Goose Creek State Forest Campground

4.59

63 reviews

Fishing

Featured in:Fishing Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

1,158 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,158 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Goose Creek State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Self-register and pay at the walk-up kiosk on arrival. No numeric fee listed in source materials.

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

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Michigan

Provider

(989) 348-7068

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What Campers Say

4.59

Top-Rated

Based on 63 reviews

54 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanwater

Some mention

bugs

"Visitor reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the campground's scenic, quiet riverfront setting, good fishing and paddling access, and a classic rustic feel. Reviewers repeatedly note clear water, wildlife sightings (loons, deer, turtles), and value for the price despite the lack of modern amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Goose Creek State Forest Campground

44.7593, -84.8400

Driving directionsLocated along the Manistee River in Crawford County, about 5.5 miles west of Frederic via County Road 612 and Manistee River Road. Access is via the shared entrance through Goose Creek Trail Camp off Manistee River Road.

Accessible via County Road 612 and Manistee River Road; reached by driving through Goose Creek Trail Camp.

Nearby places

Frederic — approximately 5.5 miles

Best Time to Camp at Goose Creek State Forest Campground

While the campground welcomes visitors year-round, winter adventurers should know that access roads and the campground itself remain unplowed during snowy months. Summer brings warm, pleasant days perfect for riverside relaxation, though the lush forest environment means you'll want to pack insect repellent during the warmer months. Winter transforms the area into a quiet, cold-weather retreat for those seeking true solitude in Michigan's northern wilderness.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm pleasant days, paddling, fishing and small swimming area make summer appealing.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Northern Michigan forested river setting suggests strong fall colors and pleasant conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers paddling and fishing but high-water conditions and cooler weather can limit swimming.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but roads and campground are not plowed; winter access is limited.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.

About Goose Creek State Forest Campground

Tucked along a scenic bluff above the Upper Manistee River, Goose Creek State Forest Campground offers an intimate escape with just nine rustic sites. This quiet riverside retreat, managed by Hartwick Pines State Park, puts you steps away from excellent paddling and fishing opportunities on one of Michigan's premier trout streams.

A small, rustic state forest campground on the Upper Manistee River serving tent campers and small trailers with nine riverfront sites.

Weather and SeasonsWhile the campground welcomes visitors year-round, winter adventurers should know that access roads and the campground itself remain unplowed during snowy months. Summer brings warm, pleasant days perfect for riverside relaxation, though the lush forest environment means you'll want to pack insect repellent during the warmer months. Winter transforms the area into a quiet, cold-weather retreat for those seeking true solitude in Michigan's northern wilderness.

Natural Features and SceneryYour campsite perches on an elevated riverbank where towering red pines mingle with native hardwoods, creating a classic northern Michigan canopy overhead. Below, the Upper Manistee River winds through the landscape as a pristine trout stream, home to brown, brook, and rainbow trout that draw anglers from across the region. The continuous river views from your site and the surrounding state forest create an authentic northwoods experience that feels worlds away from everyday life.

Geological RegionUpper Manistee River valley in Crawford County; mixed red pine and hardwood forest along a bluff-like river bank in state forest lands.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Riverside camping focused on paddling and fishing, plus wildlife viewing and basic hiking from the campground into surrounding state forest lands. Small swimming area and carry-in boat/kayak access are noted by visitors.

HikingAccess to surrounding state forest lands and trails (including connections near Goose Creek Trail Camp); informal two-tracks and forest roads for day hikes.

FishingUpper Manistee River offers trout fishing (brown, brook, and rainbow) and other river species; anglers commonly fish directly from shore or launch small craft.

SwimmingVisitors report a small swimming area; river access for wading and swimming (be mindful of high-water safety).

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh-water river safety at the Manistee River (be mindful of changing flows). The surrounding state forest is open to hunting—campers should be aware of hunting seasons and take appropriate precautions. Seasonal roads are unplowed in winter. Expect insects (mosquitoes/deer flies) in warm months.

Weather at Goose Creek State Forest Campground

Reviews

4.6

63 reviews

Top-Rated

Goose Creek State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitor reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the campground's scenic, quiet riverfront setting, good fishing and paddling access, and a classic rustic feel. Reviewers repeatedly note clear water, wildlife sightings (loons, deer, turtles), and value for the price despite the lack of modern amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 63 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic river views from every site, peaceful/uncrowded atmosphere, strong fishing and paddling access, clean vault toilets and available hand-pump water, family traditions and repeat visitors.

Based on 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

This is a first-come, first-served rustic campground—arrive prepared with food, water, bug spray, and a plan for trash; small trailers are acceptable but there are no hookups. Bring patience for...

Based on 63 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Nice little rustic camp ground. Water is very clear and decent fishing.”; “Beautiful campground, great fireworks. No electricity, or dump station but the price is right.”; “So peaceful!”

Based on 63 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026

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