Pickerel Lakeside Campground

For Michigan residents seeking a serene escape where the gentle lapping of water and the quiet hum of nature are the predominant sounds, Pickerel Lakeside Campground in Bitely offers an idyllic setting. Described as a "very quiet little campground" and a "nice place," this hidden gem is perfect for those looking to unwind, fish, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Michigan's outdoors. Situated directly on Pickerel Lake, it provides a unique opportunity for direct water access and a truly relaxing camping experience.

Pickerel Lakeside Campground is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch your tent; it's a community where peace and outdoor enjoyment are prioritized. For Michigan locals, it represents an accessible and affordable option for a much-needed break from the everyday. Whether you're an avid angler hoping to reel in the day's catch, a family looking for a clean and safe environment for little ones, or simply someone craving a quiet moment by the lake, Pickerel Lakeside Campground provides the perfect backdrop. Its friendly atmosphere, coupled with its convenient location near essential amenities and local culinary delights, makes it a compelling choice for your next Michigan camping adventure.

Pickerel Lakeside Campground is conveniently located at 12666 N Woodbridge Ave, Bitely, MI 49309, USA. This prime location places it directly on the shores of Pickerel Lake, offering campers immediate water access and scenic views. A significant advantage of its location is being "right off M37," a major state highway in Michigan, ensuring excellent accessibility.

For Michigan residents, reaching Pickerel Lakeside Campground is straightforward. M-37 is a key north-south route that traverses a significant portion of the Lower Peninsula, making the campground easily accessible from various cities. If you're traveling from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or other southern Michigan areas, you can take US-131 north to connect with M-37. From the north, M-37 leads directly to Bitely. The well-maintained state highway ensures a smooth drive, making it a convenient destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation without extensive travel time.

Beyond its easy access, the campground's location in Bitely offers a blend of natural seclusion and practical convenience. While Bitely itself is a small, quiet community, it provides essential local services. Notably, the campground's immediate proximity "right behind The Meat Shack" offers a unique culinary highlight, providing campers with easy access to highly-rated smoked meats and fish. This combination of lakeside tranquility, direct highway access, and nearby local charm makes Pickerel Lakeside Campground a highly accessible and desirable choice for Michigan locals seeking a refreshing outdoor experience.

While specific amenities lists might vary, based on the provided reviews and general expectations for a quality campground, Pickerel Lakeside Campground offers services focused on providing a comfortable and enjoyable lakeside camping experience.

• Campsites: The campground provides designated sites for campers, though the type (RV, tent) and hookup availability are not explicitly detailed in reviews.
• Boat Launch: A significant service offered is a boat launch, providing direct and easy access for campers to get their boats onto Pickerel Lake for fishing or leisure.
• Clean Facilities: Reviews mention the campground was "nice and clean," which implies that common areas and any shared facilities (like restrooms, if available, though not specified) are well-maintained.
• On-site Host/Management: The presence of "Fred" as a "very nice host" indicates that there is on-site management or a host available to assist campers, which is crucial for a smooth camping experience.
• Proximity to The Meat Shack: While not a direct campground service, its location "right behind The Meat Shack" provides convenient access to a highly-rated local eatery specializing in smoked meats and fish, enhancing the overall experience for campers.

Pickerel Lakeside Campground boasts several key features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for Michigan campers:

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: A predominant highlight, multiple reviewers emphasize the campground as a "very quiet little campground" and a "nice place," making it ideal for those seeking relaxation and escape from noise.
• Direct Lake Access with Boat Launch: Being situated directly on Pickerel Lake with an on-site boat launch is a major draw for anglers and boat enthusiasts, offering immediate access to fishing and water activities.
• Cleanliness: The campground is noted for being "nice and clean," which contributes significantly to a comfortable and pleasant stay for all visitors.
• Friendly Host/Management: The mention of "Fred was a very nice host" suggests a welcoming and supportive environment, where campers feel well-attended to. Good management can greatly enhance the camping experience.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Given its location on Pickerel Lake and the typical Michigan fishing culture, it's implied that fishing is a popular and rewarding activity here.
• Convenient Highway Access (M-37): Being "right off M37" makes the campground highly accessible for Michigan residents traveling from various parts of the state, reducing travel time and increasing convenience.
• Proximity to "The Meat Shack": This unique highlight offers a fantastic culinary convenience. Access to "some of the best smoked meat and fish" provides a delicious dining option without needing to venture far from the campsite.
• Family-Friendly Potential: While one review mentions an isolated negative interaction, the overall quiet nature and focus on lakeside activities can make it suitable for families, providing a serene environment for children.

It is important to acknowledge the negative interaction mentioned in one review, which, while unfortunate, appears to be an isolated incident with a fellow camper rather than a systemic issue with the campground's management or facilities.

Based on the provided information, Pickerel Lakeside Campground does not explicitly advertise any specific "Promotions or Special Offers" in the traditional sense (e.g., discounted rates, seasonal packages). Like many smaller, quiet campgrounds, its appeal often lies in its straightforward pricing, natural setting, and desirable features rather than promotional deals.

Camping rates are typically set per night or per week, varying based on the type of site (e.g., tent, RV with hookups) and the season.

Prospective campers are strongly encouraged to contact Pickerel Lakeside Campground directly using the provided phone number. When inquiring, it would be beneficial to ask about:

• Current nightly and weekly rates for available sites.
• Availability for your desired dates, especially during peak season.
• Any specific amenities available at individual sites (e.g., water, electric hookups).
• Details on booking or reservation procedures.

Direct communication with the host, potentially Fred, who is noted as "very nice," will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding pricing and any other details relevant to planning your stay.

To get in touch with Pickerel Lakeside Campground for reservations, inquiries about site availability, or any other questions, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 12666 N Woodbridge Ave, Bitely, MI 49309, USA
• Phone: (231) 745-7268
• Mobile Phone: +1 231-745-7268

We highly recommend calling the campground directly, especially if you have specific questions about site types, hookups, or the availability for your preferred dates. Speaking with the host, who is described as "very nice," will ensure you receive the most accurate and current information to help plan your peaceful lakeside getaway.

Pickerel Lakeside Campground is an excellent choice for Michigan locals seeking a genuine and peaceful outdoor experience. Its highly accessible location right off M-37 means less travel time and more time spent enjoying the beauty of Michigan's natural landscape, making it ideal for weekend getaways or longer, relaxing vacations without extensive driving. For Michigan families and individuals, the promise of a "very quiet little campground" provides a much-needed escape from urban noise, offering a serene environment for relaxation and reconnecting with nature.

The direct access to Pickerel Lake, complete with a convenient boat launch, is a significant draw for the state's many fishing enthusiasts and those who enjoy leisurely paddles. This ensures that water-based activities are just steps from your campsite. Furthermore, the presence of a "very nice host" and a consistently clean environment contribute to a welcoming and comfortable stay. The unique bonus of being "right behind The Meat Shack" adds a delightful local flavor to your camping trip, providing easy access to delicious, authentic Michigan fare. All these factors combine to make Pickerel Lakeside Campground a highly suitable, convenient, and truly peaceful destination for any Michigan resident looking to embrace the tranquility and natural beauty of their home state.