Tippy Dam Recreation Area

1500 Dilling Road
Brethren MI, 49619

100 (Acres)

Required

Tippy Dam Recreation Area is located on Manistee River and the upstream, dammed portion of the river, known as Tippy Dam backwaters
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Tippy Dam Recreation Area is located on Manistee River and the upstream, dammed portion of the river, known as Tippy Dam backwaters. At the park, you'll find a rustic campground that is open all year, trails, paddling opportunities, a rustic cabin and more.

Just below the dam lies one of the finest trout, steelhead and salmon fishing areas in Michigan. During the fall, anglers line the banks shoulder to shoulder trying to catch Chinook salmon. The record was a 47-pound catch.

Campgrounds

Tippy Dam-Rustic Cabin
800-447-2757
(1)
Tippy Dam-Rustic Campground
800-447-2757
(40)

Trails

Tippy Dam Trail
Trail Length: 1.00 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

Activities (Display as List)

Boat Rental Item is accessible.
Boat Rental: There are several local canoe and kayak liveries that launch from the park.
Cross Country Ski Item is accessible.
Cross Country Ski
Fishing Item is accessible.
Fishing: The park is home to world-class fishing along the Manistee River and the upstream, dammed portion of the river, known as Tippy Dam backwaters. In particular, salmon fishing is popular in the fall, and steelhead and sturgeon fishing are popular in the spring. Many other species can be found in both the river and lake.
Hiking Item is accessible.
Hiking
Paddling Item is accessible.
Paddling: Paddling is popular on the Manistee River and upstream, dammed portion of the river, known as Tippy Dam backwaters.
Snowshoeing Item is accessible.
Snowshoeing
Winter Camping Item is accessible.
Winter Camping

Facilities (Display as List)

Boat Launch Item is accessible.
Boat Launch: There are two boat launches in the park, including one on the Manistee River and one on the upstream dammed portion of the river, known as Tippy Dam backwaters.
Cabins & Lodges Item is accessible.
Cabins & Lodges
Concession/ Store Item is accessible.
Concession/ Store: A food concession is in the parking lot near the river during the fall months.
Fish Cleaning Station Item is accessible.
Fish Cleaning Station: A fish-cleaning station is located near the parking lot by the river.
Fishing Pier Item is accessible.
Fishing Pier: There is an accessible fishing pier located on the Manistee River by the parking lot.
Picnic Area Item is accessible.
Picnic Area: The picnic area is in the day-use area overlooking Tippy Dam’s backwaters. Picnic tables and charcoal grills are available first come, first served.
Rustic Site Item is accessible.
Rustic Site
Vault Toilet Item is accessible.
Vault Toilet
Water Access Item is accessible.
Water Access: The park is set along the Manistee River and the upstream, dammed portion of the river, known as Tippy Dam backwaters.