Goose Creek Trail Camp

Star4.64
44 reviews
Goose Creek Trail Camp

Quick Facts

1,184 ft

Price

$6 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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Goose Creek Trail Camp
$6.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reviewer-reported site fees range from about $6 to $20; actual fees vary by site/type and may differ for the equestrian group area versus the...
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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

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 44 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomssites

Some mention

crowdedmosquitoes

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the equestrian facilities, miles of trails, quiet northwoods setting, and river access. Reviews consistently note the campground's rustic character and basic facilities (vault toilets, hand pump water, no showers)."

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Campground Map

Goose Creek Trail Camp

Goose Creek Trail Camp

44.7634, -84.8381

Driving directionsLocated in Crawford County, about 5.5 miles west of Frederic via County Road 612 and Manistee River Road.
Accessible via county roads (County Road 612 and Manistee River Road) from Frederic; seasonal roads to the campground are not plowed.
Nearby places
Frederic — 5.5 miles

Best Time to Camp at Goose Creek Trail Camp

While the campground welcomes visitors year-round, winter adventurers should note that access roads aren't plowed, making seasonal trips more challenging. If you're planning a fall visit, keep in mind that hunting is permitted on surrounding state land during designated seasons—wearing blaze orange and checking the current hunting calendar will help ensure a safe and enjoyable stay.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Peak paddling, fishing and trail use in summer; river access and warm-weather activities available.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quiet fall setting and trails are attractive; access remains good though seasonal roads not plowed later.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 14% in MI

Spring offers paddling and fishing on the Manistee and trail access, though conditions vary with water/roads.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year‑round but roads not plowed; winter access and services are limited.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed.

About Goose Creek Trail Camp

Tucked into a tranquil forest of towering jack and red pines along the Upper Manistee River, Goose Creek Trail Camp offers equestrian enthusiasts a genuine backcountry experience. This rustic group horse camp provides the essentials—vault toilets, hand-pump water, and direct access to the legendary Shore-to-Shore Trail—while immersing you in the quiet beauty of Michigan's northwoods.
Rustic, equestrian-focused group trail camp with adjacent small riverfront tent sites in the state forest area.
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Amenities available

Potable water
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Primarily an equestrian-focused, rustic trail camp adjacent to the Upper Manistee River with immediate access to the Shore-to-Shore Trail and miles of loop riding/hiking. River access supports paddling and fishing and several informal put-in/take-out points.
HikingAccess to Shore-to-Shore Trail and multiple easy loop trails; notable Manistee River crossing from camp and nearby loop rides (e.g., to Lost Lake).
FishingFishing on the Upper Manistee River; trout species (brown, brook and rainbow) are reported in the river.
Boating
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRiver high-water can affect the Manistee River crossing—use caution and evaluate conditions before crossing. Hunting occurs in season—wear blaze orange and be alert. Wildlife precautions are advised (standard food/feed storage for bears and other animals). Facilities are rustic (vault toilets, no electricity); a submersible pump on site requires a large generator (reported 5,000-watt) to operate.

Weather at Goose Creek Trail Camp

Reviews

4.6
44 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Goose Creek Trail Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the equestrian facilities, miles of trails, quiet northwoods setting, and river access. Reviews consistently note the campground's rustic character and basic facilities (vault toilets, hand pump water, no showers).
Review Summaries
Based on 44 reviews

What Campers Love

Excellent equestrian setup and direct Shore-to-Shore Trail access; scenic Upper Manistee River frontage and multiple river access points for paddling and fishing; roomy sites and many loop trails;...
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Based on 44 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Expect a rustic, horse-oriented camp: bring supplies for stock care, insect protection, and self-sufficiency. Users report drinking water from a hand pump and a generator-operated pump—bring...
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Based on 44 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice clean horse camp. The new roads are great..."; "Wonderful facilities. Rustic camping with some group sites as well. Water pump access, public restrooms (no running water)..."; "Hidden gem of a...
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Based on 44 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026
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