How much does camping cost at Goose Creek Trail Camp?

Camping fees at Goose Creek Trail Camp range from $6-$20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Goose Creek Trail Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Goose Creek Trail Camp accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Goose Creek Trail Camp before I book?

Yes! Goose Creek Trail Camp has 8 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 Trail Camp?

Goose Creek Trail Camp is open Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed.. 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 Trail Camp?

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

Are dogs allowed at Goose Creek Trail Camp?

Pets are not allowed at Goose Creek Trail Camp. 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 Trail Camp?

Goose Creek Trail Camp 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 Trail Camp?

Popular activities at Goose Creek Trail Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Goose Creek Trail Camp

4.43

44 reviews

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,184 ft

Price

$6 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan DNR Set up a cancellation alert

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,184 ft

Price

$6 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan DNR Set up a cancellation alert

Get Directions

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...

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

4.43

Recommended

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)."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Goose Creek Trail Camp

44.7634, -84.8381

Nearby places

Frederic — 5.5 miles

Best Time to Camp at Goose Creek Trail Camp

Summer is prime for trail riding, fishing, and river boating. Daytime highs typically sit in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, nights cool into the 40s–50s. The Shore-to-Shore Trail is fully open and dry, river levels are steady for canoeing, and trout and smallmouth fishing are most reliable. Expect moderate weekend crowds and steady use by horse groups; weekday trips are quieter. Access roads aren't plowed in winter. Fall visitors should wear blaze orange during hunting season on surrounding state land.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is prime for trail riding, fishing, and river boating per seasonal notes.

Planning Tips

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

About 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.

Rustic, equestrian-focused group trail camp with adjacent small riverfront tent sites in the state forest area.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is prime for trail riding, fishing, and river boating. Daytime highs typically sit in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, nights cool into the 40s–50s. The Shore-to-Shore Trail is fully open and dry, river levels are steady for canoeing, and trout and smallmouth fishing are most reliable. Expect moderate weekend crowds and steady use by horse groups; weekday trips are quieter. Access roads aren't plowed in winter. Fall visitors should wear blaze orange during hunting season on surrounding state land.

Natural Features and SceneryJack and red pines tower over the campground at 1,184 feet elevation, with the Upper Manistee River winding through on sandy banks. Multiple river access points let riders water horses or launch canoes, and a river crossing leads into forested riding loops. Nine tent and small-trailer sites at the adjacent Goose Creek State Forest Campground sit right on the water. Reviewers consistently mention the quiet northwoods character and clear river water.

Geological RegionUpper Manistee River corridor / northern Michigan state forest (jack pine, red pine and mixed hardwood forest)

Scenic ViewsForest and river-focused views: jack pines/red pines and the Upper Manistee River with some sandy banks and river crossings; adjacent riverfront sites offer direct water views.

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 allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Best CampsitesThe main equestrian area is a large open group space without numbered sites. Users prefer areas closer to the river crossing and water access. The adjacent Goose Creek State Forest Campground has nine tent and small-trailer sites, all with river views.

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Rustic equestrian campground: vault toilets (outhouses), drinking water via a hand pump and a generator-operated submersible pump, no electricity or modern hookups; dumpster for refuse reported by users.

Potable water

Vault toilets

Group Sites

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

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.

Weather at Goose Creek Trail Camp

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

44 reviews

Recommended

Goose Creek Trail Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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;...

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...

Based on 44 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.5

(63)

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.