Seaton Creek Campground

Show on map 231-723-0141 help.huron.manistee@americanll.com

P.O. Box 69
Manistee, MI 49660

Manistee River Trail Pack Animal and Bicycle Restrictions

Pack animals and bicycles are prohibited on the Manistee River Trail.

Order No. R904-14-10

ORDER OF THE FOREST SUPERVISOR RESTRICTING THE OCCUPANCY AND USE ON THE MANISTEE RIVER TRAIL, FOOT BRIDGE OVER THE MANISTEE RIVER AND THE CONNECTOR TRAIL TO THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ON THE HURON-MANISTEE NATIONAL FORESTS

Under the authority of the Act of Congress of June 4, 1897, as amended (16 USC 551), and the Secretary of Agriculture’s Regulations 36 CFR 261.50(a) and or (b), the following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Manistee River Trail, Connector Trail to the North Country Trail and the Foot Bridge over the Manistee River on the Huron-Manistee National Forests.

A. Pack Animals

Riding, hitching, tethering or hobbling a horse or other saddle or pack animal. 36 CFR 261.58 (aa)
Entering or being in the area, while possessing or using a saddle, pack or draft animal. 36 CFR 261.55 (c)

B. Vehicles

Operating a motor vehicle, snowmobile, ATV, ORV or bicycle on a trail. 36 CFR 261.55(a) and/or 36 CFR 261.55 (b)

Area Description: The Manistee River Trail, Foot bridge crossing over the Manistee River and the Connector Trail to the North Country Trail on the Cadillac/Manistee Ranger District of the Huron-Manistee National Forest.

The Manistee River Trail is located between Red Bridge and Seaton Creek Campground. The Connector Trail and the Foot Bridge cross the Manistee River below Hodenpyl Dam to the North Country Trail just south of Beers Road. Beginning at the Connector Trail off of the North Country Trail south of Beers road in Sections 24 and 25 of T23N-R13W and traversing easterly across the Manistee River to the Manistee River Trail and continuing at Seaton Creek Campground in Section 30 of T23N-R12W and traversing southwesterly through Sections 25, 35 and 36 of T23N-R13W and Sections 2, 11, 14, 22, and 23 of T22N-R13W to the North Country Trail just north of Coates Highway. The distance of the entire trail is approximately 12 miles.

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (e) the following persons will be exempt from the order:

Any Federal, State, or Local officers, or members of an organized rescue or firefighting force engaged in the performance of an official duty.
Persons with a valid permit in their possession signed by the District Ranger or Forest Supervisor specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 and imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both under the authority of Title 16 USC 551, Title 18 USC 3559 and 3571.

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.

Camp site features

Across 19 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 19 sites
Picnic table: all 19 sites
Pets allowed: all 19 sites
Group sites: 2 of 19 sites
Largest party: 25 people

Directions

From the north: Follow M-37 south 6 miles from Mesick. Turn right on 26 Road (near Yuma) for 1.7 miles, then right on O'Rourke Drive for 1.3 miles, then right on Forest Road 5993 for 0.4 mile to the site. From the south: Take M-37 north 9 miles from its intersection with M-55. Turn left on 26 Road for 1.7 miles, then right on O'Rourke Drive for 1.3 miles, then right on Forest Road 5993 for 0.4 miles to the site.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

9 reviews

5 stars

3 stars

Bill M

Loop:Seaton Creek Campground

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The group campsite #2 has been great for my church group on two different occasions. Plenty of room for tents. Great tables for cooking, serving, and eating. Big fire ring with attached grate. Love walking down to the dam and suspension bridge and swimming in the river near the campground. Bathrooms were nice and clean and well stocked. Terrific place to bring a group!

David S

Loop:Seaton Creek Campground

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

We stay at Seaton Creek every year and absolutely love the group 1 site. However this year at 5am a generator was running until 6:30. On my way to the bathroom I noticed it was the Camp hosts site running the generator. Very poor management of their usage of a generator. I was very disappointed. The rope swing at the river was awesome. It is a bit difficult to get to the water but well wroth it.

Christopher F

Loop:Seaton Creek Campground

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

Everything was great, the campground had everything we needed and was well maintained, and the campground maintenance worker was an entertaining guy (Tom). He was happy to bring us wood upon request. The river trail from Seaton Creek to the Red Bridge was amazing as well.

Andrew L

Loop:Seaton Creek Campground

Site:

Reviewed 3 years ago

Group site was in great condition. Tables provided for sitting, food prep, and even a great grill for charcoal cooking. Latrines were clean and well maintained. Enjoyed the proximity to the Manistee River Trail and easy access to the creek for swimming. Camp host was helpful and friendly. Overall a great experience for our Scout Troop.

Matt K

Loop:Seaton Creek Campground

Site:

Reviewed 4 years ago

Had a great time with a group of guys from Crossroads Bible Church. Great to have a group campsite where we can all gather after a long day on the MRT!

Aaron M

Loop:Seaton Creek Campground

Site:

Reviewed 5 years ago

Extremely clean and maintained grounds. Helpful and friendly host.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve