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North Shore Campground Introduce

For those of us here in Michigan, especially those who cherish the tranquil beauty and expansive wilderness of the Upper Peninsula, North Shore Campground in Watersmeet offers an idyllic escape. Nestled along the serene shores of Lake Lac Vieux Desert, this family-owned and family-friendly campground provides a truly comfortable and immersive outdoor experience. If you’re looking for a place where you can fall asleep to the gentle sounds of "waves lapping," enjoy "roomy" sites, and have access to excellent amenities, North Shore Campground is a must-stay destination.

North Shore Campground distinguishes itself with its commitment to guest comfort and a genuine, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where the "Staff was the best part of the experience, very friendly and helpful," ensuring your stay is relaxing and memorable. Whether you're an avid angler, a family seeking a peaceful lakeside vacation, or simply looking to unwind amidst nature's beauty, this campground provides the perfect setting. Its location on a fantastic fishing lake, combined with modern conveniences like a "Shower/bath house onsite" with "hot water," makes it a top choice for Michigan locals seeking a quality camping experience without sacrificing comfort.

Location and Accessibility

North Shore Campground is ideally situated at E, 24885 Misery Bay Rd, Watersmeet, MI 49969, USA. This prime location places it directly on the north shore of Lake Lac Vieux Desert, a large and popular lake known for its excellent fishing and recreational opportunities. The campground benefits from being in the heart of Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, a region celebrated for its pristine forests and numerous lakes.

The accessibility of North Shore Campground is a significant advantage for those traveling from various parts of Michigan and even neighboring states like Wisconsin. Watersmeet, while offering a charming small-town atmosphere, is well-connected. The campground is located about 11 miles west of Watersmeet on Highway 2, then approximately 3.5 miles south on Cisco Lake Road (531). This makes for a straightforward drive, leading campers directly to the natural beauty of the area. Its proximity to the Ottawa National Forest and the Sylvania Wilderness Natural Area means that countless miles of hiking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing opportunities are just a short drive away. For those interested in local attractions, nearby Bond Falls, one of the most outstanding waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula, is easily accessible. The convenience of its location, combining a peaceful lakeside setting with easy access to regional attractions and necessities in Watersmeet or nearby Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin, makes North Shore Campground a highly desirable spot for a Michigan getaway.

Services Offered
  • Full Hookup Campsites: The campground offers 46 wooded campsites, each equipped with water hookups and your choice of 30 or 50-amp electric service, catering to both RVs and tents requiring power.

  • Modern Bathhouse: A key amenity is the modern bathhouse with clean restrooms and hot showers, a highly appreciated feature by campers.

  • Laundromat: For longer stays or refreshing your gear, a convenient laundromat is available on-site.

  • RV Dump Station: An RV dump station is provided, making it easy for RV campers to manage waste.

  • Boat Dock & Slips: A boat dock is available, and boat slips can be rented daily, weekly, monthly, or seasonally, making it ideal for those bringing their own watercraft.

  • Fish Cleaning Station: Anglers will particularly appreciate the dedicated fish cleaning station, making it easy to prepare their catch.

  • Camp Store: A camp store is on-site for any last-minute necessities, snacks, or camping supplies.

  • Wi-Fi Access: High-speed fiber optic internet is available throughout the campground, allowing guests to stay connected if desired.

  • Lawn Furniture: Thoughtfully placed lawn furniture is available for guests to relax and enjoy the scenic views.

  • Rental Cabin and RVs: In addition to campsites, the campground offers a three-bedroom rental cabin and modern camping RV rentals for those seeking alternative lodging options.

  • Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome, ensuring your furry friends can join your camping adventure (with standard leash rules and cleanup policies).

Features / Highlights
  • Lakeside Serenity: Situated directly on Lake Lac Vieux Desert, many sites offer stunning lake views and the soothing sound of "waves lapping," providing a truly peaceful atmosphere.

  • Family-Owned & Friendly: The campground prides itself on being "family owned and family friendly," with a "great host" and staff who are "very friendly and helpful," creating a warm and welcoming environment for all.

  • Excellent Fishing Lake: Lake Lac Vieux Desert is renowned for its fishing, with opportunities to catch Musky, Walleye, and various panfish. The on-site boat dock and fish cleaning station further enhance the fishing experience.

  • Modern Amenities for Comfort: Unlike many rustic U.P. campgrounds, North Shore offers modern conveniences such as a clean bathhouse with hot showers and a laundromat, significantly enhancing comfort during your stay.

  • Spacious Wooded Sites: The campground features "fully wooded sites that provide both privacy and a tranquil atmosphere," ensuring a comfortable and uncrowded camping experience.

  • High-Speed Wi-Fi: The availability of fiber optic high-speed internet throughout the campground is a significant advantage for those who need to stay connected or work remotely.

  • Boat Launch On-Site: A boat ramp is available, providing easy access to Lake Lac Vieux Desert for all types of watercraft.

  • Proximity to Natural Wonders: It serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions like the Ottawa National Forest, the Sylvania Wilderness Natural Area (offering vast opportunities for wildlife watching, canoeing, and hiking), and the stunning Bond Falls.

  • Convenient Location: Being just a short drive from Watersmeet, campers have easy access to local restaurants, shops, and a casino, blending outdoor immersion with practical conveniences.

  • Flexible Accommodations: With electric and water hookups, tent spots, rental RVs, and a cabin, North Shore Campground can cater to a wide range of camping preferences and needs.

Contact Information

Address: E, 24885 Misery Bay Rd, Watersmeet, MI 49969, USA

Phone: (906) 544-2188

Mobile Phone: +1 906-544-2188

Conclusion: Why North Shore Campground is Suitable for Locals

For us Michiganders, North Shore Campground in Watersmeet truly captures the essence of a perfect Upper Peninsula getaway. It strikes that ideal balance between immersing ourselves in the serene wilderness and enjoying the comforts that make a camping trip truly relaxing. We appreciate the "family owned and family friendly" atmosphere, a hallmark of genuine Michigan hospitality that makes you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. The glowing reviews about the "great host" and "very friendly and helpful" staff underscore this commitment to a positive guest experience, which is something we locals truly value.

The ability to "sleep peacefully by the lake listening to waves lapping" is an experience many of us crave, a direct connection to the tranquil natural beauty of our state. Unlike some more rustic sites, North Shore Campground offers the best of both worlds with its "Shower/bath house onsite" boasting "hot water" and a convenient "dump station" for RVs. This means we can enjoy the raw beauty of the U.P. without completely roughing it, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of campers, including families and those who prefer a few more creature comforts.

Furthermore, its location on Lake Lac Vieux Desert means excellent fishing is at our fingertips, complemented by a dedicated "boat dock with fish cleaning station." This caters perfectly to our love for angling and watersports. Plus, being a short drive from Watersmeet and near the vast Ottawa National Forest and Sylvania Wilderness Area means we have endless opportunities for hiking, exploring, and connecting with Michigan's incredible outdoors. Whether it's a weekend escape or a longer vacation, North Shore Campground provides a welcoming, well-equipped, and perfectly situated base for Michiganders to create lasting memories in the heart of our beloved Upper Peninsula. It truly is a "must stay" for anyone looking to experience the best of Michigan camping.

Location

MichiganGogebic CountyWatersmeetMisery Bay Road

Customer Reviews

4.0
52 reviews
K
Kevin Hatfield
Jun 21, 2025

We slept peacefully by the lake listening to waves lapping. A must stay! Family owned and family friendly. Greathost! Shower/bath house onsite, dump station, and boat dock with fish cleaning station.

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ICS Admin
May 10, 2025

The Staff was the best part of the experience, very friendly and helpful. Bathrooms clean, had hot water, always a plus. Didn't get to fish, but looked like a good fishing lake.

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Chad Lang
Aug 23, 2024

Nice campground. Not sure why people say the bathrooms are bad. Better than many and they keep them clean. Owners are awesome and super helpful. Had a great spot right on the water and was perfect for our trip.

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wendi weberpal
Jul 26, 2024

I cannot recommend staying here. The bathrooms are really awful. They are dirty and very in need of attention. The showers were seriously disgusting! Dirty, cobwebs, spiders, etc. No beach to speak of and the overnight sites are just kind of crammed together in one area. Overall, the most neglected campground I have ever stayed at.

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Donald Sharon
Aug 01, 2023

MUST READ!!!!!!! Campground hosts are very nice. As an honest review, the showers and toilets are very cobbled together. The beach isn't kept up and only about 10 feet wide cause it's jammed between other sites. Not sandy until you get your feet thru the muck. There's no 50amp services, no playground, no camp store. The sites are extremely small. Our site had 2 storage sheds, 3 picnic tables, and firewood for sale in it. Was 25 feet long by 16 feet wide. They charge $47 a night with a boat slip. If you don't bring a boat, you're paying the same price. The campground is just very old and not kept up. I wouldn't recommend to anyone unless their intentions are to sit in their camper the whole trip. Do not go by what they're website shows cause it is nothing like that anymore. For what they charge you could go to a really nice campground with some amenities.