USDA Forest Service · Michigan
Nichols Lake South Campground
USDA Forest Service · Michigan, United States
- Sites
- 28
- Hookups
- 28 no hookups
- Season
- May 9 to October 12
- Max RV length
- 65 ft
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 873 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- AT&T weak · Verizon weak · T-Mobile none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- NICHOLS LAKE (NFSR 5140) · bituminous surface treatment · high degree of user comfort
- Lake
- Huron-Manistee National Forests
- Nearest town
- Manistee
- Address
- P.O. Box 69, Manistee, MI, 49660
- Activities
- Backpacking, Biking, Birding, Boating, Camping, Canoeing, Fishing, Hiking, Ice Fishing, Kayaking, Sailing, Star Gazing
28 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
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.
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.
Facilities
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.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29° | 15° | -10° | 53° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 30° | 15° | -7° | 56° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 41° | 27° | 11° | 71° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 54° | 36° | 18° | 78° | 7 of 11 |
| May | 68° | 48° | 30° | 81° | 2 of 11 |
| June | 77° | 56° | 44° | 90° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 81° | 63° | 54° | 94° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 79° | 63° | 52° | 87° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 75° | 57° | 47° | 86° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 57° | 44° | 31° | 72° | 1 of 10 |
| November | 41° | 31° | 9° | 63° | 9 of 10 |
| December | 33° | 25° | 3° | 59° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Walkup Lake Campground · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi
- Highbanks Campground · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi
- Benton Lake Campground · USDA Forest Service · 4 mi
- Shelley Lake Campground · USDA Forest Service · 4 mi
- Minnie Pond Campground · USDA Forest Service · 7 mi
All public campgrounds in Michigan · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-06-26. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.