Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp
4.4555 reviewsUpper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp
Quick Facts
Price
$68/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
30 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$68/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
30 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsUpper 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Michigan
Provider(800) 447-2757
What Campers Say
4.45
Recommended
Based on 55 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."
Fees & Passes at Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp
$68/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: 15-day maximum stay
Prices verified December 13, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) website.
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.
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 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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Campsite details
Total Campsites30 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
15-day maximum stay
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; seasonal roads and the campground are not plowed in winter.
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (note: this site is managed by Michigan DNR but this campground is first-come, first-served; no reservations)
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
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
A 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.Fishing
Trout fishing (brown, brook and rainbow) is available on the Upper Manistee River; Lake Margrethe is a nearby additional fishing opportunity.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsBe 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
27
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 83%
Wind: 10.3 mph
Overcast
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Good to know
Common complaintsPrimitive facility level (no electricity, no showers) and lack of nearby services (no stores for ice/wood close by); some reviewers note inconsistent site upkeep and reduced privacy where understory is sparse; first‑come, first‑served system can make planning difficult; partial cell coverage.
Campground Map
Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground And Canoe Camp
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
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
55 reviews
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 55 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 55 reviewsShow more
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 55 reviewsShow more
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 55 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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