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

Merwin 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 Merwin Creek State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Merwin Creek State Forest Campground has 1 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.

Are there showers at Merwin Creek State Forest Campground?

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

How many campsites does Merwin Creek State Forest Campground have?

Merwin Creek State Forest Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Merwin Creek State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Merwin 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 Merwin Creek State Forest Campground?

Merwin 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 Merwin Creek State Forest Campground?

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

Merwin Creek State Forest Campground

3.30

20 reviews

Featured in:Boating Camping Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

627 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

627 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Merwin 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

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Michigan

Provider

(906) 341-3618

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What Campers Say

3.30

Mixed Reviews

Based on 20 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulsites

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"Reviewers generally praise Merwin Creek as a quiet, secluded, riverside, primitive campground with attractive riverfront sites. Common negatives are biting insects (mosquitoes and flies), the very basic toilet facilities (outhouses/vault toilets), and the lack of showers or modern amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Merwin Creek State Forest Campground

46.0343, -86.1211

Nearby places

Gulliver — ~9 miles

Best Time to Camp at Merwin Creek State Forest Campground

Fall delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs run mid-40s to mid-60s, nights drop into the 20s and 40s. The hardwood color peaks in late September or early October, and bug pressure drops sharply after the first frosts. Summer brings heavy mosquitoes and biting flies. Reviewers consistently mention needing strong repellent. July nights can still be cool enough for a campfire. Spring and fall may affect road access depending on seasonal conditions, though specifics aren't documented.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in MI

Fall delivers best conditions: peak hardwood colors, cooler temps and reduced bug pressure.

Planning Tips

About Merwin Creek State Forest Campground

Merwin Creek State Forest Campground sits along the Manistique River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering 10 primitive first-come, first-served sites. The campground has vault toilets and potable water. Riverfront sites draw anglers and paddlers looking for quiet access to the Manistique.

Small, rustic, first-come/first-served campground with 10 sites for tent and trailer use, many of which are riverfront.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs run mid-40s to mid-60s, nights drop into the 20s and 40s. The hardwood color peaks in late September or early October, and bug pressure drops sharply after the first frosts. Summer brings heavy mosquitoes and biting flies. Reviewers consistently mention needing strong repellent. July nights can still be cool enough for a campfire. Spring and fall may affect road access depending on seasonal conditions, though specifics aren't documented.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground runs along a largely undeveloped stretch of the Manistique River, framed by mixed hardwoods and conifers. Several sites sit directly on the river, providing shore fishing and small boat access. The forest canopy creates shade over most sites, and the corridor feels secluded. At 627 feet elevation, the terrain is typical northwoods: relatively flat with dense understory. The river here is calm enough for kayaks and canoes.

Geological RegionCentral Upper Peninsula (northwoods), mixed conifer-hardwood forest along the Manistique River corridor.

Scenic ViewsMany campsites offer direct river views and immediate access to the Manistique River; riverfront sites are consistently noted as the most desirable.

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 Campsites10 campsites

Best CampsitesRiverfront sites get the most recommendations from reviewers. They offer direct water access for fishing and launching small boats, plus better views of the Manistique. Sites fill on a first-come basis, so early arrival improves your odds of snagging a river spot.

Amenities available

Small, rustic campground with basic facilities only: vault toilets and a potable water well. No hookups, no showers, and no on-site services are listed.

Potable water

Vault toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Riverside recreation is the focus: fishing, paddling/boating, and wildlife viewing. The campground also provides access to surrounding state forest lands open to hunting (obey seasonal rules and stay 450 ft from occupied dwellings).

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh insect activity (mosquitoes and flies) in warm months; typical U.P. wildlife present (deer, waterfowl, and regionally black bears). Cell coverage may be intermittent and local forest roads can be rough—check conditions before travel.

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 Merwin Creek State Forest Campground

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

3.3

20 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Merwin Creek State Forest Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers generally praise Merwin Creek as a quiet, secluded, riverside, primitive campground with attractive riverfront sites. Common negatives are biting insects (mosquitoes and flies), the very basic toilet facilities (outhouses/vault toilets), and the lack of showers or modern amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers describe the campground as peaceful, secluded, and scenic with several riverfront sites and good shore fishing; reviewers repeatedly call it a "beautiful little" or "nice little"...

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early (sites are first-come, first-served), bring strong insect repellent, bring toilet paper/hand sanitizer for the vault toilets, and bring or plan to launch a small boat if you want...

Based on 20 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.1

(20)

Mead Creek State Forest Campground

Mead Creek State Forest Campground sits along the Manistique River with nine primitive, first-come sites. Four sites front the river directly. The campground has vault toilets, a hand pump for water, and fire rings. No hookups or showers. Maximum stay is 15 days.