## 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

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.

## 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: (877) 444-6777.

<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>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>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: (877) 444-6777.

Memorial Day weekend 2020 through Labor Day weekend 2020 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

Upper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites

## 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

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.

## 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>
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>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

Seaton Creek Campground

## 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

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/.

## 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>
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>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

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

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.

## 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>
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>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.

Bird's eye view of the campground

Sand Lake Campground

## Overview

The Marzinski Horse Trail and Campground were developed for the horse
enthusiasts, who enjoy riding through a forested quiet trail system. The
Marzinski Horse Camp serves as the primary access location for the 18 miles of
horse trail.

## Recreation

The Marzinski Horse Trail is open to non-motorized use only. They are designed
for horse riders but may be used by hikers as well. The trail is accessed by
either the Marzinski Trailhead and Campground or the Steinberg Trailhead.
Neither trailhead is maintained for horse use in the winter months. The Forest
Service and volunteers maintain the trail system, which is marked by oak-
routed signs and posts and request that care is taken to keep the trail system
clean. “Pack it in, pack it out.” Horse riders are asked not to access the
Little Manistee River, which may accelerate erosion and to be careful when
crossing adjacent county and forest roads.

## Facilities

The Marzinski Horse Trail is open to non-motorized use only. They are designed
for horse riders but may be used by hikers as well. The trail is accessed by
either the Marzinski Trailhead and Campground or the Steinberg Trailhead.
Neither trailhead is maintained for horse use in the winter months. The Forest
Service and volunteers maintain the trail system, which is marked by oak-
routed signs and posts and request that care is taken to keep the trail system
clean. “Pack it in, pack it out.” Horse riders are asked not to access the
Little Manistee River, which may accelerate erosion and to be careful when
crossing adjacent county and forest roads.

## Natural Features

The campground is located in a white pine stand and offers quiet and privacy
between camp sites. The Marzinski Horse Trail passes through mostly mixed pine
with some hardwood vegetation types. Topography is mostly flat forested land
with some small openings.

## Nearby Attractions

Sand Lake Recreation Area

Udell Rollways Day Use and Disc Golf Course

Pine Lake Campground

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>The Marzinski Horse Trail and Campground were developed for the horse enthusiasts, who enjoy riding through a forested quiet trail system. The Marzinski Horse Camp serves as the primary access location for the 18 miles of horse trail. </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The Marzinski Horse Trail is open to non-motorized use only.  They are designed for horse riders but may be used by hikers as well. The trail is accessed by either the Marzinski Trailhead and Campground or the Steinberg Trailhead. Neither trailhead is maintained for horse use in the winter months. The Forest Service and volunteers maintain the trail system, which is marked by oak-routed signs and posts and request that care is taken to keep the trail system clean.  “Pack it in, pack it out.” Horse riders are asked not to access the Little Manistee River, which may accelerate erosion and to be careful when crossing adjacent county and forest roads.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The Marzinski Horse Trail is open to non-motorized use only.  They are designed for horse riders but may be used by hikers as well. The trail is accessed by either the Marzinski Trailhead and Campground or the Steinberg Trailhead. Neither trailhead is maintained for horse use in the winter months. The Forest Service and volunteers maintain the trail system, which is marked by oak-routed signs and posts and request that care is taken to keep the trail system clean.  “Pack it in, pack it out.” Horse riders are asked not to access the Little Manistee River, which may accelerate erosion and to be careful when crossing adjacent county and forest roads.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The campground is located in a white pine stand and offers quiet and privacy between camp sites. The Marzinski Horse Trail passes through mostly mixed pine with some hardwood vegetation types. Topography is mostly flat forested land with some small openings.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Sand Lake Recreation Area</p>
<p>Udell Rollways Day Use and Disc Golf Course</p>
<p>Pine Lake Campground</p>

Marzinski Horse Trail and Campground

Marzinski Campsite

Marzinski Horse 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.

Upper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites

Overview

Recreation

Facilities

Natural Features

contact_info

Directions

Reviews

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Seaton Creek Campground

Peterson Bridge

Sand Lake Campground

Marzinski Horse Campground