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Upper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites
FSU.S. Forest Service — Michigan · Huron-Manistee National Forests
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Huron-Manistee National Forests |
| Location | Michigan · Huron-Manistee National Forests · 44.28386, -85.86184 · Map |
| Sites | 11 public sites counted from the federal listing — 5 standard nonelectric; 4 tent only nonelectric; 2 walk to |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 11 sites Water hookups at 0 of 11 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 11 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 11 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 20 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 0 sites · 30 ft: 0 sites · 35 ft: 0 sites · 40 ft: 0 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend requires a reservation. There is no camping fee this year, but Recreation.gov will charge a standard reservation fee for each reservation. |
| Check-in / out | In 01:00 PM · Out 10:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 11 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 4 marked accessible in the listing |
| Amenities, as reported | Boat rampDrinking waterLake accessRiver accessVault toilets |
| Phone | 231-723-2211 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview The Upper Manistee dispersed campsites are primitive campsites on the Manistee River Backwaters of Tippy Dam Pond, located along the banks of the Manistee River between Tippy Dam and Hodenpyl Dam. The Government Landing location includes 7 sites, in which, 5 are located on the water and 2 sites are on higher ground overlooking the water. There are 2 sites located on the water that are walk in only. The Red Bridge River Access offers 4 sites that are walk in only and allow easy access to the Manistee River. These sites are very popular and are by reservation only Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
Recreation The Upper Manistee River Area offers motorized and non-motorized boating opportunities, and fishing is excellent on the Manistee River. Wildlife viewing may include encounters with a variety of species such as bald eagles, loons, trumpeter swans, black bears, white tailed deer, river otters, and turtles. Many of these species are secretive and sensitive to disturbances, so please view them from a distance. Hiking opportunities in the area are numerous with the North Country Trail and the Manistee River Trail, as the top draw to the area. Both trails offer excellent views of the forested terrain and the Manistee River.
Facilities Each site is designed for single camp unit use with a maximum of 8 people and 2 vehicle per site. Sites include a picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern hook. Vault toilets are located with in walking distance of each site. A boat ramp is located at both Government Landing and Red Bridge. No drinking water is available at Government Landing, but drinking water is available at Red Bridge.
Natural Features The Upper Manistee River Area is one of the more scenic areas of the Manistee National Forest and the outdoor enthusiast will enjoy a rustic camping experience enhanced by the scenic river, peace and solitude, and abundant wildlife. The Manistee River with its steep slopes and sharp turns meanders through native hardwoods and pines.
Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (231) 848-7090.
Directions, from the listing
For All Campsites:
From the intersection of M55 and M37, head west on M-55 for 2.7 miles Turn right onto N Warfield Rd, then travel north for 5.1 miles Turn left onto N Coates Hwy and travel west until you cross the bridge over the Manistee River Red Bridge campsites will be on the left
For Government Landing Campsites:
Continue west on N Coates Hwy toward Upper River Rd 0.6 miles Turn left onto River Rd/Upper River Rd and head south for 1.3 miles Government Landing campsites will be on the left
Nearest federal campgrounds
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Trip Card — Upper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites
Michigan · Huron-Manistee National Forests
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Michigan · Huron-Manistee National Forests |
| Fees | Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend requires a reservation. There is no camping fee this year, but Recreation.gov will charge a standard reservation fee for each reserva… |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 20 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 11 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10049020 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.