How much does camping cost at Timber Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Timber Creek Campground range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Timber 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 Timber Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Timber Creek Campground has 26 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 Timber Creek Campground?

Timber Creek Campground is open Not explicitly provided.. 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 Timber Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Timber Creek Campground have?

Timber Creek Campground has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Timber Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Timber Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Timber Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Timber Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Timber Creek Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Timber Creek Campground

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

Fire policies at Timber Creek Campground: Campfires are permitted within fire pits available at each site. Specific fire guidelines not detailed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.84

45 reviews

Tank Creek, North Country National Scenic Trail

Top 18% in MIWinter

Featured in:Spring Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

823 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

823 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Timber Creek Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fee is $10 per night for single sites. Payment must be made via cash or check. Sites may be reservable and reservation fees apply.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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USFS

Provider

(231) 745-4631

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Timber Creek Campground

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Campground Map

Tank Creek, North Country National Scenic Trail

Timber Creek Campground

Tank Creek, North Country National Scenic Trail

Nearby places

Baldwin (10.5 miles, approximately 12 minutes), Ludington (19 miles, approximately 25 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Closest store is 2.5 miles away and offers ice, cold drinks, groceries, and basic camping supplies.

Weather at Timber Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Timber Creek Campground

Fall delivers the best conditions. Mid-September through October brings daytime temps in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F and nights dropping to 25–40°F. The maples and oaks peak during this window, bugs vanish, and crowds thin compared to summer. Wildlife viewing picks up with deer activity and songbird migration. Winter sees use from snowshoers and winter campers. Spring and summer are options, but summer brings heavier weekend traffic and generator noise. Be prepared for possible storms year-round. Cell reception is very limited.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as best: peak maples/oaks, cool days and clear nights; strong seasonal appeal.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round from January 1 to December 31.

About Timber Creek Campground

Timber Creek Campground sits in the Huron-Manistee National Forests near Baldwin, offering 9 sites along a small impoundment at 823 feet elevation. The campground provides direct access to the North Country Trail and costs $10 per night. It's a rustic spot with vault toilets, fire rings, and no potable water. Bring your own or plan to haul from elsewhere.

Timber Creek Campground is a rustic, first-come, first-serve facility catering to primitive, tent, and RV camping. It features nine sites with fire pits, picnic tables, and vault toilets.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. Mid-September through October brings daytime temps in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F and nights dropping to 25–40°F. The maples and oaks peak during this window, bugs vanish, and crowds thin compared to summer. Wildlife viewing picks up with deer activity and songbird migration. Winter sees use from snowshoers and winter campers. Spring and summer are options, but summer brings heavier weekend traffic and generator noise. Be prepared for possible storms year-round. Cell reception is very limited.

ElevationThe campground rests at a comfortable elevation within Michigan's gently rolling forest landscape, where the terrain offers just enough variety to keep hikes interesting without demanding mountaineering skills. This moderate positioning creates an ideal microclimate for camping and provides accessible adventures for outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground borders a small impoundment shaped by glacial forces, with wooden bridges crossing Timber Creek. Sites alternate between sunny clearings and shaded spots under mixed forest canopy. The impoundment provides water views, while the surrounding woods show Michigan's typical northern forest ecosystem. The landscape is quiet and relatively flat, with the North Country Trail threading through the area. Expect deer and migrating songbirds, especially during fall. The forest includes maples and oaks that turn brilliant colors in September and October.

Geological RegionSituated within the vast expanse of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Timber Creek Campground occupies a unique position where water meets woodland. The small impoundment that defines the area speaks to the region's glacial past, while the mixed forest ecosystem demonstrates nature's resilience and diversity. This location offers campers a front-row seat to the subtle beauty of Michigan's northern forests, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape perfect for both relaxation and adventure.

Scenic ViewsScenic views include the creek and surrounding forested areas. Proximity to the North Country Trail enhances the natural experience.

Lodging & AccommodationsTimber Creek Campground does not offer hotel-style lodging accommodations. It is exclusively a rustic camping facility.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural and educational programs are not mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Open 24 hours

Check-out

Open 24 hours

Stay Limit

No stay limit explicitly mentioned

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific guest limit provided

Groups

Group camping sites are not explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutNine sites spread near the North Country Trail with varying sizes and shade levels. Road noise carries into some sites, affecting the sense of isolation. Spacing is decent but not total seclusion.

Reservation PlatformsReservations not explicitly attributed to a specific platform. Sites may be reservable.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are first-come, first-serve; no detailed information on walk-up availability patterns.

Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly detailed, though reservation fees apply.

AccessibilityAccessibility features were not explicitly detailed in any sources or user reviews.

Site SizeSites are generally described as 'quite large,' accommodating tents and small RVs, per user feedback.

PrivacyPrivacy varies; sites are described as having both shady and sunny options. However, road noise affects the sense of seclusion in some areas.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesOpt for sites farther from the road to reduce traffic noise. Sites are generally large with fire pits, grills, and tables.

Best CampsitesSite 8 gets mentioned in reviews but had trash problems. Generally, sites are quite large and can handle tents or small RVs. Look for shaded sites if you want cooler temps, sunny ones if you're running solar. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.

Need help booking Timber Creek Campground?

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Timber Creek Campground is a rustic facility located in Huron-Manistee National Forests. It offers basic amenities suitable for primitive camping. Vault toilets are available, but potable water is not provided, which aligns with the description from official sources and user reviews. "Restrooms are available at this site," noted one authoritative source, while multiple user reviews highlight the presence of vault toilets and a water pump with hand-operated functionality. The campground does not offer electricity, showers, or flush toilets. Fire pits and charcoal grills are available at individual sites, and picnic tables are also provided for campers. Trash and recycling facilities were not explicitly mentioned, and several user reviews indicate issues with trash around campsites, such as "We spent about an hour and filled a tall kitchen trash bag [of trash]."

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Timber Creek Campground offers outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and winter snowmobiling access. The campground is situated along the North Country National Scenic Trail, making it a popular spot for hikers. However, the impoundment is not a favored fishing spot.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include storms and flooding as mentioned in user reviews. The creek has risen significantly during past storms.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Timber Creek Campground.

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).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within fire pits available at each site. Specific fire guidelines not detailed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Forest quiet hours apply, specific times not mentioned.

Emergency ServicesBaldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station, 650 North Michigan Ave, Baldwin, MI 49304, Phone: (231) 745-4631. Hospital services not explicitly mentioned.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities were not explicitly addressed in authoritative information or user reviews. Several reviews note issues with trash left around campsites, indicating poor self-cleanup habits by prior visitors.

Water FeaturesLocated near a small creek with bridges and a small impoundment.

Camp HostForest Service personnel reportedly visit almost daily for maintenance.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is described as 'VERY limited,' per user reviews.

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

3.8

45 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Timber Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews present a mix of opinions about Timber Creek Campground. Many campers appreciate its rustic atmosphere and proximity to the North Country Trail, while others cite issues such as road noise and trash left by previous visitors.

Review Summaries

Based on 45 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned include 'great remote campground,' 'trail access right from the campground,' and 'sites are generally quite large.' Several reviews underline the campground's suitability...

Based on 45 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include road noise ('Noise from road, ok for overnight'), misuse of trails by dirt bikes ('over 50 guys rode through the campground'), trash around campsites ('We spent about an...

Based on 45 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 8 was noted as 'not the easiest with camper but worked out good,' although there were issues with trash around the site.

Based on 45 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing your own drinking water since potable water is unavailable, avoiding peak weekend times to ensure quieter camping, and being prepared for possible storms. One user noted, 'Lots...

Based on 45 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends indicate that the campground is busier during weekends in the summer, while weekdays offer a quieter experience. Winter activities focus on snowmobiling access, while summer sees...

Based on 45 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Sites have grill, fire pit, and table.' 2. 'The North Country Trail trailhead is right next to the campground.' 3. 'For peace and quiet, this is not the place.' 4. 'Vault toilets and water pump...

Based on 45 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility experiences were not addressed in the reviews.

Based on 45 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and features were not explicitly addressed in the reviews.

Based on 45 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

NCT hikers who want direct trail access from camp and don't need hookups or cell signal. Fall weekdays are the sweet spot: temps in the 40s-60s, zero bugs, and the oaks and maples are worth the drive from Baldwin.

Skip if

Road noise reaches multiple sites and past visitors have left fire pits full of ash and trash bags worth of garbage around camp. Light sleepers and anyone expecting a well-maintained site should know maintenance is inconsistent despite daily Forest Service visits.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Primitive

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Bowman Bridge Road, Baldwin, MI

Bowman Bridge sits along the Pere Marquette River in the Huron-Manistee National Forests near Baldwin, Michigan. Operated by American Land and Leisure, this small seasonal campground offers rustic tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and direct river access for fishing. Reviewers praise the spacious, well-maintained sites and friendly hosts, though highway noise and seasonal insects are common complaints.

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GLEASONS LANDING, BROOKS ROAD

Gleasons Landing sits on the Pere Marquette River in the Huron-Manistee National Forests near Baldwin, Michigan. American Land and Leisure operates this mid-sized campground with tent, primitive, and group sites spread along spacious riverside parcels. Anglers fish for steelhead and trout, paddlers launch kayaks and canoes, and wildlife viewers scan the wooded banks for deer and waterfowl.

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650 North Michigan Ave., Baldwin, MI 49304

Claybanks Campground sits along the Pere Marquette National Scenic River in the Huron-Manistee National Forests, offering 30 tent sites at $10-$15 per night. The campground is quiet and minimal, attracting anglers and campers who don't mind steep stairs to the river and no potable water on-site. Cell service is sporadic.

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Whelan Lake Area sits on 735 feet of elevation in the Huron-Manistee National Forests, offering three primitive sites scattered along the lakeshore. It's free to camp, but that comes with tradeoffs: no amenities beyond fire rings, and trash left by previous visitors is a recurring problem. The lake and nearby South Branch Pere Marquette River make this a solid base for paddling, fishing, and swimming if you're willing to pack out what others left behind.

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Frequently Visited

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Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground sits on two small wooded lakes in Lake County's state forest. The 18 rustic sites, split between Big Leverentz Lake (sites 1–11) and Little Leverentz Lake (sites 12–18), are first-come, first-served with a 15-day maximum stay. Amenities are basic: hand-pumped potable water, vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and a boat launch with floating dock on Big Leverentz.

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Highbank Lake Campground

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Highbank Lake Campground offers nine sites on a 20-acre lake surrounded by National Forest land. It's a small operation where you can fish, swim off a sandy beach, and launch kayaks without dealing with crowds. Summer fees run $30 per night. Sites fill quickly on weekends, and the campground host gets consistent praise in reviews.

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Less Visited

4.3

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Bear Track Campground

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650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304

Condon Lakes West sits within the Huron-Manistee National Forests near Baldwin, offering six primitive sites along a small kettle lake. The campground is free but basic: a single vault toilet, no water, and sites close enough that privacy is limited. It works for quick overnights or as a fishing basecamp if you don't mind neighbors and aren't expecting solitude.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campgrounds

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Timber Creek Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Timber Creek Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfs-hmnf/albums/72157670179289355" title="Timber Creek Campground"><img alt="Timber Creek Campground" height="375" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7713/27263559453_f40223a179.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p><p>The campground is located near a small impoundment, however the impoundment is not a popular site for fishing. The busiest use is the North Country National Scenic Trail trailhead located in the campground. In the winter this site is plowed and provides access to the Ward Hills Snowmobile Trail. ORV use is prohibited in the campground.</p>

Open Season: January 1 – December 31