Huron-Manistee National Forests

If nature is your place of worship, look no further than Cathedral Pines Campground. Instead of stained glass, you’ll find views of the Au Sable River, nestled among a towering forest of old-growth pine. Amen!Read more...

McKinley Horse Trail Campground is on a red pine plantation. Bring your four-legged friends and explore the 240-mile Shore-to-Shore Horse Trail that runs from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. Read more...

The serene Au Sable Loop Campground is set back from the road with campsites that are spaced apart from one another. Visitors will enjoy the panoramic views of the National Scenic portion of the Au Sable River from the campground, and the landscape of forests and fields. Read more...

Buttercup Campground is a small, quiet spot for camping on the forested Au Sable River. This campground is especially popular for river paddlers, so make sure to bring your kayak, canoe, or raft!Read more...

Gabions Campground sits near the banks of the Au Sable River. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, and the natural springs commonly seen on this section of the river. Head over to the Shore-to-Shore Trail for great hiking. Read more...

Located on the edge of a red pine plantation, Meadow Springs Campground has views of the Au Sable River. The campground is popular with river paddlers, so don’t forget your canoe!Read more...

The River Dune Campground is a small, quiet site set back from the road. You’ll have stunning views of the Au Sable National Scenic River from the campground (frames hands around view of lake). Read more...

Noisy camp neighbors not your thing? Then book a site at Au Sable River Primitive Camping—because it’s not really a campground at all. The 102 single family campsites are actually strewn across a 55-mile stretch of shoreline along the Ausable River, making for a pretty unique camping experience. Plus, there are plenty of concessionaires renting ca Read more...

Beneath the pretty red pines you’ll find Monument Campground, one of the first campgrounds established in the Huron National Forest. This is a really great spot for folks who like to stay busy; you can access a hiking trail right from the campground, and a monument to the area’s interesting lumber history is next door. Massive Lake Huron is just a Read more...

Get ready to “ooh" and "ahh” over quite the view; Rollways Campground sits on a high bluff that overlooks the pretty blue Loud Dam Pond below. Check out the campground’s trail that leads to the Westgate Scenic Overlook for an ah-mazing vista. When you’re done freaking out over the view, walk down to the AuSable River from the campground—make sure Read more...

A visit to the Round Lake is actually pretty hard to manage, but Round Lake Campground gets you in. The campground is the only public access to the lake; the rest of the space around the 91-acre lake is privately owned. Chill out on the sandy beach, or explore the wooded area via the nearby Consair Trail. Read more...

Take in Horseshoe Lake from all angles: the one-mile trail that meanders around the entire lake means you’ve got a good chance of catching wading birds, jumping fish, and other lakeside wildlife in action. Plus, the fishing’s pretty good at Horseshoe Lake Campground; you can expect to catch sunfish, bass, or trout—and if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll Read more...

Come summer or winter, you’ll be happy you’re staying at Jewel Lake Campground. In the warmer months, enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing (for sunfish, bass, pike and more) on the sparkling Jewel Lake. When it starts to get cold and a bunch of that fluffy white stuff sticks to the ground, take advantage of the snowmobile trail that winds through Read more...

Zenotopia awaits you in Reid Lake Campground’s forested ode to solitude. In winter, ski your way through twelve miles of sloping, rugged trails. In the summer, drop your non-motorized rubber ducky in the water and bob and fish your way through beauty. This tiny thirteen-acre lake tucks sweetly in the middle of miles and miles of trees, and feels a Read more...

Let those wheels spin! At Mack Lake ORV Campground, trail on with your bad self. Off-Road Vehicles spin and flurry in rowdy (but safe, Mom) fun! With 42 sites, Mom is always welcome, but might opt out. This is a grounds mostly focused on getting the wheels good and dirty in the soil, but not necessarily cleaning up for dinner. Read more...

A laid-back, ORV-friendly campsite that puts you in a sweet spot for trail use, Meadows ORV Campground is an easy place to plan your next trip. If you’re the planning type, that is. Otherwise, this destination in hilly forest country is a pretty good bet for spontaneous drive-ins, too. Enjoy the simplicity of limited amenities in an easily accessi Read more...

The Luzerne Horse Trail Campground is perfect for equestrians. Located near the Big Creek/Luzerne Boardwalk, this site is situated in a unique cedar swamp ecosystem. The campground is near the Shore-to-Shore Horse Trail, so get out there and explore!Read more...

The South Branch Trail Campground is located near the banks of the South Branch River. The Au Sable River is a short walk away, and you’ll be near the Shore-to-Shore Trail, which runs all the way from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. Read more...

Ideal for equestrian camping, the South Branch Trail Camp Group Site is located in a stand of oak and pine near Lake Huron. The nearby Shore-to-Shore Trail offers great exploring for hikers and equestrians, and runs across the entire state, from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan. Read more...

Pine River Campground is found near the banks of the river and is particularly popular during fishing season. While you’re out exploring, gather some delicious mushrooms and berries!Read more...

The popular Island Lake Campground is on a small, sheltered lake surrounded by forest. You can enjoy the swimming beach and many other water activities on the 58-acre Island Lake. Read more...

This quaint little campground at Wagner Lake is perfect for a peaceful pure Michigan getaway. Spend your days fishing, swimming, and enjoying some good company. There are even three campsites that are perfect for groups, so the entire gang can come on down. Since there’s no electric hookups here, come prepared to enjoy some uninterrupted time in n Read more...

Get away from the hum of motorized boat traffic at this decently sized lake and camping area. If you’re down to carry your boat in you’ll be rewarded with some great fishing, and it’s a lovely spot for an afternoon of canoeing. Don’t plan on trying to catch dinner--Wakely Lake is strictly catch and release. As they say in Finding Nemo, fish are fr Read more...

Let’s go to the beach! While Kneff Lake is stocked with rainbow trout and is a well-loved fishing spot, there’s also a lovely beach that’s perfect for swimming, lounging around, and overall good times. Practice your sand castle construction skills, bury your BFF in the sand, and then retire to your lovely campground at the end of the day. Read more...

Rolling hills, dense pine forest, flowing streams–no need to pinch yourself, this place is fo’ real. Seaton Creek Campground is just a short walk away from Seaton Creek where brown and brook trout are likely to be swimming about and trail access to the 23-mile loop Manistee River Trail. Shallow water shuns canoeing on the Seaton Creek. Instead, Hu Read more...

Who said you can’t have your jon boat in this neighborhood? Nobody! Heck bring your pontoon too. Hemlock Campground perches coyly near a residential area on the west side of Lake Mitchell in Huron-Manistee National Forest, but you can bring as many of them boats as you like. And you’ll be better for it--this area of Lake Mitchell is a little too m Read more...

Sitting on the Pine River, Peterson Bridge South is a quiet campground ideal for water activities. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at one of several nearby rental centers, and visitors can enjoy the sandy beach on the banks of the fresh-water river. Read more...

Red Bridge River Access Site gets it’s name from an old red bridge that used to mark the site. Red Bridge River Access may be down a red bridge but it gets a perfect 10 for activities. Think superb fresh water fishing for salmon, steelhead, varieties of trout and walleye; access to the Manistee River Trail, a 23 mile loop through thick Michigan fo Read more...

With its sweeping panoramic reach and immaculate horizon line, you might be tempted to forget Lake Michigan is just a lake. A stay at well-maintained, thoroughly-accommodating Lake Michigan Recreation Area is your ticket to summer fun on the beach and surrounding trails (including Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area). With a close-knit site setup in o Read more...

We're not sure if horses like birthday cake, but they do like a good hike through a pine forest! Celebrate your favorite horses birthday, and visit the 21-sited Marzinski Horse Trail Campground. Explore rustic trails, work up an appetite, and drift to sleep under the stars after a full day of celebratin'. Read more...

Michigan is for lovers–nature lovers that is. Summer lovers enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing on the Upper Mainstee River at Government Landing Campground while winter lovers cozy up after a long day of snowmobiling or ice fishing. Channel your inner Lewis and Clark to trek across the river via boat or snowmobile to explore the campground’s ver Read more...

Plant and wildlife viewers rejoice! With a riverside location and National Forest System land stretching all around, the sightseeing opportunities at Old Grade Campground are sensational. Scenery varies from wetlands to hemlock and birch forest, and an interpretive trail with foot bridges allows you explore it all from the campground without fear Read more...

A lumper operation site in it’s former life, Sawdust Hole River Access was named after the sawdust piles the used to form from the mills. Nowadays Sawdust Hole River access is void of sawdust but brimming with towering trees and forest foliage. Multiple footpaths lead to the Manistee National Recreation River lending to great kayaking and canoeing Read more...

Catch the muted beauty of fall’s rainbow colorplay, as leaves unfurl and splay vibrant reflections on lakes’ waters in Hungerford Equestrian Group Campground in Manistee National Forest. Featuring some frills, and a 64-person-capacity group campsite, and 8 individual sites, this is an action-packed, popular multi-season camp spot with equestrian a Read more...

Bask in sunrays, swim like the fish, and fish like they swim, and then burrow your toes in sandy beaches at Sand Lake Recreation Area’s 46-site savvy public campground that feels more like a private oasis. The sites nestle neatly in the woods, but are obtuse enough to know your neighbor, and beckon conversing or silence in communal appreciation. S Read more...

Offering both single and group sites in a peaceful forest setting, low-traffic Bear Track Campground is a charming scenic getaway for nature lovers of all varieties. Non-motorized boating like canoeing or kayaking keeps the noise pollution down so salmon and trout fishers can enjoy the subtle beauty of the area, while intrepid hikers can escape ci Read more...

Mister Ed will be yacking to all his friends once he has a visit to the 48-sited equestrian-minded Hungerford Trail Camp. With added amenities like a manure disposal area, wheelbarrows, and garbage service, you won’t be so silent yourself--you will be plum proud of the grounds too! Whether you are horsing, hiking, or camping be sure to put the hor Read more...

Fall for autumn at Hungerford Lake Boat Launch and Campsites, where the colors explode like blooming fireworks in a velvet sky. With only 2-campsites, the real chat here is the daytime adventures. Grab a pal and canoe through Hungerford Lakes tranquil and warm 30-acre waters, where serious fisherhumans and fun swimmerhumans coexist. Read more...

Livin’ is easy on the Claybanks Campground where the fishing is catch and release and the hiking is charming. Lantern posts light the path to the river down a beastly staircase that'll engage the gluts in a way you never thought possible. The nine available sites are first-come, first-served and sheltered by a forest of pine and oak. Keep the came Read more...

Dreaming of a liger sighting? Get your mysterious, beautiful animal viewing fix via the elegant swans that drift on Twinwood Lake’s lush waters as you reel in your dinner. More of a sky bird type of person? Set your eyes to the heavens where eagles are known to soar and perch in the white pines enthroning Twinwood Lake Campground. With sites for t Read more...

Shift your speed, and camp along Pine Lake’s refreshing waters. Once you’ve set up camp, head over to the picnic area for a little toast to your toes at magic hour, and watch the sun drape and sizzle on the water’s crisp gleam. Pine Lake is shallow near the picnic area, and its smooth-gravel bottom is perfect for feeling icky-less, if you aren’t i Read more...

Bayous don’t just exist in Louisiana. Discover a piece of true swamp country brilliance at Blacksmith Bayou Access Site Campground. . . in Michigan! Woah. Park your camping sitch in one of the six sites, and head out for a little down home sense and mishapibility in the little intricate water inlets created by the river channel. Don’t forget about Read more...

Pack the fam in the canned ham, and get on out to the super family-friendly Shelley Lake Campground. No need to turn up the bass on that dinghy of yours, the bass will already be plenty jazzed that you are throwing them lines with fresh or fake worms-they don’t discrimi-hate! Keeping the jams to a min will be no problem--we know you probably heard Read more...

Stop by Brush Lake Campground in the fall to see the spectacular leaf colors, or consider it a destination for your next hunting or angling adventure! A smaller campground that sees less use, Brush Lake is ideal for those looking for a secluded spot to break away from civilization for a while. The lake offers a boat launch, swimming and is surroun Read more...

On a bluff overlooking the Pere Marquette National Scenic River in a white pine forest in the northern region of Michigan lies the popular Gleason’s Landing Campground. Reassuringly quiet despite its popularity, Gleason’s Landing is a charming place to call home for a long weekend. Paddle swiftly through the calm river waters until the perfect fis Read more...

Bust out the macaroni salad and watermelon, because after a day boating, hiking and fishing at Bowman Bridge Campground you’ll be famished. With walk-in, tent, and RV camping there is room for everyone to enjoy a slice of the Bowman Bridge wilderness. Located just down the hill from the Bridge Boat Landing and a connector trail to the North Countr Read more...

Sometimes you just need to camp. And that, friend, is why you go to Timber Creek Campground. Though there is not much by way of fishing, swimming, off-roading, riding, climbing, thrilling, frilling, or much of anything else. There is one thing: camping. Pitch that tent! Back in that RV! Set up that grill! Pee in that vaulted toilet! Camp here to b Read more...

Better come hungry, this place is delicious both for the eyes and tast buds. Popular with hunters and fisherman, if Bowman Lake Campground was a superlative it would be Most Likey to Feed. Walk-in (or carry-in if you’re traveling by canoe) to this quiet and secluded campground with bows and poles and a little salt ‘n pepper. Follow the markers to Read more...

If you sometimes dream of having your own private beach, you can indulge that fantasy at Highbank Lake Campground. This smaller but popular destination offers access to a 20-acre lake with enticingly warm waters and sand you can dig your toes into. With an ideal location for angling and hiking as well, you’ll need to be an early bird to snag a spo Read more...

Enjoy fishing at no-frills, no-fuss Indian Lake Campground, where you can vibe on the solitude of the area while waiting for a bite. With a first-come, first-served policy, this small, out-of-the-way campground gives you easy access to the local population of bullhead, panfish, pike and bass. Come with a pole, a spear, or whatever floats your boat Read more...

With no fees for camping and no reservations needed, you can try to squeeze in a trip to Condon Lakes West whenever the mood strikes. Whether you’re daydreaming of mushroom and berry picking, or it’s hunting or fishing you’re craving, this little campground is here to accommodate your outdoor whims. Close to several notable recreation areas includ Read more...

Park the car at Upper Branch Bridge, walk downstream one mile to Elk Canoe Campground and don’t look back. Located in the middle of the 66 mile “scenic” portion of the Pere Marquette National Scenic River, Elk Canoe Campground is set back in the forest with neighboring meadows to explore. Cast a line from the banks or paddle downstream to catch sa Read more...

Less is more at Walkup Lake Campground. At ten bucks a campsite pop, you might be in danger of becoming a campsite hoarder here. The no-nonsense grounds plants itself on the waters of Walkup Lake where you can do just that--walk up to it. You can also canoe, kayak, and fish in it. Oh boy! There is also a nearby town named Bitely that just might be Read more...

Call for all you happy campers out there! Toothy grins and bare feet are all the rage out at Nichols Lake Campground on the south side of Nichols Lake. Peep beach-side campground views, walk down the stairs to that beach, swim and fish until you drop, and then repeat. That’s about it on your to-do list at this first-come, first-served bliss belt. Read more...

The Logmark Rest Stop sits near the steep banks of the National Scenic Pere Marquette River, and is particularly popular in the fall and steelhead season. You can only access this small, serene campground by canoe, so ready the arms!Read more...

Benton Lake Campground, set beside 33 acres of shimmering water, is a super-chill, less-traveled place where you’ll never get bored. The North Country National Scenic Trail and Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary both make for fun day trips, while fishing, swimming and boating can be enjoyed close to home. Camping is rugged, but all the stuff Read more...

Just a short walk to the Pere Marquette National Scenic River, Sulak Campground is popular with anglers and hunters, as well as families. There is a boat launch here, so bring your boat and spend the day on the river!Read more...

With easy access to bass, pike and bluegill on the grounds and trout nearby, fishers will love a stay at Minnie Pond Campground, a less-frequented destination of warm, friendly waters. Despite its hidden-gem status, the campground is also popular among hunters, and its picnicking areas make it an ideal place to return to during a weekend getaway w Read more...

The Whelan Lake Area campground is near the lake as well as the South Bank of the Pere Marquette National Scenic River. The water in Whelan Lake gets warm enough for swimming, so bring your suit (the Feds specifically note that there is no public nudity allowed here--bummer!). Read more...

Ahh, do you hear that? Yup, neither do we, because despite it’s size, this campsite is full of peace and quiet. The massive white pines stand guard over the campground, and make the atmosphere that much better. You’ll be super close to the White River, so grab an inner tube and go for a float. There’s even a walk-in canoe landing to launch your ne Read more...

Open from early-May to mid-October, Pines Point is an area soundtracked by roaring waters of the White River. Aside from the white-noise of the like-colored river, Pines Point is an otherwise secluded campsite, all of which are enveloped by the area’s three-story-high pines. So bring your capacity-capping twenty closest friends, relax under the pi Read more...

Prepare to chill out in this intimate campground surrounded by white pine forest. Most visitors use the area as a canoe launch site, but why not kick back and stay a while? There’s only two sites available, so claim yours early! While you’re here, you might as well join the day-trippers and try your hand (or rather, your reel) at some angling. Read more...