Condon Lakes West Campground

23 reviews

Condon Lakes West Introduce

Condon Lakes West Campground is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Michigan's natural beauty. Located near Bitely, MI, this campground is part of the United States Forest Service (USFS) network, offering free camping to visitors who wish to connect with nature without the cost of traditional accommodations.

Nestled on the west side of Condon Lake, this charming campground provides a unique opportunity for guests to enjoy the tranquility of forest surroundings while being close to water activities. The six campsites are situated within easy view of each other, creating a sense of community among campers, though they offer minimal privacy. The site is accessible via Algers Road/Forest Road 5536, which leads to a sandy, unpaved path that adds an adventurous touch to the journey.

Condon Lakes West Campground features basic but essential facilities for outdoor enthusiasts, including vault toilets and picnic tables with fire rings. The campground also has a boat launch area, making it ideal for boaters who wish to explore the lake. While there is no water source on-site, campers can access water from Condon Lake, which is dyed blue to prevent algae blooms and weeds. This setup ensures that visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the lake while maintaining its ecological balance.

One of the standout features of this campground is its location near Nichols Lake and the North Country Trail (NCT). Hikers and backpackers will appreciate the convenience of being close to these popular trails, offering ample opportunities for exploration and adventure. The serene environment makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Condon Lakes West Campground is particularly appealing to nature lovers who enjoy camping in remote areas with minimal disturbance. However, visitors should be aware that this site attracts a diverse range of people due to its free camping policy. While some campers have described it as a peaceful haven, others have shared experiences of noise and lack of privacy. Despite these challenges, the campground remains a valuable resource for outdoor enthusiasts willing to embrace the raw beauty of nature.

Customer feedback highlights both the positive and negative aspects of staying at Condon Lakes West Campground. Many visitors appreciate the natural setting and the opportunity to camp without fees. However, some have noted issues with noise, lack of privacy, and disrespectful behavior from other campers. These concerns suggest that while the campground offers a unique experience, it may not be ideal for those seeking a quiet and secluded camping trip.

If you're planning a visit to Condon Lakes West Campground, it's advisable to arrive early, as campsites fill up quickly during peak seasons. Additionally, visitors should be prepared for basic amenities and the possibility of encountering other campers who may not respect the peaceful nature of the site. Despite these challenges, this campground remains a valuable destination for those willing to explore the beauty of Michigan's natural landscape.

For those looking to experience the great outdoors without breaking the bank, Condon Lakes West Campground offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature. Whether you're a hiker, backpacker, or simply an outdoor enthusiast, this site provides a chance to enjoy the serene surroundings of Condon Lake and the surrounding forest.

Remember to respect the natural environment and follow all campground regulations to ensure that future visitors can continue to enjoy this special place. Happy camping at Condon Lakes West!

Things to Do Nearby

Nichols Lake
North Country Trail
Boating and fishing on Condon Lake
Hiking and nature photography

If you're planning a visit, be sure to check the seasonal availability of campsites and plan your trip in advance. Condon Lakes West Campground is an excellent choice for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience in Michigan's natural beauty.

Location

Michigan Newaygo County Bitely

Customer Reviews

4.0

23 reviews

Evelyn M.

Sep 16, 2024

We backpacked into this campground from Nichols Lake. There are only 5 sites available, a vault toilet, picnic tables, and fire rings. When we arrived there was only 1 site left. No water source other than the lake, which is dyed blue to prevent algae blooms and weeds. The campground itself was nice enough, but the people staying there were incredibly rude and inconsiderate. I’m guessing because it was free to camp so it attracted the trashiest of trashy. At least 2 sites looked like they were living there, and they certainly acted like it was their own private property. One had trail cams and bright lights nailed into the trees all around their site, and we were convinced there was something sketchy going on. They kept leaving on a scooter and when they returned around 9pm, they cranked their music up so it blared across the whole park. Another site partied until 3 am, smoked weed constantly, and was blasting music and making all sorts of noise. Then the guys in the site next to us opened and slammed their car door 6 times over the course of an hour around midnight while talking loudly. We were exhausted hikers who were not able to get any sleep. The NFS is proposing a $15 fee to use this campground, and if it helps dissuade these type of people then I’m all for it. The rangers certainly need to be checking on it more regularly and enforcing the 14 day rule. It’s unfortunate that people have to ruin it for others to have a free place to camp off the trail. If you’re backpacking the NCT, or want to tent camp, avoid this campground. Hopefully the NFS can get it cleaned up.

Kevin L

Jul 12, 2020

We visited the Condon Lakes West Campground in late June 2020. Its six campsites are situated on the west side of Condon Lake. It's located off of Algers Road/Forest Road 5536 via a very sandy non-paved road. The sites themselves are within eye-site of each other and do not offer much privacy. When we arrived, all six campsites were filled. There is also a boat launch located right as your enter the campground. It seemed like a peaceful site, except for the random gun shots we heard. Condon Lakes West Campground is a USFS site and thus has no camping fees.

alva wilson

Sep 23, 2024

Great little free camping nice lake and good hiking

Kristina Elkins

Aug 04, 2019

Basic campground on small lake. Nice surrounding trails and no reservations. Good spot but the other people there were so loud and extremely trashy with no respect for others or the wildlife. Yes its free but then the people that show up are way more of a crapshoot...

Rebecca Sabin

Jun 25, 2020

A hidden gem. Beautiful forest with small lake. Free camping, first come first serve. About 6 sites. In the Manistee Natl Forest. Took a 2-track back to it with our Jeep. Has a vault toilet. Will camp there sometime. Just went fishing. Lots of nibbles but nothing to take home fishing on the shore.