Upper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites

4.4·27 reviews
·Huron-Manistee National Forests
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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.

Great Facilities and Amenities

  • Campfire Allowed

    (All campsites have Campfire Allowed)

  • Checkin Time

    (All campsites have Checkin Time)

  • Checkout Time

    (All campsites have Checkout Time)

  • Driveway Entry

    (5 of 11 campsites have Driveway Entry)

  • Firepit

    (All campsites have Firepit)

  • Hike In Distance To Site

    (Up to 500')

  • Max Num Of People

    (Up to 8)

  • Max Num Of Vehicles

    (Up to 2)

  • Pets Allowed

    (All campsites have Pets Allowed)

  • Picnic Table

    (All campsites have Picnic Table)

  • Shade

    (5 of 11 campsites have Shade)

  • Site Access

    (Majority of the campsites have hike in)

Natural Features

Red Bridge Map - Credits: Google Maps
Government Landing Map - Credits: Google Maps
Manistee River Backwaters - Credits: Kristen Thrall
Manistee River Backwaters - Credits: Kristen Thrall

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.

Recreation

Manistee River Backwaters - Credits: Kristen Thrall

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.

Permitted Equipment

  • tent-Up to 12ft

  • rv-Up to 20ft

  • trailer-Up to 20ft

  • vehicle-Up to 20ft

  • pop up camper-Up to 20ft

  • 5th wheel-Up to 20ft

  • camper van-Up to 20ft

  • pickup camper-Up to 20ft

Additional Information

Campsites