Cedar River North Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

4.38

34 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

$20/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) site

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Quick Facts

Price

$20/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) site

Get Directions

Cedar River North Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Reviews and site reports indicate a per-site fee of $20 per night; payment typically by self-registration envelope at the campground. Some reviewers...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(906) 863-9747

What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 34 reviews

34 Google reviews

Most mentioned

watersites

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the campground's quiet, secluded, and scenic riverside setting and its suitability for rustic/equestrian camping. Common negatives are heavy seasonal bugs, very basic restroom facilities, remote/poor directions (Google Maps often wrong), and rough access roads."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at Cedar River North Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

$20/night

Campsite fees

Stay Limit: 15 days

Prices verified December 13, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) website.

Best Time to Camp at Cedar River North Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Adventure awaits year-round, though winter visitors should note that secondary roads remain unplowed—making this a true backcountry experience for the well-prepared. Summer brings the full symphony of Upper Peninsula wilderness, including active mosquitoes, horse flies, and ticks, so pack your bug spray and do regular tick checks. The shoulder seasons offer cooler temperatures and fewer insects, but come prepared for limited services and classic U.P. weather that can shift without warning. Whatever season calls to you, dress in layers and expect the unexpected—that's part of the magic.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; campground is rustic and seasonal roads to the site are not plowed in winter.

About Cedar River North Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Escape to this hidden gem along the Cedar River, where rustic charm meets wilderness adventure. This primitive equestrian campground features 18 sites tucked among towering hardwoods and conifers—12 for tent campers and small trailers, plus 6 dedicated equestrian sites complete with corrals for your four-legged companions. With hand-pumped water, vault toilets, and a first-come, first-served policy, it's camping the way nature intended.

Rustic state forest/equestrian campground with 18 sites (12 tent/small-trailer sites and 6 equestrian sites). Equestrian sites include two attached 12' x 14' corrals; no hookups or modern facilities.

Weather and SeasonsAdventure awaits year-round, though winter visitors should note that secondary roads remain unplowed—making this a true backcountry experience for the well-prepared. Summer brings the full symphony of Upper Peninsula wilderness, including active mosquitoes, horse flies, and ticks, so pack your bug spray and do regular tick checks. The shoulder seasons offer cooler temperatures and fewer insects, but come prepared for limited services and classic U.P. weather that can shift without warning. Whatever season calls to you, dress in layers and expect the unexpected—that's part of the magic.

Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself camping beside the gentle curves of the Cedar River, where the forest whispers through a canopy of mixed hardwoods and evergreens. This secluded sanctuary sits deep within undeveloped state forest lands, offering a true sense of remoteness and tranquility. Each site is naturally screened by woodland vegetation, giving you the privacy to unwind while staying connected to the river's rhythm. Whether you're casting a line into the Cedar's waters, paddling its peaceful currents, or simply soaking in the sounds of the forest, you'll find the kind of wooded riverside solitude that's increasingly rare in our busy world.

Geological RegionMenominee County, Upper Peninsula; located on Michigan State Forest lands along the Cedar River

Campsite details

Total Campsites18 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15 days

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; campground is rustic and seasonal roads to the site are not plowed in winter.

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Outdoor-focused, rustic campground on the Cedar River offering paddling and fishing, equestrian trail access, hiking and mountain biking on the Cedar River Pathway, and winter trail activities. The site is used as a base for quiet, backcountry-type recreation.

Hiking

Cedar River Pathway is accessible from the campground; surrounding forest and old logging roads/two-tracks provide hiking opportunities.

Fishing

Fishing on the Cedar River (bass and trout reported). Green Bay/Lake Michigan is also noted nearby (approx. 4 miles east).

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsSeasonal high water on the river (exercise caution when boating), heavy insects (mosquitoes, horse flies, ticks), occasional wildlife including raccoons and reports of bears, and remote/rough access roads that may be impassable for some vehicles.

Weather at Cedar River North Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 72%

Wind: 7.3 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsMosquitoes, horseflies and ticks can be heavy in warm months; pit/vault toilets and very basic facilities; confusing or incorrect Google Maps directions and rough/remote access roads; occasional noisy groups at night reported by some visitors.

Campground Map

Cedar River North Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Driving directionsLocated northwest of Cedar River. Directions given in sources include: via Cedar River Road, Westman Dam Road and Schuster Lane (described as ~13 miles) or via M-35 and River Road/County Road 551 (described as ~6 miles). Note: reviewers warn Google Maps may route you incorrectly; follow posted signs and DNR directions (M-35 to River Rd/Co Rd 551).

Remote access via gravel/old logging roads and seasonal two-tracks; reach from M-35 and River Road (Co Rd 551). Road to campground may not be shown correctly on Google Maps.

Nearby places

Green Bay (Lake Michigan) mentioned as 4 miles east (per scraped content)

Cedar River is the nearest named community (6–13 miles depending on route provided).

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.4

34 reviews

Recommended

Cedar River North Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the campground's quiet, secluded, and scenic riverside setting and its suitability for rustic/equestrian camping. Common negatives are heavy seasonal bugs, very basic restroom facilities, remote/poor directions (Google Maps often wrong), and rough access roads.

Review Summaries

Based on 34 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the secluded, wooded river setting, many sites directly on the Cedar River, the low-fee rustic experience (reported $20/night), availability of potable water via hand pump, and direct...

Based on 34 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Do not rely on Google Maps — follow M-35 to County Road 551 (River Road) and watch for DNR signs; bring supplies, fuel and cash (self-registration fee reported); bring insect repellent and tick...

Based on 34 reviews