Manistee River Bridge State Forest Campground
4.3324 reviewsManistee River Bridge State Forest Campground
Quick Facts
Price
$68/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
23 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$68/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
23 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsManistee River Bridge State Forest Campground
$68.00 - $68.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly fee listed as $68 in the provided materials (appears to reference the cabin/nightly rental listed in source materials).
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
4.33
Recommended
Based on 24 reviews
24 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietcleanwaterstaff
"Most recent visitor reviews are positive, highlighting a quiet, friendly campground with clean sites and helpful staff; a minority note issues with restroom cleanliness and occasional noisy groups."
Fees & Passes at Manistee River Bridge State Forest Campground
$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 DNR website.
Best Time to Camp at Manistee River Bridge State Forest Campground
This hidden gem welcomes campers year-round, though winter adventurers should note that roads and sites remain unplowed when snow flies. Summer and fall bring the campground to life with warm days perfect for paddling and crisp evenings ideal for riverside campfires, all wrapped in the four-season beauty that defines northern Michigan's character.
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 not plowed in winter.
About Manistee River Bridge State Forest Campground
Nestled along the pristine main branch of the Manistee River, this intimate 23-site rustic campground offers paddlers and anglers a peaceful escape into Crawford County's dense forest. With its first-come, first-served sites, vault toilets, and hand-pump water, this is back-to-basics camping at its finest—where the soundtrack is flowing water and rustling pines, not RV generators.
Rustic state forest campground with tent and trailer sites and paddle-in river access; source material also references a rustic cabin as an accommodation.
Weather and SeasonsThis hidden gem welcomes campers year-round, though winter adventurers should note that roads and sites remain unplowed when snow flies. Summer and fall bring the campground to life with warm days perfect for paddling and crisp evenings ideal for riverside campfires, all wrapped in the four-season beauty that defines northern Michigan's character.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering mature trees frame your campsite while the Manistee River flows just steps away, creating that perfect blend of forest canopy and sparkling water views. Two distinct river access points—an intimate wooden deck tucked behind site #3 and a spacious grassy landing with stairs—make launching your kayak or wetting a line effortlessly easy. Beyond camp, the surrounding state forest opens up a world of exploration: cast for trout in cool, clear waters, paddle downstream through pristine wilderness, or venture out to nearby trail networks, Lake Margrethe, and the legendary Au Sable River.
Geological RegionCrawford County on the main branch of the Manistee River in state forest land.
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Campsite details
Total Campsites23 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 not plowed in winter.
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (campground sites are first-come, first-served; no reservations for drive-in campsites).
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Potable water
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
River-focused recreation including fishing and paddling; provides carry-in canoe/kayak access and serves as a paddle-in campsite. Hunting access on surrounding state land and winter camping (campground open year-round but seasonal roads are not plowed) are noted.
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Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsRiver access is down stairs from the campground so boats and gear must be carried up and down a bluff; be mindful of high‑water river safety. Winter access may be difficult because roads are not plowed.
Weather at Manistee River Bridge State Forest Campground
11
°F
Dec 13
Saturday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 67%
Wind: 16.5 mph
Overcast
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Good to know
Common complaintsOccasional reports of dirty restrooms and at least one report of late-night parties and trash left by other campers. Some reviewers note limited vegetation screening between sites (less privacy).
Campground Map
Manistee River Bridge State Forest Campground
Driving directionsLocated about 7.8 miles northwest of Grayling via M-72 and North Campground Road (also described as roughly 7.3 miles west of Grayling via M-72).
Accessible from M-72 and North Campground Road; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.Nearby places
Grayling — ~7.8 miles
Lake Margrethe — ~2 miles east (nearby landmark).
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
24 reviews
Manistee River Bridge State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Most recent visitor reviews are positive, highlighting a quiet, friendly campground with clean sites and helpful staff; a minority note issues with restroom cleanliness and occasional noisy groups.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors commonly praise the river setting, quiet atmosphere, friendly staff, and generally clean campsites. One review notes potable water is available via a hand pump.
Based on 24 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Expect a quiet, rustic site with hand-pump drinking water; bring usual camping supplies and be prepared for basic vault-toilet facilities.
Based on 24 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nice place. Staff is great. Camp ground is quiet and sites are clean. Def worth a stay and the river is very nice."; "This campground is great. The restrooms are disgusting."; "Convenient access to...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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