Portage Lake Campground

Portage Lake Campground offers families the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and natural beauty in northern Michigan. With pristine hiking trails winding through the woods, a sandy beach for swimming and sandcastle building, and spacious picnic areas for family meals, this scenic state park provides an ideal setting for both day trips and extended camping adventures.

• ✓Sandy beach with calm, shallow waters perfect for young swimmers
• ✓Family-friendly hiking trails through beautiful northern Michigan forests
• ✓Spacious picnic areas with tables and grills for outdoor family meals
• ✓Excellent fishing opportunities from shore or boat
• ✓Well-maintained campsites for overnight family camping adventures

1. 1.Arrive early on summer weekends to snag the best beach spots and shaded picnic tables near the water.
2. 2.Bring bug spray and sunscreen, as mosquitoes can be active near the water in evening hours and shade is limited on the beach.
3. 3.Pack water shoes for kids since the lake bottom can have small rocks and sticks near the shore.
4. 4.Don't miss the hiking trails on the north end of the campground, they're less crowded and offer beautiful forest views perfect for nature scavenger hunts.
5. 5.If camping, reserve lakefront sites well in advance as they book up quickly during peak summer months.

Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the best weather for beach and water activities. Visit on weekday mornings for the quietest experience, or come in early September when the crowds thin but water is still warm.

Admission is free for day use, though camping fees apply for overnight stays. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into the state park. Restrooms and basic facilities are available, but no food concessions on site, so pack your own snacks and meals.

Best visited May through October when weather is mild and facilities are fully operational. The campground typically operates from late April to mid-October, with peak season in July and August. Beach and water activities are most enjoyable June through September when water temperatures are warmest.

Head to nearby Bellaire (about 10 minutes away) for family-friendly dining options including Short's Brewing Company which has a kid-friendly menu and outdoor seating, or stop at the local Dairy Queen for post-beach ice cream treats.