Bowman Bridge Campground and River Access
The section of the river from Gleason's Landing to Bowman Bridge flows through a long stretch of federal ownership. This is one of the most popular stretches of river, and Bowman Bridge River Access can be very busy during summer weekends.
The bottom of the river in this stretch is mostly sand, with a few interspersed gravel beds. The water from Gleason's to Bowman Bridge is up to 5-feet deep in some parts.
Located up the hill from Bowman Bridge Boat Landing, the campground also has a connector trail for the North Country National Scenic Trail. A tornado went through the area several years ago. Visitors to the site can see the beginning stages of natural recovery from the tornado swath. There will be plantings within the campground in the future to facilitate recovery from the tornado.
General Information
Location - Pere Marquette National Scenic River, North Country National Scenic Trail
Nearby Recreation Areas -
- Bowman Lake Campground
- Rosebush Angler Access
County - Lake
Seasonal and Other Information -
- Gated when closed.
May 3 - October 10
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted. Forest quiet hours apply. Watercraft hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Watercraft Permit
- Watercraft Permit required Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.
Special Use Permit
- No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less).
- Special Use Permits ermits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more).
As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders -
- Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02
- Occupancy and Use - Developed Recreation Areas, Dispersed Areas, Being Publicly Nude, Marine Prohibitions, Parking and Sanitation; R904-14-03
- Pere Marquette National Scenic River Corridor; R904-14-14
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $30 per night
Double Site: $60 per night
Group Site: $110 per night
Additional Vehicle Fee: $10 per vehicle per night
Day Use:
$10 per vehicle per day
Canoe Rentals -
- Baldwin
- Baldwin Canoe Rental
Address: 650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Phone: (231) 745-4631
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 43.88777778
Longitude: -85.93333333
Directions
From Baldwin -
- Travel west on 52nd St./56th St./Carr's Rd. for 5 miles.
- The entrance is located on the right.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
