Old US-131 State Forest Campground

LAT 44.491897818299996 LONG -85.417039052000007

Required

(25) $20

This rustic campground is nestled in a pine forest along the banks of the Manistee River, offering amazing hiking and paddling opportunities. Located in Wexford County, 7 miles north of Manton.

This campground is managed by Mitchell State Park.

More Information

This rustic campground is nestled in a pine forest along the banks of the Manistee River and provides excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking and paddle sports. It is a popular destination for hiking and backpacking because it connects to the North Country Trail and is part of the 21-mile Fife Lake Loop connecting the campground to Spring Lake State Forest Campground. The trail is great for visitors looking for an easy overnight hike. A kayak landing on the Manistee River provides easy access to the campground for canoe campers.

There are 25 sites for tent and small trailer use. Five of the campsites are walk-in sites located near the waters edge. 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 miles north of Manton via US-131 and Old US-131. 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 trout, rainbow trout, bass, walleye, and suckers are caught in the Manistee River.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
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.
Off-Road Vehicle Trails/Routes Item is accessible.
Off-Road Vehicle Trails/Routes: This campground allows ORVs to be ridden from your campsite to access local ORV routes and other roads open for ORV use. Access is only available from the north. All other ORV use within the campground is prohibited.
Paddling Item is accessible.
Paddling: The campground is accessible by water and provides excellent paddling along the Manistee River. Carry-in access is located within the campground.

Facilities (Display as List)

Group Use Area Item is accessible.
Group Use Area: Group Camping is available in the walk-in campsite area of the campground.
Paddle-in Campsite Item is accessible.
Paddle-in Campsite: There are five walk-in campsites that are also accessible from the river for paddlers and tubers.
Rustic Site Item is accessible.
Rustic Site
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Walk-in Sites Item is accessible.
Walk-in Sites: The campground has five walk-in sites near the waters edge.
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access: This rustic campground is located along the Manistee River. Please be mindful of high-water safety.