Nichols Lake South Campground
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.
More like this: reservable in Michigan · big rigs in Michigan · pets allowed in Michigan
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 28 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 65 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
28 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | Waterfront | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Back-in | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | ||
| 02 | Back-in | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | ||
| 03 | Back-in | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | ||
| 04 | Back-in | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | ||
| 05 | Back-in | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | ||
| 06 | Back-in | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | ||
| 07 | Back-in | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | ||
| 08 | Back-in | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | ||
| 09 | Back-in | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard | ||
| 10 | Back-in | Paved | Partial | Lakefront | 8 / 2 | Yes | Standard |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 1:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 65 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Closed for the season. Forest Service sites close for the season; check the official page for the reopening date. |
| Season | May 13 to September 5 |
| Forest | Huron-Manistee National Forests |
| Fees | Camping (per night): Single Site: $30.00. Day Use (per person): Per Day: $7.00. Extra Vehicle: $10.00 |
| Rules | As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. |
Weather by month
Getting there
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.
| Nearest town | Manistee, Michigan |
| Coordinates | 43.7231° N, 85.9025° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- PrescribedSer 439 South Rx
20 mi from the campground · 43 acres
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 8.7 mi |
| Outdoor gear | 37 North ↗ | 21.6 mi |
| RV sales & service | Silver Lake RV Rental ↗ | 28.9 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Video of Nichols Lake South Campground, MI from Art S.
Trails nearby
- 0.4 miNct Nichols Lake South Spur ↗0.1 mi trail · hiking, bike · national_scenic_or_historic
- 0.8 miNct Nichols Lake North Spur ↗0.09 mi trail · hiking, bike · national_scenic_or_historic
- 3.3 miNct Highbanks Campground Spur ↗0.5 mi trail · hiking · national_scenic_or_historic
- 4.9 miMcCt - 7 Mile ATV Loop ↗5.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, e-bike
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Other campgrounds nearby
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.
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.
Nearby
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.
Guidebooks for Michigan
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Nichols Lake South Campground?
Sites at Nichols Lake South Campground are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Nichols Lake South Campground?
Camping (per night): Single Site: $30.00. Day Use (per person): Per Day: $7.00. Extra Vehicle: $10.00
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Nichols Lake South Campground?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 1:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Nichols Lake South Campground open right now?
Closed for the season as of Oct 16, 2026. Season May 13 to September 5.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Nichols Lake South Campground have?
28 sites, including 28 standard sites without power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Nichols Lake South Campground?
The longest site here provides 65 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are there showers or a dump station at Nichols Lake South Campground?
Drinking water, flush toilets, and showers are provided.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Nichols Lake South Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Nichols Lake South Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Nichols Lake South Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there is 1 active fire within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one. As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors.
Source: Fire nearby
What is there to do at Nichols Lake South Campground?
Fishing and boating are popular activities at Nichols Lake. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Nichols Lake South Campground?
Manistee, Michigan. The North Country Trail covers 4,600 miles from Crown Point, NY, to Lake Sakakawea State Park, ND.
Source: Getting there
What if Nichols Lake South Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Highbank Lake Campground (3.3 mi, first-come), Benton Lake Campground (3.8 mi, first-come), and Shelley Lake Campground (4.6 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby