Merwin Creek State Forest Campground

Star3.59
20 reviews
Merwin Creek State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

627 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Michigan
Provider
(906) 341-3618
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.59

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

Merwin Creek State Forest Campground

46.0343, -86.1211

Driving directionsLocated on the shore of the Manistique River in Schoolcraft County, approximately nine miles northwest of Gulliver via US-2, County Road 438 and County Road 433.
Accessible from US-2 via County Road 438 and County Road 433; final approach includes local/forest roads which may be unpaved.
Nearby places
Gulliver — ~9 miles

Best Time to Camp at Merwin Creek State Forest Campground

Pack layers for classic northwoods weather—even July nights can surprise you with a refreshing chill that makes campfire evenings perfect. Autumn transforms the forest into a riot of crimson and gold, while summer brings the buzz of mosquitoes and flies (bug spray is your friend). Spring and fall travelers should check local road conditions before heading out, as seasonal changes can affect access to this remote gem.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer offers pleasant nights and paddling, but biting insects are a common negative.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn 'transforms the forest into a riot of crimson and gold' — strong fall appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers river access and solitude but may include bugs and variable weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

No winter services noted; UP winters are harsh and facilities are primitive.

Planning Tips

    About Merwin Creek State Forest Campground

    Escape to Merwin Creek State Forest Campground, where ten intimate tent and trailer sites nestle along the pristine Manistique River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This rustic, first-come/first-serve retreat managed by Schoolcraft County offers the essentials—vault toilets and fresh well water—so you can unplug and reconnect with the northwoods.
    Small, rustic, first-come/first-served campground with 10 sites for tent and trailer use, many of which are riverfront.
    Advertisement

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite


    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Vault toilets

    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).
    FishingShore fishing and small‑craft fishing on the Manistique River; species listed for the river include walleye, pike, bass, perch, bluegill, musky, lake herring, and lake trout.
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
    Advertisement

    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.

    Weather at Merwin Creek State Forest Campground

    Reviews

    3.6
    20 reviews
    Mixed 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"...
    Show more
    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...
    Show more
    Based on 20 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Awesome tent camping with access to the river. Bring your boat.", "Very secluded quiet outta the way great price $13.00 a night.", "There are outhouses versus regular bathrooms ... bring your own...
    Show more
    Based on 20 reviews

    0
    0 review
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

    Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

    Been to Merwin Creek State Forest Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


    Last updated February 2, 2026
    Advertisement

    Nearby Campgrounds

    Campgrounds you may also like

    Popular campgrounds in Michigan

    Campgrounds
    Merwin Creek State Forest Campground