipi, Pictured Rocks, and Tahquamenon Falls.
• Wooded Setting: Campsites are nestled in a wooded environment, offering shade and a natural ambiance.
• Boat Launch within Unit: Convenient access for launching paddle craft directly onto Indian Lake.
• Nature Immersion: Opportunities for wildlife viewing and enjoying the serene sounds of nature.
• Accessibility to Modern Amenities: Ability to use modern showers and other facilities at the nearby South Unit.

Contact Information:

Address: Manistique, MI 49854, USA (Part of Indian Lake State Park)

Phone: For the Indian Lake State Park (which includes the West Shore Campground), the general contact phone number is (906) 341-2355. For specific reservation inquiries or details on first-come, first-served availability, contacting the park office directly is recommended. The Michigan DNR also lists an 800 number for reservations: (800) 447-2757.

For Michigan locals, Indian Lake West Shore Campground offers an excellent and highly suitable option for a peaceful Upper Peninsula camping experience. Its quiet and uncrowded nature, even during peak times, makes it a true refuge from the hustle and bustle, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The inclusion of 20-amp electrical service at each site, combined with clean vault toilets, provides a comfortable balance between rustic camping and essential modern conveniences. While showers are located at the nearby South Unit, their availability ensures a complete experience.

The prime location on Indian Lake means direct access to fantastic fishing and paddling opportunities, allowing you to spend your days on the water. Furthermore, its strategic position in the U.P. provides a convenient basecamp for exploring world-renowned attractions like Kitch-iti-kipi, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Tahquamenon Falls, all within a reasonable driving distance. Indian Lake West Shore Campground perfectly caters to Michiganders who desire a serene, well-maintained, and accessibly located campground that truly embodies the tranquil spirit of the Upper Peninsula’s natural beauty. It's a place where you can create lasting memories, reconnect with loved ones, and immerse yourself in the great outdoors without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

Indian Lake West Shore Campground

Manistique, MI 49854, USA