Goose Creek State Forest Campground
4.6354 reviewsGoose Creek State Forest Campground
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsGoose 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Michigan
Provider(989) 348-7068
What Campers Say
4.63
Top-Rated
Based on 54 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."
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.
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 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.
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Campsite details
Total Campsites9 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com
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.
Hiking
Access to surrounding state forest lands and trails (including connections near Goose Creek Trail Camp); informal two-tracks and forest roads for day hikes.Fishing
Upper Manistee River offers trout fishing (brown, brook, and rainbow) and other river species; anglers commonly fish directly from shore or launch small craft.Swimming
Visitors report a small swimming area; river access for wading and swimming (be mindful of high-water safety).Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsHigh-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
22
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 86%
Wind: 12.8 mph
Overcast
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Good to know
Common complaintsNo electricity, hookups, showers, or dump station; bugs/deer flies in warm months; occasional vandalism/graffiti on picnic tables and some deterioration noted by long-term visitors.
Campground Map
Goose Creek State Forest Campground
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
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
54 reviews
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 54 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 54 reviewsPro 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 54 reviewsShow more
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 54 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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