How much does camping cost at Seaton Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Seaton Creek Campground range from $30-$80/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Seaton Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Seaton Creek Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Seaton Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Seaton Creek Campground has 30 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Seaton Creek Campground?

Seaton Creek Campground is open April 26 to October 12. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Seaton Creek Campground?

Seaton Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Seaton Creek Campground?

Cell phone service at Seaton Creek Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Seaton Creek Campground have?

Seaton Creek Campground has 19 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Seaton Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Seaton Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Seaton Creek Campground?

Seaton Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Seaton Creek Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Seaton Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Seaton Creek Campground: Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.50

94 reviews

P.O. Box 69, Manistee, MI 49660, USA

Top 25% in MIFall

Tent CampingGreat for Groups

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

922 ft

Price

$30 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open April 25 - Octo...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on American Land and Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

922 ft

Price

$30 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open April 25 - Octo...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on American Land and Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Seaton Creek Campground

$30.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $80.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Group Site Fee$80.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

231-723-0141Help.Huron.Manistee@AmericanLL.com

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Seaton Creek Campground

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 69, Manistee, MI 49660, USA

Seaton Creek Campground

P.O. Box 69, Manistee, MI 49660, USA

Nearby places

Mesick - 6 miles north

Driving directionsFrom the north: Follow M-37 south 6 miles from Mesick. Turn right on 26 Road (near Yuma) for 1.7 miles, then right on O'Rourke Drive for 1.3 miles, then right on Forest Road 5993 for 0.4 mile to the site. From the south: Take M-37 north 9 miles from its intersection with M-55. Turn left on 26 Road for 1.7 miles, then right on O'Rourke Drive for 1.3 miles, then right on Forest Road 5993 for 0.4 miles to the site.

Weather at Seaton Creek Campground

Current alerts(5)

All equipment must fit on the site. Vehicles should only park in developed areas.
An extra vehicle fee applies after the 1st vehicle on single sites and after the 5th vehicle on group sites.
Any accepted senior passes must be entered for the discount at the time of booking for single sites only.
Customer Service Contact 801-226-3564 or Help.Huron.Manistee@AmericanLL.com

Best Time to Camp at Seaton Creek Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the campground's most striking scenery and comfortable weather—expect crisp, clear days in the 50s–60s°F and chilly nights in the 30s–40s°F—making hiking, paddling the Hodenpyl Dam Pond backwaters, and wildlife viewing especially rewarding. Leaf color typically peaks late September into early October around the Mesick area, and insect pressure drops dramatically so campsites feel quieter and more tranquil. Crowds are generally moderate to low compared with summer weekends, but note Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in MI

Fall offers most striking scenery and peak leaf color late Sept–early Oct; quieter and very scenic.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 26 to October 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 25 - October 12. Closed for reservations outside this period.

About Seaton Creek Campground

Seaton Creek Campground sits in Huron-Manistee National Forests near Mesick, offering direct access to both the Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail. Operated by American Land and Leisure, this small seasonal campground features tent, RV, and primitive sites plus group options, with vault toilets, potable water, and a 14-day stay limit. Campers hike the trail network, paddle the Hodenpyl Dam Pond backwaters, and watch wildlife, with fall bringing peak foliage and fewer insects.

Seaton Creek Campground is a rustic campground offering options for tent camping, RVs, and group camping. It is particularly noted for its spacious group sites and secluded family sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the campground's most striking scenery and comfortable weather—expect crisp, clear days in the 50s–60s°F and chilly nights in the 30s–40s°F—making hiking, paddling the Hodenpyl Dam Pond backwaters, and wildlife viewing especially rewarding. Leaf color typically peaks late September into early October around the Mesick area, and insect pressure drops dramatically so campsites feel quieter and more tranquil. Crowds are generally moderate to low compared with summer weekends, but note Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation922 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryRolling forested hills surround the campground at 922 feet elevation, where hardwoods and conifers create a mixed canopy over the sites. Seaton Creek flows through the property before joining the Big Manistee River's calm backwaters behind Hodenpyl Dam. Some sites overlook the creek. The proximity to Briar Hill five miles east reflects the area's dramatic elevation changes, carved over millennia by water through the Michigan landscape. Cold tributary streams support native trout populations.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this site.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites accommodate larger parties
standard sites may vary.

Groups

The campground has two group sites. Group Site 1 is larger and more open, while Group Site 2 is smaller and more shaded. Both sites are private and include picnic tables and group-friendly amenities.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, mobile app, or the contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets, picnic areas, trails, and walkways are available. However, some trails leading to water are steep and may not be accessible for all visitors.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as large and spacious, accommodating family and group camping setups.

PrivacyThe sites offer good separation and privacy, with some overlooking the creek and surrounded by trees.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesSuggest reserving group sites for larger parties or selecting creek-view sites for scenic experiences. Check road conditions before travel.

Best CampsitesGroup site GR2 gets praise for privacy and shade. GR1 is larger but more exposed. Reviews recommend sites overlooking Seaton Creek, though specific numbers aren't mentioned frequently. Arrive early on weekends to claim creek-view spots.

Need help booking Seaton Creek Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Seaton Creek Campground offers a rustic camping experience with basic amenities. The campground features 17 family sites and 2 group sites, all equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. Drinking water is available via a hand pump, and there are two vault restroom buildings on-site. The campground provides limited cell phone service, and firewood can be purchased from the campground host. Trash collection is available, contributing to the cleanliness of the area.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. It is particularly popular for its access to the Manistee River Trail and the North Country National Scenic Trail.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyDon't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available at the campground, contributing to its cleanliness.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available but limited, as reported by visitors.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

94 reviews

Recommended

Seaton Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Seaton Creek Campground is generally well-received, with an average sentiment score of 4.56. Visitors appreciate the cleanliness, friendly campground host, and proximity to hiking trails. However, some complaints include noisy weekends and limited water access.

Review Summaries

Based on 94 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained vault toilets, large and spacious campsites, friendly and helpful host (Fred), and excellent access to the Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail. The group sites are...

Based on 94 reviews

Common Concerns

Visitors have noted issues such as loud parties on weekends, steep and poorly marked trails leading to water, and high fees for extra vehicles and firewood.

Based on 94 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group Site 1 is described as larger and more open, while Group Site 2 is smaller, more shaded, and preferred by some visitors. Both sites are praised for their privacy and suitability for group...

Based on 94 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early on weekends to secure a site, as it can be busy. Bring earplugs for noisy weekends, and plan for steep trails to water. Firewood is available on-site but may be cheaper from roadside...

Based on 94 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are quieter and offer a more peaceful experience. Summer weekends can be noisy and crowded, with local parties being a common issue.

Based on 94 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campgrounds are nice, with good separation between sites.' - Jeff Dunn 2. 'The vault toilets were very clean, and the water pump worked great.' - Joe Modzski 3. 'If you're looking for peace...

Based on 94 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground offers accessible vault toilets and trails, but steep paths to water may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.

Based on 94 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground. Visitors with pets have not highlighted any specific issues or praises.

Based on 94 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want direct trail access for hiking and paddling in a small national forest campground with group site options.

Skip if

You need quiet weekend camping or prefer level terrain to water features.

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Huron-Manistee National Forests

Upper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites offers 11 primitive tent sites along the Manistee River in Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan. Sites include vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, with direct access for paddling, fishing, and swimming. Open April 01 to November 30 with a 14-day stay limit.