Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground and Canoe Camp

LAT 44.750264534800003 LONG -84.8393611507

Required

(30) $20

Situated along the upper Manistee River, this rustic campground offers great opportunities for paddle sports and fishing. Located in Crawford County, 7.7 miles southwest of Frederic.

This campground is managed by Hartwick Pines State Park.

More Information

Surrounded by red pines and hardwoods, this charming rustic campground offers excellent opportunities for paddling and trout fishing. Located along the Upper Manistee River, visitors can walk a narrow footpath along the water’s edge and access the river from many points throughout the campground. A staircase in the center of the campground leads down to the river, or access is available by taking the footpath adjacent to site #16. There is a large group-use area near the river for paddle-in or walk-in camping. Parking for the walk-in sites is located a quarter mile southeast of the main campground entrance.

There are 30 sites for tent, small trailer and large trailer use. Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. The campground is located 7.7 miles southwest of Frederic via County Road 612 and Goose Creek Road.Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations.

View Campground closing and opening dates.

Activities (Display as List)

Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: Brown, brook and rainbow trout are caught in the Manistee River. A nearby fishing opportunity is Lake Margrethe (8 miles south).
Hunting Item is accessible.
Hunting: This campground provides access to state land open to hunting. Firearm hunting is not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling. Learn more about hunting.
Paddlesports Item is accessible.
Paddlesports: Explore the Manistee River from the campground. There is a parking area with space for 4 vehicles in the campground near site 5. The walk from the parking area is about 50 yards.
Winter Camping Item is accessible.
Winter Camping: This rustic campground is open all year; however, the campground and seasonal roads are not plowed.

Facilities (Display as List)

Group Use Area Item is accessible.
Group Use Area: There is a large paddle-in/walk-in group-use area near the river. It is located on the northeast side of the campground.
Paddle-in Campsite Item is accessible.
Paddle-in Campsite: There is a group-use camping area accessible from the Manistee River for canoe camping.
Rustic Site Item is accessible.
Rustic Site
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Walk-in Sites Item is accessible.
Walk-in Sites: There is a large paddle-in/walk-in group-use area near the river. It is located on the southeast side of the campground.
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access: This rustic campground is located along the Manistee River. Please be mindful of high-water safety.