How much does camping cost at Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Camping fees at Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp range from $68/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp is open Open year-round; seasonal roads and the campground are not plowed in winter.. 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 Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Cell phone service at Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp have?

Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Pets are not allowed at Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp?

Popular activities at Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

4.38

64 reviews

Top 6% in MIFall

Featured in:Fishing Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

938 ft

Price

$68/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

938 ft

Price

$68/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

$68.00 - $68.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly fee

No paid fee categories listed.

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(800) 447-2757

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

42.4221, -84.0448

Nearby places

Frederic — ~7.7 miles SW

Weather at Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Best Time to Camp at Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Fall is the standout season: crisp days in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F, cool mornings in the 30s, and vivid foliage along the riverbank. Paddling conditions stay calm, trout move near stream banks, and crowds rise on weekends during peak color but thin out midweek. Summer offers warmer paddling weather. Winter access is difficult. Seasonal roads aren't plowed, turning a visit into a backcountry trek. Pack layers and rain gear for typical northern Lower Michigan swings.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in MI

Fall is standout: vivid foliage, calm paddling and active trout near banks.

Planning Tips

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

About Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground sits on the Upper Manistee River in Crawford County's north woods, offering 30 first-come, first-served sites beneath tall red pines. A central staircase descends the small bluff to the river, where paddlers launch and anglers wade for trout. Sites run $68 per night and include fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilets, and hand-pump potable water. No electricity, no showers, no reservations.

A rustic state forest campground with tent and trailer sites, plus a paddle‑in/walk‑in group‑use area. Sites are first‑come, first‑served and camping is limited to 15 days.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the standout season: crisp days in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F, cool mornings in the 30s, and vivid foliage along the riverbank. Paddling conditions stay calm, trout move near stream banks, and crowds rise on weekends during peak color but thin out midweek. Summer offers warmer paddling weather. Winter access is difficult. Seasonal roads aren't plowed, turning a visit into a backcountry trek. Pack layers and rain gear for typical northern Lower Michigan swings.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Manistee River runs directly alongside the campground at an elevation of 938 feet, its flow audible from most campsites. Red pines tower overhead, with mixed hardwoods filling gaps in the canopy. A narrow footpath traces the water's edge, connecting several access points where the bank meets calm current. The understory is sparse in places, which reduces site screening but opens sightlines to the river. Fall foliage peaks late September through mid-October, when hardwoods shift to gold and red against the darker pines.

Geological RegionUpper Manistee River valley, Crawford County (northern Lower Peninsula)

Scenic ViewsRiver frontage and elevated bluff views near the central staircase; many sites offer close river access and forested, shaded surroundings.

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 allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (note: this site is managed by Michigan DNR but this campground is first-come, first-served; no reservations)

Total Campsites30 campsites

Best CampsitesSites near the central staircase and the footpath by site 16 offer the easiest river access. The walk-in and paddle-in group area along the river is preferred for canoe-access camping and closest proximity to the water.

Amenities available

Rustic state forest campground: vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. Sites include fire rings and picnic tables; no electricity or site hookups and no showers in the campground.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Primary activities are paddling (canoeing/kayaking) and trout fishing on the Upper Manistee River; additional opportunities include hiking along a riverside footpath, wildlife viewing and hunting access on adjacent state land. Winter camping is possible but seasonal roads and campground are not plowed.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBe mindful of high-water conditions on the river. Seasonal roads are not plowed in winter which may create access hazards; cell coverage is partial and may be unreliable. Carry appropriate river-safety gear for paddling.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

64 reviews

Recommended

Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are predominantly positive: visitors praise the peaceful, scenic river setting, strong paddling and trout‑fishing opportunities, and well‑spaced sites with maintained pit toilets. Common positives include quiet seclusion and tall red pines; negatives focus on limited amenities and access.

Review Summaries

Based on 64 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic Manistee River frontage and easy river access; excellent paddling and trout fishing; quiet, secluded atmosphere; well‑spaced sites with fire rings and picnic tables; maintained vault toilets...

Based on 64 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early (sites are first‑come, first‑served); bring cash/check for self‑registration and pack supplies (ice, firewood) as stores are not nearby; bring potable water or use the hand‑pump well...

Based on 64 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Great campground with great views.”; “Peaceful place but long drive to campground and no nearby places to go to store for ice and wood.”; “Rustic camping in CCC planted pines.”

Based on 64 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Paddlers and trout anglers who can arrive Thursday or Friday to claim a spot. The central staircase drops straight to the river, fall foliage peaks late September through mid-October, and the seasonal quality score hits 5/5 for a reason.

Skip if

No showers, no electricity, no nearby stores for ice or firewood, and a first-come system that punishes late arrivals on fall weekends. AT&T users will have no signal at all.

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Campgrounds

Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

From Michigan DNR

Official information for Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Located on a small hill in the Bruin Lake Campground, this yurt does not have electricity but does have access to the modern bathrooms and showers in Spring, Summer and Fall.

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