4.0635 reviewsPrice
$16 - $30/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Late April - Mid Sep...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
$16 - $30/night
Booking
First-Come
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Late April - Mid Sep...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Fly fishers and trout anglers get the most out of this place: the Little Manistee is a legitimate Brown, Brook, and Rainbow stream with spring steelhead runs. Arrive early on a weekday, aim for one of the two riverside sites, and target late August before the September 6 closure
Host inconsistency isn't just a minor complaint here: multiple reviewers flag unclear pricing and occasional rudeness, so bring cash, get your fee in writing, and know what the senior/access pass discount covers before you arrive. No showers, no potable water, and spotty cell sig
Reference information about Old Grade Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Located on the Little Manistee River, this campground is completely surrounded by National Forest System land. There is a short interpretive hiking trail with foot bridges from the campground through a hemlock and birch forest. The campground is loctated near wetlands and many fields, making it an excellent area to view wildlife. Canoeing is not recommended on this portion of the river as it is very shallow, however, this area is popular with angerls seeking trout.</p><p><a href="http://go.usa.gov/x9h9q" target="external"><strong>Map:</strong></a> This brochure is set to print on 8.5x11 paper, landscape (wide) orientation.</p>
The elevation is 960 ft. The campground has a loop with single spur along the Little Manistee River in cathedral-like stand of pine wood. An old railroad grade by the campground's entrance is where the campground got its name. The marshy land between the campground and the river's bank can be soggy after heavy rains and produce a robust population of mosquitoes - bring repellent. Deer, beaver, and a variety of songbirds enjoy the area.
Open May 5 through September 13
The parking aprons are grass and gravel.
From Baldwin, MI, take State Rt. 37 north about 11 miles to Forest Rt. 5190 and campground sign. Turn left onto Rt. 5190 and go 0.1 miles and turn left into campground.
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Early fall is your window. Daytime highs run 60-75°F, nights in the 40s-50s. Bugs drop off significantly compared to summer, crowds thin out, and wildlife viewing along the river improves. The tradeoff: gates close September 6, so you're aiming for late August through early September. You won't catch peak fall color, but you'll get comfortable temperatures and solitude. Summer brings more mosquitoes and visitors.
Early fall called the best window: fewer bugs, thinner crowds, good wildlife viewing.
The Old Grade Campground is situated on the Little Manistee River and offers a rustic camping experience. The campground has 20 sites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire grilles. It offers basic facilities such as vault toilets that are wheelchair-friendly and one water spigot; however, potable water is not available. Many reviews highlight the cleanliness of the vault toilets, though some users mention issues like lack of toilet paper. There is no dump station, showers, or WiFi available at the site, and cell phone reception is inconsistent. A unique feature is the short interpretive hiking trail with footbridges that passes through a hemlock and birch forest.
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