West Shore Campground - Indian Lake State Park

For Michigan locals, particularly those drawn to the serene beauty of the Upper Peninsula, West Shore Campground at Indian Lake State Park in Manistique presents a charming opportunity for a rustic, yet comfortable, camping adventure. Unlike its more modern counterpart at Indian Lake, West Shore offers a semi-modern experience, appealing to those who appreciate a quieter, more wooded setting and a genuine connection with nature. It's a place where the sounds of the forest and the gentle lapping of Indian Lake replace the constant hum of daily life, inviting campers to truly unwind.

West Shore Campground is designed for the camper who seeks tranquility and simplicity. Nestled in a mature wooded area, it provides welcome shade and a sense of seclusion, even within a state park. While it offers fewer amenities than a full-service campground, its emphasis on peace and natural beauty is its strong suit. It’s an ideal base for anglers looking to explore Indian Lake's rich fishing grounds, or for anyone desiring to immerse themselves in the quietude of a classic Upper Peninsula forest. This article will provide a clear overview of West Shore Campground, detailing its location, services, features, and why it remains a beloved choice for Michiganders seeking an authentic outdoor escape.

West Shore Campground is located on Co Rd 455, Manistique, MI 49854, USA, specifically situated within Indian Lake State Park. This places it on the western side of Indian Lake, in Michigan's picturesque Upper Peninsula. For Michigan residents, reaching Manistique typically involves a scenic drive across the Mackinac Bridge if coming from the Lower Peninsula. Once in the Upper Peninsula, Manistique is accessible via US-2. From Manistique, visitors will follow local roads, including County Road 455, to the park's west unit.

As some reviews indicate, the campground is "out of the way," which contributes to its quiet and less busy atmosphere. While it might require a longer walk or drive to the main lake picnic area and amenities of the South Campground, this distance is precisely what appeals to those seeking a more secluded experience. The park provides maps (e.g., Indian Lake West Shore Camp Map) that clearly show the layout and access points within the park. Despite its somewhat removed feel, it is part of a well-managed Michigan State Park, ensuring reasonable accessibility for most vehicles.

• Semi-Modern Campsites: Offers electric hookups (typically 20 amp service, as noted in reviews) at individual sites.
• Water Fill Station: A designated place to fill water tanks is available within the campground area.
• Outhouse Restrooms: Provides vault toilets (outhouses) for restroom facilities, maintaining a rustic camping experience.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for outdoor cooking and campfires.
• Wooded Setting: Sites are located in a mature wooded area, providing natural shade and a forest ambiance.
• Campground Host: An engaged and helpful campground host is typically on-site, offering assistance and ensuring a pleasant stay, as highly praised in customer reviews.
• Campsite Debris-Free: Reviews mention sites are "free of debris," indicating good maintenance.
• Fishing Opportunities: Direct or close access to Indian Lake, known for various fish species including perch, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, and diverse bass species.
• Boating Access: A carry-in launch is located in the west shore unit of the park within the semi-modern campground day-use area, facilitating paddle sports.
• Designated Swim Beach (via walk/drive): While not directly adjacent, a nice beach with a buoyed swim area is accessible within the larger park, requiring a walk or short drive.

• Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere: A primary highlight, consistently noted by campers, is the campground's peaceful and "not busy" environment, making it ideal for relaxation and escaping crowds.
• Wooded Setting for Shade: The mature wooded area provides excellent natural shade for campsites, a significant advantage during sunny Michigan summers, enhancing comfort.
• Engaged and Helpful Campground Host: Reviews frequently praise the "great guy" who serves as the campground host, highlighting their helpfulness and positive impact on the camping experience.
• Rustic Charm: Offers a more primitive, back-to-basics camping feel compared to modern campgrounds, appealing to those who prefer a less commercialized outdoor experience.
• Access to Indian Lake: Provides opportunities for fishing, paddling, and enjoying the fourth-largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula. While the main beach might be a longer walk, the lake itself is a key attraction.
• Abundant Wildlife: The natural surroundings offer ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, enhancing the immersive outdoor experience.
• Limited Cell Service: While a potential drawback for some, the "poor cellular service, if any," as noted in a review, can be a major highlight for those actively seeking to disconnect from digital distractions and fully embrace nature.
• Fishing Potential: The lake offers diverse fishing opportunities, and while one review mentioned "big trout in places that are hard to get to" at a different Indian River, Indian Lake itself is well-regarded for fishing.
• Well-Maintained Sites: Despite being rustic, sites are described as "free of debris," suggesting a commitment to cleanliness.

Address: Co Rd 455, Manistique, MI 49854, USA (within Indian Lake State Park)

Phone: (906) 341-2355 (This is the main phone number for Indian Lake State Park)

Mobile Phone: +1 906-341-2355 (Same as above)

For reservations at West Shore Campground, it is best to use the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reservation system at MiDNRReservations.com or call their central reservation line (1-800-44-PARKS or 1-800-447-2757). For specific questions about the campground or current conditions, contacting the Indian Lake State Park office directly at the provided phone number is recommended.

West Shore Campground at Indian Lake State Park is an excellent fit for Michigan locals, particularly those who appreciate the unique natural environment and serene atmosphere of the Upper Peninsula. For residents across the state, it offers an authentic escape from the everyday, providing a tranquil setting that encourages disconnection and rejuvenation. Its semi-modern classification means it strikes a desirable balance for many: enough amenities for comfort (like electricity and water fill) without the bustling, sometimes overcrowded, feel of more developed campgrounds.

The reviews from real customers strongly support its suitability for locals. The consistent feedback of it being "out of the way, not busy, quiet, wooded area" speaks directly to the desire for peaceful camping experiences that many Michiganders seek. The high praise for the "great" and "very helpful" campground host underscores the welcoming and well-managed environment. While the 20 amp service, outhouse restrooms, and "poor cellular service" might be considered limitations by some, for others, these are precisely the features that define a true outdoor escape, forcing a digital detox and a deeper immersion in nature. Many locals actively seek out such spots for this very reason.

Furthermore, the appeal is significantly enhanced by its location within Indian Lake State Park. Locals can enjoy direct access to fishing on Indian Lake, known for its diverse species, and the ability to launch paddlecraft from the west shore unit. While the main beach and picnic area might be a longer walk or drive, the beauty of having these options nearby adds value. West Shore Campground offers an opportunity to experience Michigan's Upper Peninsula in a quiet, natural way, making it a perfect spot for locals to unwind, reconnect with nature, and create cherished memories in one of our state's most beautiful regions.

West Shore Campground - Indian Lake State Park

Co Rd 455, Manistique, MI 49854, USA