Orchard Beach State Park Family Campground Review
Campground Amenities & Campsites
Sitting on the top of a cliff, Orchard Beach State Park campground had a quiet, relaxed vibe, perfect for families, couples and retirees. Our kids especially loved that it was a fun and easy place to ride bikes around the smooth loops and low traffic. Our family camped at Orchard Beach State Park in July with four kids and grandparents in our travel trailer. While there is no direct beach access from the campground, the cliffside setting offers vibrant sunsets from up above, plus stunning panoramic views of Lake Michigan.
There are wooden stairs that take you about three-quarters of the way down toward the water, and it’s still a great vantage point even without full beach access. Orchard Beach State Park has 166 full hook-up campsites, one mini cabin on the bluff, two paved handicap sites. Modern campground with two rest room and warm showers.
Due to Erosion there is no Access to the Beach at Orchard Beach State Park
The campground was quiet and well-maintained. About half of the bathrooms were undergoing remodeling, so some facilities felt updated while others were still in progress, but all were clean and functional. A fish-cleaning station is available for anglers, and our kids loved the hammock stand located near the overlook. (Must bring your own hammocks)
Cost:
A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry, and typical camping fees range from $26- 45 for Michigan state parks depending on site type and season.
Highlights
Lighthouse at Fifth Avenue Beach
Take the Old Time Trolley at Orchard Beach State Park
Incredible cliffside sunsets
166 full hook-up campsites, one mini cabin, two paved handicap sites and two rest room and shower buildings.
large shelter building atop the bluff
Clean campground with bathroom remodeling in progress
Hammock stand near the overlook
Fish-washing station
Saturdays : 8–10 AM coffee and crafts, with a host activity at 11 AM
Old Orchard Beach Trolley: For $2.00 fee, this old time trolley tour includes various routes with 40 designated stops including the Splash pad, Downtown, Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach. It operates Memorial Day Weekend throughout September.
Nearby Beaches
Although there is not direct beach access from campground, there is several beaches near the campground.
Fifth Avenue Beach: Featuring a picturesque lighthouse along the boardwalk, a handicap accessible path to the beach, fishing right on the pier and a snack shop makes Fifth Avenue Beach a personal favorite of our families. Check out the full guide to visiting Fifth Avenue Beach. If you have children, the merry-go-round and the towering slide will be hits with everyone.
Ferry
Lions Pavilion Dog Beach: Dog families can head here so there pups can splash and play.
Magoon Creek: We personally enjoyed a to Magoon Creek, which offered a short, beautiful hike and plenty of opportunities to hunt for sea glass. Just go before the tide comes in for best rock hunting and sea glass finds! Visit the best beaches in Michigan for Rock Hounds.
Magoon Creek is ideal for finding beach glass and unique rocks
Hiking Trails
There are fun and easy hikes nearby, including Beech - Hemlock right across the street from the campground.
Nearby trails include:
Beech-Hemlock Nature Trail - across from the campground
Lake Bluff Trail – where people often spot eagles soaring overhead
Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve & Boardwalk (20 minutes away)
Campfire
Climb Trees
Nearby Restaurants & Attractions
Sands Park – skatepark, open fields, great for stretching your legs
Lake Bluff Farms – just 0.7 miles left of campground entrance; home to the stunning giant sequoia tree, a must-see
River Street Historic Downtown – charming shops, great strolling, access to the Channel River Boardwalk
Manistee Farmers Market – Saturdays 9–12
G & D Farm and Boutwure Alpacas – fun for animal-loving families
Day Trip Ideas
Orchard Beach makes a great basecamp for exploring nearby towns:
Frankfort – A charming lakeside town perfect for beach time, browsing local shops, and grabbing ice cream.
Silver Lake – Home to the famous dunes where you can try ORV riding, dune tours, and wide-open sandy beaches.
Traverse City – A lively destination with dining, shopping, and sandy bays; don’t miss the restored Vogue Theater for classic budget-friendly movies.
Ludington State Park Boasting 21 miles of trails, lighthouse, massive beach with sand dunes, and a handicap accessible playground at Hamlin Lake.
Things to Do Nearby
Fishing (multiple spots from beaches and piers)
Hiking
Sunset watching
Playground time at nearby parks
Shopping downtown
Wildlife spotting (eagles, deer, birds)
Water play at various public beaches
Pros & Cons for Camping at Orchard Beach State Park
Pros
Beautiful bluff-top lake views
Clean campground with updated areas
Close to many beaches and attractions
Great location for multi-generational camping
Excellent sunset viewing
Lots of nearby hiking and nature preserves
Campfire rings at every site
Cons
No direct beachfront from the campground
Some bathrooms still mid-remodel
Popular beaches nearby can get crowded in July
Sites close together
Frequently Asked Questions:
Verizon: The most reliable in the area. Usually 1–3 bars near the parking lot, but drops closer to the beach and wooded spots.
AT&T: Spotty. Some users report weak LTE near the top of the bluff, but service often disappears down by the shoreline.
T-Mobile: Limited to no service for many visitors, especially once you leave the parking area.
For best reception- Top of the bluff / parking lot. Service often drops or disappears by wooded areas and stairs and beach area.
Closing Thoughts
Orchard Beach State Park surprised us with its peaceful atmosphere, incredible sunsets, and access to so many family-friendly activities. Even without direct beach access, the surrounding beauty and variety of things to do made our stay memorable for both the kids and grandparents. Whether you’re looking for nature, adventure, or a relaxing weekend away, this is a spot we’d confidently recommend—and return to!
