Mead Creek State Forest Campground

4.64

14 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Mead Creek State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

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

(906) 341-2355

What Campers Say

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 14 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanwater

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Reviews are generally positive, praising the quiet, secluded, riverfront setting and suitability for paddlers and anglers. Campers consistently note the rustic nature and small size (about nine sites)."

Read all reviews

Best Time to Camp at Mead Creek State Forest Campground

While officially open year-round, winter transforms this campground into a true adventure—seasonal roads go unplowed, making access challenging or impossible once snow blankets the U.P. Spring through fall are your best bets, though be prepared for classic Upper Peninsula conditions: pack layers for cool evenings, and don't forget bug spray during late spring and summer when the mosquitoes stake their claim. The reward? Stunning fall colors, perfect summer river temperatures, and the kind of solitude that's increasingly hard to find.

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; seasonal roads and campground are not plowed in winter (winter access limited).

About Mead Creek State Forest Campground

Tucked along the winding Manistique River, Mead Creek State Forest Campground offers an authentic back-to-basics escape with nine intimate sites—four perched right on the riverbank. This is rustic camping at its finest: vault toilets, hand-pumped well water, and a first-come, first-served approach that keeps things simple and spontaneous (15-day max stay).

Rustic primitive campground with nine tent and small-trailer sites; first-come, first-served (no reservations).

Weather and SeasonsWhile officially open year-round, winter transforms this campground into a true adventure—seasonal roads go unplowed, making access challenging or impossible once snow blankets the U.P. Spring through fall are your best bets, though be prepared for classic Upper Peninsula conditions: pack layers for cool evenings, and don't forget bug spray during late spring and summer when the mosquitoes stake their claim. The reward? Stunning fall colors, perfect summer river temperatures, and the kind of solitude that's increasingly hard to find.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle sound of the Manistique River meandering through pristine state forest, where towering hardwoods mingle with fragrant conifers. Sites 1 through 4 claim prime riverfront real estate—step directly from your tent to the water's edge for fishing, paddling, or simply watching the current flow by. The remaining sites nestle on a low bluff above the river, where dappled forest shade and elevated views create peaceful, private retreats. The largely undeveloped Manistique and Mead Creek wind through this landscape virtually untouched, offering that rare sense of true wilderness seclusion.

Geological RegionCentral Upper Peninsula state forest along the Manistique River (Mead Creek/Manistique River corridor).

Campsite details

Total Campsites9 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; seasonal roads and campground are not plowed in winter (winter access limited).

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (no reservations accepted; first-come, first-served)

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Small, rustic riverside campground focused on paddling, fishing, and quiet backcountry camping. ORV/snowmobile access and hunting on adjacent state land are also noted.

Fishing

Fishing on the Manistique River for species reported in sources such as walleye, bass, and pike; shore and boat fishing possible.

Swimming

Some campers report swimming in the river; reviewers note cold water and currents—use caution.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsBoat launch access requires crossing a narrow wooden bridge; use caution, especially with larger vehicles or trailers. River water levels can fluctuate and currents can be cold and strong; be mindful of high‑water safety. Insect issues (mosquitoes, horseflies) have been reported by campers.

Weather at Mead Creek State Forest Campground

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 76%

Wind: 11.6 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsNo showers or hookups and minimal facilities; seasonal insect issues (mosquitoes and horseflies) reported in summer; narrow wooden bridge to the boat launch can be challenging for larger vehicles or trailers.

Campground Map

Mead Creek State Forest Campground

Driving directionsLocated six miles southwest of Germfask via M-77 and County Road 436.

Accessible via M-77 and County Road 436; seasonal roads and campground roads are not plowed in winter (winter access can be difficult or impossible after significant snow).

Nearby places

Germfask ~6 miles

Nearby supplies

Germfask (about 6 miles)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.6

14 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Reviews are generally positive, praising the quiet, secluded, riverfront setting and suitability for paddlers and anglers. Campers consistently note the rustic nature and small size (about nine sites).

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded, peaceful campground with excellent paddling and fishing access; riverfront sites (1–4) get strong praise for views and direct water access; clean vault toilets and good stargazing reported.

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early for first-come sites; bring bug spray and supplies (no on-site sales); use caution with river current when swimming; scout the narrow wooden bridge on foot if towing a boat trailer;...

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is an awesome campground...you can swim a bit in the river (it's cold and watch out for the current)."; "Bring lots of bug spray!"; "Off the beaten trail — rustic not so busy place to camp."

Based on 14 reviews