## Overview

Seaton Creek Campground adjoins Seaton Creek and is at the upper end of the
backwater of Hodenpyl Dam Pond on the Big Manistee River. The forest
surrounding the campground is mostly pine and the sites are rustic. The
closest town is Mesick.

## Recreation

The surrounding waters offer excellent fishing opportunities for both panfish
(perch, bluegil, crappie, sunfish) and game fish (trout, bass, pike, salmon).
For State Fishing Regulations consult the Michigan Department of Natural
Resources website, website  http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/ . Kayakers may access
the campground by traveling up the very shallow Seaton Creek, however canoeing
is not recommended unless you're putting in at the Hodenpyl Backwaters. From
there, you can canoe the Big Manistee. There is a connector trail to the
Manistee River Trail from this site. The North Country National Scenic Trail
can be reached by crossing the suspension bridge over the Manistee River. The
Upper Branch Trailhead is also nearby.

## Facilities

Two group sites and 17 family sites area situated near a picnic area on the
Hodenpyl Backwater of the Manistee River. There are two vault restroom
buildings. Sites have fire rings and picnic tables. Drinking water is
available.

## Natural Features

**The terrain surrounding Hodenpyl Dam Pond is characterized as hilly with a
mix of hardwoods and conifers. Briar Hill, which has the second-highest
elevation in the lower peninsula, is located about five miles east of Hodenpyl
Dam Pond. A number of other tributaries enter Hodenpyl Dam Pond from the east,
flowing off the slopes of Briar Hill. These streams are characterized by very
high gradient and cold temperatures. They include Seaton Creek, Small Creek,
Preston Creek, Cripple Creek, and several unnamed streams. These streams
mostly host a mix of brown and brook trout, although a few have only brook
trout. The trailhead for the Manistee River Trail is within the
campground.******

<h2>Overview</h2>
Seaton Creek Campground adjoins Seaton Creek and is at the upper end of the backwater of Hodenpyl Dam Pond on the Big Manistee River.  The forest surrounding the campground is mostly pine and the sites are rustic.  The closest town is Mesick.<h2>Recreation</h2>
The surrounding waters offer excellent fishing opportunities for both panfish (perch, bluegil, crappie, sunfish) and game fish (trout, bass, pike, salmon).  For State Fishing Regulations consult the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, website <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/" rel="nofollow"> http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/ </a>.
 Kayakers may access the campground by traveling up the very shallow Seaton Creek, however canoeing is not recommended unless you're putting in at the Hodenpyl Backwaters.  From there, you can canoe the Big Manistee.  There is a connector trail to the Manistee River Trail from this site. The North Country National Scenic Trail can be reached by crossing the suspension bridge over the Manistee River.  The Upper Branch Trailhead is also nearby.
<h2>Facilities</h2>
Two group sites and 17 family sites area situated near a picnic area on the Hodenpyl Backwater of the Manistee River.  There are two vault restroom buildings.  Sites have fire rings and picnic tables.  Drinking water is available.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<b>The terrain surrounding Hodenpyl Dam Pond is characterized as hilly with a mix of hardwoods and conifers.  Briar Hill, which has the second-highest elevation in the lower peninsula, is located about five miles east of Hodenpyl Dam Pond.  A number of other tributaries enter Hodenpyl Dam Pond from the east, flowing off the slopes of Briar Hill. These streams are characterized by very high gradient and cold temperatures. They include Seaton Creek, Small Creek, Preston Creek, Cripple Creek, and several unnamed streams. These streams mostly host a mix of brown and brook trout, although a few have only brook trout.  The trailhead for the Manistee River Trail is within the campground.  <b>
</b></b>

SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND

Stairs

Day Use

Manistee River Trail

Water

Seaton Creek Campground Sign

Stairs 2

Toilet

Seaton Creek Campground

## 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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>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.</p>

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (231) 848-7090.

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.

Government Landing Map

Manistee River Backwaters

Red Bridge Map

Fall colors from Red Bridge River Access Site.

Campsite view on Manistee River Backwaters

Campsite on Manistee River Backwaters

Upper Manistee Backwaters Vista

View of Manistee River Backwaters

Upper Manistee River Recreation Area Portal Sign

View of Manistee River from Red Bridge

Upper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites

## Overview

Peterson Bridge Campground is located on the Pine River in Michigan’s Manistee
National Forest. The location on the river makes it ideal for canoeists and
those looking to experience the adventure of this swift moving river.

## Recreation

With access to the river so close, floating the Pine River is a popular
activity at Peterson Bridge. Several locations near the campground offer canoe
rentals. Supporting outstanding trout fishing, the Pine River is also a “Blue
Ribbon” cold-water fishery. For State Fishing Regulations consult the Michigan
Department of Natural Resources website, website http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/.

## Facilities

The facility offers several tent sites which are walk-in only. Those tent
sites on the river bank can also be accessed from the river.  
In addition, the facility offers RV sites with many of the sites at this
facility offering shade and seclusion.

## Natural Features

The Pine River is well known as one of the most outstanding canoeing and trout
fishing rivers in the Midwest. The river gradient is 7% and, depending upon
the season, offers the fasted average flow of any river in lower Michigan. The
lower 26 miles of the Pine River have been designated a National Wild and
Scenic River.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Peterson Bridge Campground is located on the Pine River in Michigan’s Manistee National Forest. The location on the river makes it ideal for canoeists and those looking to experience the adventure of this swift moving river.<h2>Recreation</h2>
With access to the river so close, floating the Pine River is a popular activity at Peterson Bridge.  Several locations near the campground offer canoe rentals.  
Supporting outstanding trout fishing, the Pine River is also a “Blue Ribbon” cold-water fishery. For State Fishing Regulations consult the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, website http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/.<h2>Facilities</h2>
The facility offers several tent sites which are walk-in only.  Those tent sites on the river bank can also be accessed from the river.<br/>
In addition, the facility offers RV sites with many of the sites at this facility offering shade and seclusion.
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The Pine River is well known as one of the most outstanding canoeing and trout fishing rivers in the Midwest. The river gradient is 7% and, depending upon the season, offers the fasted average flow of any river in lower Michigan. The lower 26 miles of the Pine River have been designated a National Wild and Scenic River.

PETERSON BRIDGE

Bathrooms

Peterson Bridge Campground Sign

Peterson Bridge

## Overview

Sand Lake Campground is situated on the scenic shores of Sand Lake and
provides a selection of sites shaded by a mixed hardwood forest. Just beyond
the trees is a well-loved, sandy swimming beach. The campground is located 15
minutes from the Pine National Scenic River and several other lakes.  
  
The popular campground sits within the Huron-Manistee National Forests, far
enough from town to let its natural splendor shine, but close enough for
convenient access to gas and groceries.

## Recreation

Power boating, sailing, canoeing, hiking and swimming are some of the most
common activities on the lake. Anglers delight in the waters well-stocked with
bluegill, perch and smallmouth bass. A picnic area and boat ramp are available
for use.

## Facilities

The campground provides conveniences like coin showers, flush toilets and
drinking water faucets. Visitors often rave about the nice, private bathrooms
with vanities.

## Natural Features

Sand Lake boasts about 50 acres of mostly shallow waters. The campground is
nicely wooded; some sites are heavy shaded while others are much more open.
Summertime temperatures are generally around 80 degrees.  
  
The Huron-Manistee National Forests encompass nearly a million acres of public
protected land, including nearly 6,000 acres of wetlands that extend over the
northern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Sand Lake Campground is situated on the scenic shores of Sand Lake and provides a selection of sites shaded by a mixed hardwood forest. Just beyond the trees is a well-loved, sandy swimming beach. The campground is located 15 minutes from the Pine National Scenic River and several other lakes.
<br/><br/>
The popular campground sits within the Huron-Manistee National Forests, far enough from town to let its natural splendor shine, but close enough for convenient access to gas and groceries.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Power boating, sailing, canoeing, hiking and swimming are some of the most common activities on the lake. Anglers delight in the waters well-stocked with bluegill, perch and smallmouth bass. A picnic area and boat ramp are available for use.<h2>Facilities</h2>
The campground provides conveniences like coin showers, flush toilets and drinking water faucets. Visitors often rave about the nice, private bathrooms with vanities.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Sand Lake boasts about 50 acres of mostly shallow waters. The campground is nicely wooded; some sites are heavy shaded while others are much more open. Summertime temperatures are generally around 80 degrees.
<br/><br/>
The Huron-Manistee National Forests encompass nearly a million acres of public protected land, including nearly 6,000 acres of wetlands that extend over the northern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

Campsite 1

Sand Lake Sign

Bath house

2nd Bath House

Sand Lake Campground

Bird's eye view of the campground

Lying between the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron in the northern half
of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, is the nearly one-million-acre Huron-
Manistee National Forests.

Lying between the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron in the northern half of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, is the nearly one-million-acre Huron-Manistee National Forests.

Seaton Creek Campground

Overview

Recreation

Facilities

Natural Features

Directions

Reviews

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Upper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites

Peterson Bridge

Sand Lake Campground