Is Goose Creek State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Goose Creek State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Goose Creek State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Goose Creek State Forest Campground has 5 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 Goose Creek State Forest Campground?

Goose Creek State Forest Campground is open Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.. 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 Goose Creek State Forest Campground?

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

How many campsites does Goose Creek State Forest Campground have?

Goose Creek State Forest Campground has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Goose Creek State Forest Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Goose Creek State Forest Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Goose Creek State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Goose Creek State Forest Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Goose Creek State Forest Campground

4.45

63 reviews

Top 6% in MISummer

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

Check Availability 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

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Goose Creek State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Overnight fees ($20 for most sites) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(989) 348-7068

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Goose Creek State Forest Campground

44.7593, -84.8400

Nearby places

Frederic — approximately 5.5 miles

Weather at Goose Creek State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Goose Creek State Forest Campground

Summer delivers the warmest, most reliable weather for paddling, swimming, and riverside relaxation. Daytime highs generally run mid-70s to low-80s, with cool nights in the 40s–50s. The shaded canopy keeps sites comfortable, but reviewers warn about bugs and deer flies during warm months. Pack repellent. With only nine sites, the campground stays relatively quiet even on peak weekends. Roads and the campground go unplowed in winter, limiting access for cold-weather campers.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in MI

Summer best for paddling, swimming and reliably warm days; ideal season per description.

Planning Tips

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

About Goose Creek State Forest Campground

Goose Creek State Forest Campground sits on a bluff above the Upper Manistee River with just nine first-come, first-served sites. The location is about 5.5 miles east of Frederic in Crawford County state forest land. No hookups, showers, or dump station. This is classic rustic camping with vault toilets and a hand pump for water.

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

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the warmest, most reliable weather for paddling, swimming, and riverside relaxation. Daytime highs generally run mid-70s to low-80s, with cool nights in the 40s–50s. The shaded canopy keeps sites comfortable, but reviewers warn about bugs and deer flies during warm months. Pack repellent. With only nine sites, the campground stays relatively quiet even on peak weekends. Roads and the campground go unplowed in winter, limiting access for cold-weather campers.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies an elevated riverbank where mixed red pine and hardwood forest creates a shaded canopy. Every site overlooks the Upper Manistee, a clear trout stream that runs below the bluff. Reviewers consistently mention the water clarity and wildlife sightings: loons, deer, turtles. The surrounding state forest amplifies the quiet. At 1,158 feet elevation, the terrain is gently rolling, typical of the northern Lower Peninsula.

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

Scenic ViewsContinuous views of the Manistee River from the campsites; river-side sites have immediate water views and walk-down access points.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Total Campsites9 campsites

Best CampsitesAll nine sites have river views. Sites closest to the central river access points are most convenient for paddlers and anglers. End or corner sites tend to be quieter and more private. Long-term visitors note occasional vandalism and graffiti on picnic tables, so condition varies.

Amenities available

Small rustic campground with basic riverfront site facilities; vault toilets and a hand-pump well provide sanitation and potable water. No electricity, hookups, showers, or dump station; sites include picnic tables and fire pits according to visitor reports.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

63 reviews

Recommended

Goose Creek State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Paddlers and trout anglers who can show up without a reservation and travel light. Direct river access from the bluff, brown and rainbow trout within casting distance of camp, and a shaded canopy that keeps sites cool through July. Repeat visitors call it a family tradition for a

Skip if

No hookups, no showers, no dump station, and no guarantee of a site means this doesn't work for RVers who need services or anyone with a tight schedule. A subset of reviews describe interactions that felt unwelcoming to campers outside the local cultural mainstream, so solo trave

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Goose Creek Trail Camp

Goose Creek Trail Camp sits in a mixed forest of jack pine, red pine, and hardwoods along the Upper Manistee River corridor near Frederic. Built for horse camping, the rustic group area offers vault toilets, hand-pump water, and direct access to the Shore-to-Shore Trail. Fees run $6–20 per night depending on site type and group size.