Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Portage Lake Campground
★4.5(416 reviews)FreePark
🕑 3-5 hours for a day visit, or multi-day camping trips👶 Best for ages 3 and up. Younger children enjoy splashing in the shallow lake waters and exploring easy nature trails, while older kids and teens can tackle longer hikes, water activities, and gain independence exploring the campground.🧡 Saved by 50+ families
About
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.
Highlights
- ✓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
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on summer weekends to snag the best beach spots and shaded picnic tables near the water.
- 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.Pack water shoes for kids since the lake bottom can have small rocks and sticks near the shore.
- 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.If camping, reserve lakefront sites well in advance as they book up quickly during peak summer months.
Best Time to Visit
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.
What to Know
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.
Seasonal Notes
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.
Nearby Eats
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.
More Activities Near Bellaire
Park
Torch Bay Nature Preserve
★4.7Free❤️33
Torch Bay Nature Preserve offers families a pristine sandy beach and crystal-clear waters along beautiful Torch Lake, known for its Caribbean-like turquoise color. This peaceful, free day-use park provides the perfect setting for swimming, building sandcastles, picnicking, and simply soaking in some of Northern Michigan's most stunning natural scenery with your kids.
Playground
Bellaire High School
Free❤️31
Bellaire High School offers a free, community-accessible playground that's perfect for families looking for a convenient outdoor play spot in Bellaire. With classic playground equipment including climbing structures and swings, plus plenty of open space for running around, it's an ideal destination for burning off energy without breaking the bank.
Adventure
Clam Lake Road
Free
Clam Lake Road provides access to beautiful Clam Lake, a pristine northern Michigan destination perfect for families seeking outdoor water fun. With calm, clear waters ideal for young swimmers and plenty of space for paddling adventures, this scenic spot offers a wonderful escape into nature where kids can explore, play, and cool off during warm summer days.
Farm
Hobby Horse Ranch
$
Hobby Horse Ranch is a charming family farm in northern Michigan where young children can experience hands-on farm activities in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Kids can enjoy pony rides, meet friendly farm animals in the petting zoo, and take part in seasonal activities like hayrides that give them an authentic taste of farm life. The affordable pricing and variety of activities make it an ideal stop for families exploring the Bellaire area.