Nichols Lake South Campground

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Located on the south side of Nichols Lake, the campground and surrounding area offer excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, picnicking, hiking, camping, or just relaxing.

Nichols Lake has 29 family sites on paved spurs. Drinking water, flush toilets, and showers are provided. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. A wood ramp and stairs lead down to the lake from the campground. A short path along the lake provides access for fishing.

Need to Know

• An extra vehicle fee applies after the 2nd vehicle on single sites.
• Some single sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• All equipment must fit on the site. Vehicles should only park in developed areas.
• Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org/ for more information.

• Any accepted senior passes must be entered for the discount at the time of booking for single sites only. 

Natural Features

At 160 acres, Nichols Lake offers shore, pier, and boat fishing. Typical fish species available include bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, and northern pike. There is a swimming beach and accessible fishing pier available.

Those wishing to enjoy the day at Nichols Lake will find a day use area located on the north side of the lake.

Nearby Attractions

The North Country Trail covers 4,600 miles from Crown Point, NY, to Lake Sakakawea State Park, ND. The segment that includes Nichols Lake has beautiful sections for both the advanced and weekend hikers. The nearest towns are Woodland, Bitely, and Brohman, about two miles to the south.

Recreation

Fishing and boating are popular activities at Nichols Lake. There is a paved boat launch at the campground. This site is one of the locations on the National Forest's for Kids Fishing Day Events for Michigan's Free Fishing Day in early June. Ice fishing is also popular in the winter. Swimming areas are marked with buoys, but there are no lifeguards. The North Country National Scenic Trail goes through the site near the boat ramp, providing good hiking opportunities.

Contact Information

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P.O. Box 69 Manistee MI 49660

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Baldwin, take M-37 south for 13.5 miles to 11 Mile Road. Turn right. Go west approximately 4.5 miles to the campground entrance. From White Cloud, take M-37 north for 13 miles to 11 Mile Road. Turn west for 4.5 miles to the campground.

Available Campsites

• Site 04, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 27, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 08, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 20, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 05, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 01, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 12, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 16, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 24, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 02, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 23, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 18, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 10, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 15, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 11, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 25, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 19, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 17, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 14, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 22, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 03, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 26, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 28, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 09, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 21, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 13, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 07, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 06, Loop NICHOLS LAKE SOUTH CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric

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