Camp Chickagami is the perfect spot to spend your summer months. Our campus is laid out along the shore of Lake Esau, a quiet lake with friendly neighbors. Go for a swim at the water front, take out a canoe, go for a hike - the possibilities are endless. Our surrounding community is a great place to explore, especially our local Lighthouses, restaurants, and nearby Ocqueoc Falls.

Camp Chick is also a great place for a personal fall retreat. Our season wraps up in mid-October. Come and walk the colorful trails littered with crunchy leaves. Sit by a cozy campfire at night. Take a canoe out on a quiet, sunny afternoon. Fish from the docks or a rowboat. Read a book curled up in front of a fireplace. Play cards and munch on popcorn while looking out, thru the large picture windows in the lodges. Take some time away!

Camp Chickagami is also available for large group or whole camp rental. Our facility can host over 100 people at a time. We offer both cottages and dorm-style sleeping accommodations as well as large-group space. For large group inquiries please email Camp Chickagami directly.

Our full list of facilities for rent with a breakdown of beds and accommodations can be found here.

RENTAL FREQUENTLY-ASKED-QUESTIONS

ABOUT CAMP CHICKAGAMI
What is Camp Chickagami?​

Camp Chickagami is the ACA accredited family camping center of The Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan. It serves Michigan Episcopalians and other church and community groups as a site for camping, education and recreation programs. Our one hundred acres command the entire north shore of Lake Esau (one of Michigan’s most attractive small lakes) together with substantial frontage on Lake Huron’s beautiful Albany Bay. Most of the Camp is heavily forested and shelters several varieties of rare or endangered wildflowers. Camp Chickagami’s location “off the beaten path” provides a secluded environment, dark and starry nights and relative absence of intrusive lake traffic.

Is it okay if I’m not Episcopalian?​

Absolutely! You and your family are welcome here! As an Episcopal camp, we are passionate about being a brave space for all people. We celebrate a rich diversity of campers and staff including national origin, creed, religious belief, color, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, family structure, and ability. You are welcome here.

RECREATION AND SITE USE

Camp life centers around the Dining Hall and the Chapel, located on Lake Esau’s shore.

Fletcher Hall seats 120 for meals and makes a pleasant place to read by the fireplace, work jigsaw puzzles and stage rainy day recreation.

St. Andrew’s Chapel is a lovely outdoor worship area with an historic stone altar, rustic seating and farm bells to call campers to worship. In foul weather worship can be held in Fletcher Hall.

Our Swimming Beach on Lake Esau is a short walk from the Camp’s center. Its sandy, gently sloping bottom makes it ideal for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Two rafts are provided and canoes, paddleboats and rowboats are available at the Kauffman Building.

Lee Athletic Field is ideal for sports and games. Here you will find a tennis court, baseball diamond, half court basketball area, and volleyball.

The Craft Hut is a large structure set aside for “creative messy” activities inappropriate in other buildings.

Many Trails through the woods and to Lake Huron are available for hikers and walkers.

Campfire Sites are located by Fletcher Hall and on the beach by the Pioneer Unit.

STAFF & HOSPITALITY
Does Camp Chickagami provide staff?​

Rental groups must staff their own programs.

Does Camp Chickagami provide a lifeguard?

We do not provide a lifeguard. Adults must supervise their own children on the waterfront and we strongly recommend that groups have a qualified Water Safety Instructor (WSI) in control of all waterfront activities. Through more than seventy years as a diocesan institution, Camp Chickagami has never suffered a fatal waterfront accident. We do not want you, your child or a member of your group to be the first.

Who will feed us while we’re there?​

Groups do their own food purchasing, preparation and clean up. Food service may be available for an additional fee.

Who cleans up after we’re done?​

You will be required to clean your space after your stay unless otherwise arranged. A cleaning checklist will be provided to you.

Can we use the boating equipment?

Yes! If you’re renting part of the camp, you have access to any and all of our boating equipment. You may be sharing with another group so please be considerate.

Children must be supervised by adults and must wear life preservers.

Will we have access to a telephone or WiFi?

Sorry, no. We don’t have a public phone or WiFi connection.

Over the years, cell phone reception has greatly improved.  WiFi access is available just a short drive away at the Presque Isle Harbor.

May I bring my dog?

Dogs may be permitted on the premises of Camp Chickagami at the discretion of the Executive Director. Permission must be obtained prior to arriving at Camp Chickagami. There is a $50 fee per animal per stay. Email rentals@campchickagami.org to request and arrange.

Guests requiring service animals must communicate this information to the Executive Director prior to arrival.

The following rules must be observed with no exceptions. Those residing on-site with dogs will be asked to sign a document stating they understand and will abide by these requirements.

  • All dogs must remain on six-foot lead at all times and under the owners immediate control, except when in a private cabin
  • All dogs must be up to date on the following common vaccinations: rabies, bordetella, distemper and leptospirosis. A copy of the animals vaccination records must be provided before arriving on site.
  • All solid waste must be immediately removed from paths and common areas. 
  • Dogs are not permitted in any buildings aside from the primary camping residence of the guest. Service animals are permitted in all public areas as required by law. 
  • Any and all expenses incurred due to damage caused by the animal will be invoiced to the guest
  • Other rules that may be put in place on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Director

Camp Chickagami may require you to remove your pre-approved dog from the property if:

  • The agreed upon rules are not followed 
  • The animal causes significant disturbance to others, including but not limited to uncontrolled barking, not being housebroken
  • The animal poses a threat to the health or safety of others

If asked to remove the animal, it is the responsibility of the owner to make arrangements for off-site boarding during the owner’s remaining stay at camp. Rental fees will not be reimbursed.

Connect with us

Have a question? Looking to register or book? Fill out our contact form here and someone will be in touch right away.