Shelley Lake Campground
4.2915 reviews650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Shelley Lake Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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 fees are $10 per night for all sites. No additional fees for amenities.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Shelley Lake Campground offers an intimate escape into nature with just seven thoughtfully placed sites, including two secluded walk-in spots perfect for tent camping purists. This rustic gem invites you to disconnect from the modern world—no hookups, no potable water, just you and the pristine wilderness. The centerpiece is a tranquil 15-acre lake that beckons anglers and kayakers alike, its calm waters reflecting the surrounding oak and maple canopy. Here, the only sounds you'll hear are paddling oars cutting through glassy water and the gentle rustle of leaves overhead.
Shelley Lake Campground consists of rustic campsites with options for tent camping and walk-in sites. It is suitable for small campers but lacks amenities for RVs or large groups.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Michigan's seasons at Shelley Lake, where each visit paints a different portrait of natural beauty. Summer transforms the campground into a warm haven, with temperatures hovering around a comfortable 75°F and minimal rainfall creating perfect conditions for lakeside adventures. As autumn arrives, the surrounding hardwoods burst into a spectacular display of reds and golds. Winter brings a profound stillness to the unmaintained campground, blanketing the landscape in snow and solitude. Spring awakens the forest with fresh growth and the return of migrating birds, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking renewal.
ElevationNestled within the gently rolling terrain of Michigan's forested heartland, the campground sits comfortably among mature hardwoods that have stood sentinel for generations. The natural topography creates intimate camping spaces while maintaining easy access to the lake's edge.
Natural Features and SceneryShelley Lake Campground showcases the understated beauty of Michigan's northern forests, where towering oaks and maples create a living cathedral above your campsite. The star attraction, Shelley Lake, stretches across 15 pristine acres with crystal-clear waters reaching depths of up to 15 feet—shallow enough to wade in spots yet deep enough to harbor a healthy fish population. Morning mist often dances across the lake's surface, while afternoons bring dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy. Wildlife thrives here, from deer quietly browsing at dawn to great blue herons stalking the shallows, creating endless opportunities for nature observation and photography.
Geological RegionSituated within the vast Huron-Manistee National Forests ecosystem, Shelley Lake represents a perfect example of Michigan's glacially carved landscape. The shallow basin that cradles the 15-acre lake was sculpted by ancient ice sheets, leaving behind this jewel-like body of water with its gentle 15-foot maximum depth. The surrounding forest floor tells the story of centuries of oak and maple dominance, their deep roots anchored in the rich, well-drained soils typical of this region. This geological heritage has created an ideal habitat where water, forest, and earth converge in perfect harmony.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for Shelley Lake Campground.
Sites SizeThe sites are small and rustic, suitable for tents and small campers. "Great little campground, they only have a few sites u can get into with a camper but there are walk-in sites for tents," according to Billy Bob.
Sites PrivacySites are mostly spread out and secluded, but two are clustered together. "Sites are mostly spread out, 2 are together," notes Ari Adler.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesIf privacy and proximity to water are important, campsite #3 is recommended. Walk-in tent sites provide additional seclusion.
Best CampsitesCampsite #3 is highlighted in a user review as a walk-in site surrounded by water and described as 'very cool.'
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Open 24 hours a day
- no specific check-in time.
Check-out
- Open 24 hours a day
- no specific check-out time.
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit guest limits mentioned.
Groups
- Group camping is not supported
- the campground is best suited for small groups or individuals.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 7 rustic sites, with two walk-in sites accessible via a footbridge. Sites are relatively spread out, providing privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season from May 1 to October 31. Campground is not maintained in the off-season.
Reservation PlatformsNot available for reservations; first-come-first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system.
Cancellation PolicyWalk-in only; reservations are not available.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Shelley Lake Campground provides opportunities for rustic recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, non-motorized and motorized boating, and hunting in the surrounding forests. "Small lake for kayaking and recreational fishing," notes user Ari Adler.
Fishing
Fishing is a highlight here, with opportunities for lake and pond fishing, as well as ice fishing in winter. Kesha Dowdell enthusiastically states, "Great fishing!! Has several different kinds of fish to catch."Boating
Both non-motorized and motorized boating are possible on the lake. The shallow lake (15 feet at its deepest) accommodates small boats only.Winter Activities
Ice fishing is offered during winter months.Water Sports
Kayaking and other non-motorized water sports are available, as user Alex H mentions, "Secluded and a few nice camp sites on the water."Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned.
- Quiet hours not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include close proximity to water, broken glass as mentioned in user reviews, and seasonal wildlife.
Active alertsNone mentioned.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station and District (Address: 650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304, Phone: (231) 745-4631)
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 to October 31; peak during summer months and fishing season.
Trash and recyclingNo advanced trash or recycling facilities were noted in the official records or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresShelley Lake is adjacent to the campground, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and small boating. Maximum depth of the lake is 15 feet.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention issues such as trash left behind, broken glass, and the vault toilet being unclean.
HostNo campground host information available.
Campground Map
650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Driving directionsFrom White Cloud - Travel north on M-37 for 10 miles. Turn right and travel east on FR 5450 for 0.5 miles. Follow the primitive road to the site.
Access road is primitive and unpaved. The campground is well off the main road, and although close to M-37, forest road 5450 can be challenging for some vehicles. Not maintained in winter.Nearby places
White Cloud (approximately 10 miles
15 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Nearest supplies can be found in White Cloud, approximately 10 miles away, including grocery stores and gas stations.
Camper Reviews
4.3
15 reviews
Shelley Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews indicate Shelley Lake Campground is a peaceful and rustic destination best suited for individual or small group campers who appreciate natural settings. Reviews highlight fishing, kayaking, and the serenity of the environment, although some negatives include proximity to the highway and lack of maintenance.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the campground's seclusion and quiet atmosphere, as well as its proximity to a small lake ideal for fishing and kayaking. Alex H mentions, "Secluded and a few nice camp sites on the...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include lack of maintenance (e.g., trash and broken glass), limited site availability, and basic restroom facilities. User Kodi Veldheer says, "The site was trashed when we got there. It...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing trash bags to clean up sites and choosing walk-in tent sites for the best experience. Stefanie DeYoung recommends campsite #3, describing it as "a walk in surrounded by...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Positive reviews are most common during fishing season, and some quieter experiences are reported in summer. However, winter conditions can limit access due to unmaintained roads and lack of...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Beautiful little spot away from it all. Fully rustic and first come first serve." - Liberty Belle; "Pit toilets available. $10 per night." - Ari Adler; "Small boats only and no actual swim beach." -...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite #3 is frequently mentioned for its unique location surrounded by water. "Campsite #3 is a walk in surrounded by water, very cool spot," says Stefanie DeYoung. Conversely, a review mentions...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for disabled campers.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews mention experiences with pets or pet policies.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025