Pine Lake Campground
4.3817 reviews1170 Nursery Road Wellston, MI 49689
Pine Lake Campground
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fee per night for a single site is $30. Extra vehicles incur an additional $10 per night. Day-use fee is $10 per vehicle. Payment must be made via cash or check.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Pine Lake—the crown jewel of Manistee National Forest—Pine Lake Campground beckons those seeking authentic wilderness experiences. This intimate retreat features just 12 thoughtfully spaced campsites where modern distractions fade away, replaced by the gentle lapping of lake waters and rustling forest canopy. Here, simplicity reigns supreme with vault toilets and a hand-pump well providing the essentials, while nature supplies everything else. As visitor Dean Craig notes, it's "small, quiet, and clean"—exactly what draws campers back year after year. Alizabith Winters calls it a "great off-grid camping spot," and she's right: this is where you come to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with what matters.
The campground is designed for rustic camping with a mix of sites suitable for tent and potentially small RV camping.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Pine Lake Campground transforms with Michigan's dynamic seasons, offering distinct experiences for every type of adventurer. Summer arrives with golden sunshine and warm breezes perfect for swimming and lazy afternoons by the water. Our weather data reveals the sweet spots: late May (week 22) brings those magical clear-sky days with temperatures that feel like nature's perfect thermostat. Early May (week 19) and early June (week 23) deliver warm, dry conditions ideal for hiking and paddling. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to spectacular fall colors reflected in the lake's mirror surface. While winter's snow and freezing temperatures (particularly harsh in late November and December) close the campground, these months transform the landscape into a winter wonderland visible from nearby trails.
Natural Features and SceneryPine Lake Campground sits at the intersection of two distinct ecosystems, creating a naturalist's paradise. The mysterious western shoreline reveals a pristine wetland where majestic bald eagles patrol from towering perches, their white heads gleaming against the verdant backdrop. Meanwhile, the eastern shore offers glimpses of charming private cabins tucked among the trees. The 156-acre lake itself teems with life—cast a line and you might hook feisty bluegill, perch, or the occasional trophy bass. Dense forests of pine and hardwoods create a living cathedral overhead, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Wildlife sightings are common, from deer tiptoeing to the water's edge at dawn to the haunting call of loons at dusk. As camper Leah Nummerdor enthusiastically shares, "Absolutely love this campground—very nice and quiet," capturing the essence of what makes this place special.
Geological RegionPerched within the rolling terrain of the Udell Hills, Pine Lake Campground showcases the fascinating geological story of Michigan's landscape. This corner of Manistee National Forest holds the distinction of harboring the forest's largest lake—156 acres of crystal-clear water carved by ancient glaciers. The lake's unique character emerges from its split personality: the federally protected western shore maintains its wild, swampy character where rare wildlife thrives among cattails and fallen logs, creating critical habitat for the resident bald eagles. In contrast, the eastern shore reveals how humans have gently integrated with this landscape through thoughtfully placed private cabins. This diverse topography within the greater Manistee National Forest creates microclimates and varied habitats that support an impressive array of flora and fauna.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are documented, and the toilet facilities are not wheelchair-friendly.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of 12 combined sites with grass parking aprons.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are noted as clean, secluded, and tranquil. However, some user reviews point out occasional flooding at certain sites and limited views due to vegetation.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early for site selection; some sites may be wet in rainy conditions. "Some sites are a little wet right now" (Dean Craig).
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.
Groups
There are no designated group sites, and no information on group capacity is provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle spur layout reaching toward the swimming beach. Sites are not directly adjacent to the lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 8 through September 13. Closed outside of these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations not available.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-served as noted in authoritative content and user reviews. "This is a nice place to show up first thing in the morning to grab your site of choice." (User review, Nicholas J Carroll).
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Pine Lake Campground offers activities primarily centered around the lake, including fishing, swimming, and boating.
Fishing
The lake provides fishing opportunities for bluegill, perch, and bass. User reviews label the fishing as 'great,' though one review warns of snakes near the lake.Swimming
A swimming area with a shallow, gravel-bottomed beach is available. User reviews and the authoritative source commend the clean and safe swimming conditions.Boating
Both motorized and non-motorized boating are allowed. The lake also has a boat ramp for easy access.Beach activities
The beach area is described as shallow and gravel-bottomed, making it suitable for swimming and picnicking.Winter Activities
None specified.Water Sports
Motorized water sports are permitted, and the lake allows for sailing. However, there are no mentions of water skiing or kayaking.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include snakes as mentioned in user reviews: "Watch out for the snakes" (Tiffanie Morgan-Martin). Some sites experience wet conditions after rain.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Cadillac/Manistee Ranger Station and District, 1170 Nursery Road Wellston, MI 49689 (Phone: 231-848-7090, open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed on federal holidays). Nearest hospital and police station information not provided.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling information is specified within the provided authoritative or user data.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly next to Pine Lake, which spans 156 acres. Swimming beach with shallow gravel bottom noted as good for swimming.
Common complaintsLimited potable water (hand pump water described as "urine colored water" in one negative review, Leonard Burdek III). Mosquito issues reported: "Mosquito infested swamp" (Leonard Burdek III).
Campground Map
1170 Nursery Road Wellston, MI 49689
Driving directionsFrom Wellston, MI, take State Rt. 55 west for 0.6 miles to Bosschem Rd. (County Rt. 669) and Pine Lake CG signs. Turn left onto Bosschem Rd. and go southeast 1.1 miles to Pine Lake Rd. Turn right onto Pine Lake Rd. and go 2.8 miles to campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. The parking aprons are grass, which may pose challenges during wet conditions. "Plan on doing most of your driving during the day as it gets DARK on the forest roads, which can get up to 70 mph." (User review, Nicholas J Carroll). Seasonal access noted: "Open May 8 through September 13."Nearby places
Manistee (17 miles, approximately 25 minutes). Wellston (approximately 5 miles, 10 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest location for groceries and camping supplies is Dublin General Store, known for jerky and other essentials. Short drives to Tippy Dam and Wellston provide access to fuel and additional supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.4
17 reviews
Pine Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Pine Lake Campground as a peaceful and clean destination with rustic amenities. Positive experiences include the clean, tranquil environment, and good fishing and swimming conditions. Some negative reviews mention occasional site flooding, mosquitoes, and subpar water quality from the hand pump.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
- Tranquil and secluded environment.
- Clean campsites and well-maintained vault toilets.
- Good fishing and swimming opportunities.
- Rustic charm and natural beauty.
Based on 17 reviewsCommon Concerns
- Occasional flooding at certain sites.
- Mosquito prevalence in the area.
- Negative experiences with the hand pump water supply ('urine-colored water').
Based on 17 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Arrive early to claim the best sites.
- Bring your own potable water as none is available on-site.
- Be prepared for mosquitoes and bring repellent.
Based on 17 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews are generally positive, emphasizing the tranquil environment and water-based activities. Some complaints about mosquitoes and flooding occur during wetter months. Winter data is...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Nice clean beech. Good outhouse with toilet paper fully stocked. Camp site was clean and secluded. Absolutely beautiful.'
2. 'A rustic campground great fishing watch out for the snakes.'
3. 'No...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are identified as the best or worst, but users recommend arriving early for better site selection.
Based on 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews explicitly address accessibility features.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025