Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

4.49

64 reviews

Fishing

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

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) site

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

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

$68.00 - $68.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly fee

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

(800) 447-2757

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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 64 reviews

55 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietwatersites

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

42.4221, -84.0448

Driving directionsLocated about 7.7 miles southwest of Frederic via County Road 612 and Goose Creek Road. Parking for the walk-in/paddle-in group area is located approximately 1/4 mile southeast of the main campground entrance.

Nearby places

Frederic — ~7.7 miles SW

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

This campground welcomes adventurers in every season, though winter visitors should note that seasonal roads and the campground itself aren't plowed—making it a true backcountry experience for those willing to trek in. Autumn steals the show with spectacular foliage that draws photographers and leaf-peepers alike, while summer offers perfect paddling conditions. Pack for typical northern Lower Michigan weather: layered clothing, rain gear, and an appreciation for the changing moods of the north woods.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Ideal for paddling, trout fishing and riverside camping in summer; many activities available.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in MI

Breathtaking fall colors in mixed hardwoods and red pines; scenic value highlighted in description.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 14% in MI

Spring offers good paddling and fishing; wildlife viewing improves with river access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round but roads/campground not plowed; viable for experienced winter/backcountry users.

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

Escape to this hidden gem where towering red pines frame your riverside retreat along the pristine Upper Manistee River. Whether you're launching your kayak from the central staircase, casting a line for trout, or simply listening to the gentle rush of water from your campsite, this rustic, first-come first-served campground offers an authentic wilderness experience year-round with primitive facilities that keep you close to nature.

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 SeasonsThis campground welcomes adventurers in every season, though winter visitors should note that seasonal roads and the campground itself aren't plowed—making it a true backcountry experience for those willing to trek in. Autumn steals the show with spectacular foliage that draws photographers and leaf-peepers alike, while summer offers perfect paddling conditions. Pack for typical northern Lower Michigan weather: layered clothing, rain gear, and an appreciation for the changing moods of the north woods.

Natural Features and SceneryWake up to the soothing sounds of the Upper Manistee River flowing just steps from your tent. Majestic red pines tower overhead while a tapestry of mixed hardwoods creates a natural canopy that transforms into a breathtaking palette of golds and crimsons each fall. A narrow footpath meanders along the water's edge, inviting quiet exploration, while multiple access points and a central staircase descending the small bluff make it easy to dip your toes in or launch your next adventure. The river's gentle soundtrack and the whispering pines create a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from everyday life.

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

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Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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.

HikingA narrow footpath runs along the river’s edge with multiple informal river access points; a central staircase provides direct access to the river from the campground.

FishingTrout fishing (brown, brook and rainbow) is available on the Upper Manistee River; Lake Margrethe is a nearby additional fishing opportunity.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

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.

Weather at Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp

Reviews

4.5

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

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Last updated February 2, 2026

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Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp