Nichols Lake South Campground
White Cloud, Michigan · on Nichols Lake · Manistee National Forest
Verified · 5 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $30/night
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Nichols Lake South Campground
Nichols Lake South Campground is a U.S. Forest Service campground on the south shore of Nichols Lake in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, near White Cloud, Michigan. The site's designated, buoy-marked beach gives campers a ready-made swimming hole, with an adjacent accessible fishing pier alongside developed camping facilities.
The campground sits within the Manistee National Forest on the south side of 160-acre Nichols Lake in Newaygo County, with a day-use area on the lake's north shore. The North Country National Scenic Trail passes through the area, and the surrounding forest supports fishing, hiking, and boating in addition to swimming.
Swimming at Nichols Lake South Campground
Swimming takes place at a designated, buoy-marked sandy beach reached via a wood ramp and stairs from the campground; camper accounts describe it as a small, clean sandy beach suitable for swimming and sunbathing, with a dock nearby used for water sports. No lifeguards are on duty.
How to get to this swimming hole
From Baldwin: take M-37 south 13.5 miles to 11 Mile Road, turn right (west) and go 4.5 miles. From White Cloud: take M-37 north 13 miles to 11 Mile Road, turn west and go 4.5 miles.
Parking: Day-use parking area with capacity for about 13 vehicles; additional parking at individual campsites (2 vehicles per site, with a fee for a second vehicle).
The hike in
North Country National Scenic Trail (optional, not needed to reach the swim beach)
Trailhead: Nichols Lake North NCT Trailhead, across the lake from the South Campground; the NCT also passes directly through the South Campground area near the boat ramp
The swim beach itself is a short walk (a wood ramp and stairs) down from the South Campground parking/camp loop -- no hike is needed to swim. The North Country Trail runs through/near the site for those who want to hike afterward, but distance from any specific trailhead to the beach was not published.
This is a drive-up beach: park in the campground/day-use lot, then walk down the wood ramp and stairs to the sand.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Small sandy, buoy-marked swimming beach with gradual sand entry (camper reviews call it a 'nice little beach' and 'small private beach'), plus an adjacent accessible fishing pier and kids' fishing events during Michigan Free Fishing Day. However, there is no lifeguard on duty at the beach, so young kids should be watched closely.
Parking
Paid, $10/vehicle day-use fee; camping is $30/night (2026 rate) which includes site parking
Day-use parking area holds about 13 vehicles. Campsites allow 2 vehicles each (fee for the 2nd); all tires must fit on the paved spurs.
Restrooms
Yes
Flush toilets and vault toilets in the campground, plus coin/free showers per FS and Recreation.gov listings; no separate day-use-only restroom noted beyond campground facilities.
Water clarity
Mostly clear
No official water-clarity or quality data found. Camper reviews (aggregated via mycampingspot.com) repeatedly describe it as a 'clean lake' with a sandy bottom near the beach -- visitor reports, not an official water-quality source.
Hours
Campground grounds are open 24/7 (forest quiet hours apply); camping season runs Early May through Mid-October; check-in 2:00pm / check-out 11:00am for overnight sites.
On the water
USFS lists both motorized and non-motorized boating as available activities on this lake, and there is a paved boat launch at the campground plus a dock camper reviews describe as convenient for 'water sports.' No specific horsepower cap, no-wake zone, or electric-only rule was published on the official USFS or Recreation.gov pages; the FS page directs visitors to check current Forest Supervisor's Orders for any motor restrictions in effect.
What regulars say
Aggregated camper reviews describe Nichols Lake South as having a 'nice little sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing' and a 'clean lake with sandy beach and dock'; one reviewer called it a 'small private beach.' Another noted the campground 'gets busy during prime times,' meaning summer weekends, so arriving early for beach and parking space is worth planning for. A reviewer also flagged it as good for kids, including nearby kid-friendly hiking.
Nichols Lake South Campground: FAQ
Does Nichols Lake South Campground charge a fee?
Overnight camping is $30/night (2026 rate); day use is $10 per vehicle; Senior/Access pass holders get a 50% campsite discount (day-use and reservation fees excluded).
Is Nichols Lake South Campground kid friendly?
Small sandy, buoy-marked swimming beach with gradual sand entry (camper reviews call it a 'nice little beach' and 'small private beach'), plus an adjacent accessible fishing pier and kids' fishing events during Michigan Free Fishing Day. However, there is no lifeguard on duty at the beach, so young kids should be watched closely.
Do I need to hike to reach Nichols Lake South Campground?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Nichols Lake South Campground?
Day-use parking area holds about 13 vehicles. Campsites allow 2 vehicles each (fee for the 2nd); all tires must fit on the paved spurs.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Nichols Lake South Campground?
USFS lists both motorized and non-motorized boating as available activities on this lake, and there is a paved boat launch at the campground plus a dock camper reviews describe as convenient for 'water sports.' No specific horsepower cap, no-wake zone, or electric-only rule was published on the official USFS or Recreation.gov pages; the FS page directs visitors to check current Forest Supervisor's Orders for any motor restrictions in effect.
When is the best time to visit Nichols Lake South Campground?
Campground operates Early May through Mid-October; summer is the main swimming season, while the lake is also popular for ice fishing in winter.
What are the rules at Nichols Lake South Campground?
Swimming area is marked with buoys but has no lifeguard; visitors may not bring in firewood from outside the immediate area due to invasive pest prevention; standard National Forest visitor rules apply (motorized vehicle use and occupancy/use orders); check-in 2:00pm, check-out 11:00am for camping.
What water body is Nichols Lake South Campground on?
Nichols Lake South Campground is on Nichols Lake, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
