Camp Nesbit

For us Michiganders, the allure of the "north woods" is undeniable – a call to pristine forests, clear lakes, and the kind of tranquility that recharges the soul. Camp Nesbit, located in Watton, offers precisely that: a "beautiful spot in the north woods." More than just a campground, it functions as an environmental center, primarily serving as a group-oriented facility, including a beloved Girl Scout camp. If you're looking for a place that blends rustic charm with opportunities for outdoor education and recreation within the stunning Ottawa National Forest, Camp Nesbit provides a unique and memorable experience.

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1938, Camp Nesbit retains much of its original rustic feel while incorporating "many modern conveniences." It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the natural world, whether through guided programs or by simply enjoying the surroundings. The camp is particularly known for fostering a love of nature and developing skills in a secure environment. While it serves as a valuable resource for organized groups, its setting and amenities highlight its potential for anyone seeking an authentic, nature-focused stay in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It’s a haven where you can explore, learn, and appreciate the raw beauty that makes our U.P. so special.

Camp Nesbit is situated at US Frst Service Rd 1400, Watton, MI 49970, USA. This address places it deep within the expansive and beautiful Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. Its location in Watton, a small community, emphasizes its secluded and natural setting, far from major urban centers.

Accessibility to Camp Nesbit involves navigating forest service roads, typical for destinations within a National Forest. While precise turn-by-turn directions from a major highway are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, its address on a "US Frst Service Rd 1400" indicates that it is accessed via established forest roads. These roads, while perhaps unpaved in sections, are generally maintained to allow vehicle access. The Kenton Ranger District, located at 4810 E. M28 Kenton, MI 49967 (phone: 906-852-3500), manages this area, and is a good point of contact for detailed driving instructions and road conditions. While it offers a "world away (from technology, that is)" feel, it's connected enough to be a viable destination. The charm of Camp Nesbit is precisely its remote nature, encouraging visitors to embrace the journey into the heart of the Ottawa National Forest. For those traveling from within Michigan, it's an opportunity to experience the true wilderness of the U.P., accessible enough for a purposeful retreat, yet far enough to provide genuine solitude.

As an Environmental Center, Camp Nesbit offers a comprehensive range of facilities and services, primarily geared towards group usage, educational programs, and residential camps (like the Girl Scouts camp):

• Dormitory-Style Cabins: The facility includes 12 dormitory-style cabins that can accommodate up to 144 people, making it ideal for large groups, schools, and organizations.

• Kitchen and Dining Hall: A fully equipped kitchen and dining hall are available for meal preparation and communal dining, essential for large group stays.

• Recreation Hall: A dedicated recreation hall provides indoor space for activities, gatherings, and events.

• Nurse's Cabin: A nurse's cabin is on-site, providing a designated area for health and first aid needs during programs.

• Fire Circle: A central fire circle is available for campfires, storytelling, and evening programs.

• Lake Access: The camp is "readily accessible to Lake Nesbit," an 18-acre lake perfect for various water activities.

• Archery Range: A dedicated archery range allows for instruction and practice in this popular outdoor skill.

• Shooting Range: A shooting range is available, likely for supervised activities and educational programs.

• Hiking Trails: Access to extensive "hiking trails" is a key feature, allowing exploration of the surrounding Ottawa National Forest.

• Low Ropes Course: A low ropes course provides opportunities for team-building and confidence-building activities.

• Volleyball Courts & Ball Field: Facilities for various sports, including volleyball and a general ball field, are available.

• Swimming Beach: A swimming beach on Lake Nesbit provides a safe and designated area for water recreation.

• Day Use Only Option: The center can be utilized for day use, with facilities and amenities available, excluding sleeping cabins. This option may also be available during the off-season without water, utilizing pit toilets.

• Required Group Provisions: Groups utilizing the facilities are typically required to provide their own cooks, kitchen linens, camp nurse, certified water instructor, and certified archery/shooting instructor, ensuring safe and well-managed programs.

• US Forest Service Provided Supplies: The US Forest Service provides basic cleaning supplies such as brooms, mops, cleaning agents, paper towels, and toilet paper for maintaining cleanliness.

• Historic CCC Construction: Built in 1938 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Camp Nesbit boasts a unique historical charm, blending "a rustic feel with many modern conveniences."

• Immersive Northwoods Setting: Nestled within the "beautiful northwoods of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan" in the Ottawa National Forest, it offers a deeply natural and serene environment.

• Private Lake Nesbit: The camp has direct access to Lake Nesbit, an "18-acre lake perfect for fishing, canoeing, and swimming," providing a private and tranquil water experience.

• Comprehensive Activity Offerings: It's an ideal location for a wide range of outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, boating, archery, and a low ropes course, promoting both physical activity and skill development.

• Educational Focus: Primarily functioning as an environmental center, Camp Nesbit is geared towards fostering a love for nature, learning new skills, and gaining independence, making it excellent for educational groups.

• Group-Friendly Facilities: With 12 dormitory-style cabins accommodating up to 144 people, a kitchen/dining hall, and a recreation hall, it is exceptionally well-suited for large group bookings, school trips, and organizational retreats.

• Technology-Free Environment: The camp intentionally promotes a technology-free atmosphere, encouraging campers to "fully immerse themselves in the wonders of nature" and build lasting connections without digital distractions.

• Focus on Youth Development: Particularly for programs like the Girl Scouts, the camp emphasizes fostering leadership, courage, confidence, and character in a secure environment through various activities and games.

• Floating Meals: A unique highlight for some programs, "floating meals on the lake" create memorable and distinctive dining experiences.

• Abundant Nature Exploration: The setting provides ample opportunities for nature hikes, exploring the wilderness, and observing local flora and fauna, instilling environmental appreciation.

Address: US Frst Service Rd 1400, Watton, MI 49970, USA

Phone: (906) 852-3500

Mobile Phone: +1 906-852-3500

For us Michiganders, Camp Nesbit in Watton offers a distinctive and incredibly valuable outdoor experience, particularly for groups and families seeking more than just a place to pitch a tent. Its designation as an environmental center, nestled deep within the "beautiful north woods" of the Ottawa National Forest, immediately resonates with our state's love for natural immersion and conservation. This isn't your typical public campground; it's a facility designed to educate, inspire, and foster a deep connection with Michigan's pristine wilderness.

The fact that it's "Built by the CCC" adds a layer of historical significance and rustic charm that many locals appreciate, providing a tangible link to the efforts that shaped our public lands. While it's primarily a group facility with dormitory-style cabins, its comprehensive amenities like the kitchen, dining hall, and a myriad of recreational offerings – from "archery range" and "hiking trails" to "swimming beach" on Lake Nesbit – highlight its potential for robust outdoor engagement. For local schools, youth organizations, or even multi-family gatherings, Camp Nesbit provides a structured yet wild setting for learning and bonding.

The emphasis on a "technology-free" environment is particularly appealing in today's world, offering a rare opportunity for our children and ourselves to truly "disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the simplicity and richness of the great outdoors." This focus on genuine interaction, skill-building (like canoeing and archery), and nature exploration makes it an ideal choice for fostering a love of Michigan's environment in the next generation. For Michiganders seeking a purposeful, educational, and deeply immersive Northwoods experience, whether as part of an organized group or simply desiring to understand its unique offerings, Camp Nesbit is an invaluable resource right in our own backyard.