Campground Camping

The Least You Need to Know About Camping

Check with your local ranger district for current site conditions, closures, and other important considerations before traveling.
Developed campgrounds usually provide bathrooms, fire rings and picnic tables, and may provide other amenities.
Developed campgrounds most likely charge a fee, and several campgrounds require or recommend a reservation. Reservations can be made on recreation.gov.
You can gather firewood for a campfire on-forest without a wood permit to cut firewood. Buy or collect firewood locally to prevent the spread of insects and disease.
Before having a campfire, check to make sure there are no fire restrictions in place. Do not build a campfire in hazardous, dry conditions. Extinguish your campfire completely before leaving. Review important information on campfire safety.
No RV hook-ups are available for water, sewage or electric at any campground.
Some developed campgrounds and/or campsites can accommodate RVs, while others are better suited to tent camping.

Fee Sites:

Fees can be paid on-site using the provided fee tubes. Envelopes and instructions for paying fees are located on the bulletin boards.

Reservations can be made at recreation.gov. Here is a full list of reservation sites:

Au Sable River Primitive Camping
South Branch
River Road
Hungerford
Lake Michigan Recreation Area
Sand Lake
Bowman Bridge
Gleason's Landing

Campground Camping Areas

Au Sable River
From Mio Pond to Lake Huron, the Au Sable is primarily managed by the HMNF. The river is managed in two sections, one from Mio Pond to Alcona Dam Pond, the second from Alcona Dam to Lake Huron.

Au Sable National Wild and Scenic River

The Au Sable National Scenic River stretches 23-miles, from Mio to Alcona Pond. For additional information on our Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Au Sable River - Alcona Dam to Lake Huron

This section provides motorboat opportunities with a lake fishing atmosphere.

Highbanks River Trail

A short, 7-mile hike along the bluffs of the Au Sable River will provide day hikers with some of the best, and most dramatic, views of the Au Sable River, where hikers or skiers will be able to look over the river valley, with clear views almost to Lake Huron in some spots.

Lubmerman's Monument Visitor Center and Forest Discovery Trial

Lumberman’s Monument Visitor Center interprets the area’s colorful lumbering past. The 14-foot Lumberman’s Monument stands on a high bank with the Au Sable River providing a scenic backdrop.

River Road National Scenic Byway

The twenty-two mile River Road National Scenic Byway extends westward from Lake Huron into the Huron National Forest. It parallels the historic Riviere aux Sable (River of Sand). Lumbermen’s Monument Visitor Center sits at the center of the byway.

Brochures and Maps:
- Au Sable National Scenic River (pdf)
- River Road National Scenic Byway (pdf) - this brochure shows River Road, the Au Sable River and Lumberman's Monument
Flickr Photo Albums:
- Au Sable River - Alcona Dam to Lake Huron
- Au Sable National Scenic River
Au Sable National Scenic River

The Au Sable National Scenic River, is a 23-mile portion of the Au Sable River that stretches from Mio to Alcona Pond. President Ronald Reagan signed the law establishing the segment of river as a National Scenic River on October 4, 1984. By receiving this designation, this free-flowing segment from below Mio Pond to the upper end of Alcona Pond received national recognition for its outstanding and remarkable scenic, recreational, biological and historical values and a national commitment to its protection. People have enjoyed the scenic beauty of the Au Sable for hundreds of years.

In pre-European settlement times, Native Americans used the river as a travel route. After European settlement of the area, the Au Sable River was a major throughway for floating white pine to sawmills or waiting barges at ports on Lake Huron. During those years many of the logs and fallen trees that littered the river were carried downstream with the harvested white pine. In recent years efforts have been made to replace logs in the river to help reduce erosion and maintain the world-class trout fishing river as an aquatic habitat.

Brochure with map: This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.

Flickr Photo Album
Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area
Buttercup Campground
Cathedral Pines Campground
Gabions Campground and Day Use
Meadow Springs Campground
River Dune Campground
Au Sable River - Alcona Dam to Lake Huron
This section provides motorboat opportunities with a lake fishing atmosphere. Its flow of water still serves as an important link in the production of the state's electrical power supply.

Brochure with map:
- River Road National Scenic Byway (pdf) - this brochure shows River Road, the Au Sable River and Lumberman's Monument
- Highbanks River Trail Map (coming soon)
- Eagle Run Trail Map (coming soon)
The brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller. The trail maps are set to printon 8.5x11 paper.

Flickr Photo Albums:
Au Sable River Primitive Camping
Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center
Lumberman’s Monument Visitor Center interprets the area’s colorful lumbering past. The 14-foot Lumberman’s Monument stands on a high bank with the Au Sable River providing a scenic backdrop.

Learn about the industry that helped develop northern Michigan and the men who cut the timber that helped build a nation. Climb through a log jam, use a peavey, cut a wooden cookie with a cross-cut saw, and learn about the life of a lumberjack through video and displays. Hike the stairway down to the wanigan, a loggers floating kitchen, or take the short trail to the dune observation deck. Enjoy a Kid’s Day program or take a guided nature hike.

Brochure with map:
- River Road National Scenic Byway (pdf) - this brochure shows River Road, the Au Sable River and Lumberman's Monument
- Highbanks River Trail Map (coming soon)
- Eagle Run Trail Map (coming soon)
The brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller. The trail maps are set to printon 8.5x11 paper.

Flickr Photo Albums:
Monument Campground
River Road National Scenic Byway
The twenty-two mile River Road National Scenic Byway extends westward from Lake Huron into the Huron National Forest. It parallels the historic Riviere aux Sable (River of Sand). The Au Sable River was a major transportation route for floating Michigan’s giant white pine from forest to the sawmill towns on Lake Huron. You can learn more about this lumbering history at Lumbermen’s Monument Visitor Center that sits at the center of the byway.

Byway travelers will find abundant recreation opportunities, from motorized trails for off-road vehicles and snowmobiles to quiet trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. Camping, fishing and boating facilities are accessible from the byway. For a more relaxed experience, visitors will enjoy the lush forest and breathtaking vistas from the many scenic overlooks along the route. Visit www.byways.org for more information.

For information on Lumberman's Monument, Monument Campground or the Visitor Center visit the Lumberman's Monument section of the website.

Brochure with map:
- River Road National Scenic Byway (pdf) - this brochure shows River Road, the Au Sable River and Lumberman's Monument
- Highbanks River Trail Map (coming soon)
- Eagle Run Trail Map (coming soon)
The brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller. The trail maps are set to printon 8.5x11 paper.

Flickr Photo Albums:
Rollways Campground and Day Use Area
Corsair Area

This area contains all recreation sites located near the Corsair Area, located south of the Au Sable River and River Road National Scenic River in the southeast corner of the Huron National Forest. This area includes Corsair Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing Trail, Sand Lake Day Use Area, Round Lake Campground and Tuttle Marsh.
Round Lake Campground and Day Use Area
Hoist/Reid Lake Areas
Recreation areas located near Hoist and Reid Lakes, north of the Au Sable River in the northeast corner of the Huron National Forest.
Horseshoe Lake Campground and Boat Launch
Jewell Lake Campground
Reid Lake Foot Travel Area
Hungerford Recreation Area
Mack Lake Motorized Trail System
As riders travel on this trail they will pass by a variety of scenary types. The trail is mostly on a 0 - 10% grade, with some short sections at a 30% grade. The trail system is marked with orange confidence markers.

Bull Gap Hill Climb provides a challenge for experienced riders, while the trail section near Maltby Hills is available for trail riders with less experience.

This trail is shown on the Huron-Manistee National Forests Motor Vehicle Use Map, available in the Maps and Publications section. A map is also located on the MI-DNRE website.
Mack Lake ORV Campground
Meadows ORV Complex
This trail system connects to the Mack Lake Trail System and was developed for vehicles 50 in. or less. As riders travel through the forest they will see a wide variety of scenery types. The trail ranges anywhere from 0 to 10% grades with some short stretches of 30%. Confidence markers are orange triangles.

This trail is shown on the Huron-Manistee National Forests Motor Vehicle Use Map, available in the Maps and Publications section. A map is also located on the MI-DNRE website.
Meadows ORV Campground
Lake Michigan
The recreation sites in this area are all located on the Lake Michigan shoreline or within driving distance of the lake.

Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is the only designated wilderness on the Huron-Manistee National Forests.  Adjacent to the wilderness area is the popular Lake Michigan Recreation Area.  Further inland visitors can go to Hoags Lake and enjoy a day of swimming, picnicking or fishing.
Lake Michigan Recreation Area
Little Manistee River, National Scenic Study River

The Little Manistee River offers many opportunities for steelhead and trout fishing. The river banks are covered with lowland brush, swamp conifers, white pine and a variety of oak. The river has many bends and large logs. Water levels can become fairly shallow during dry summer months. There are a number of dispersed fishing access sites along the river, some of which allow camping.

Map: This brochure is set to print on 8.5x11 paper, landscape (wide) orientation.
Bear Track Campground
Old Grade Campground
M-37: White Cloud to Baldwin
This area covers all recreation areas along M-37 between White Cloud and Baldwin. This does not include trailheads for the North Country National Scenic Trail or Hungerford Recreation Area.
Benton Lake Campground
Brush Lake Campground
Condon Lakes West
Highbank Lake Campground
Indian Lake Campground
Minnie Pond Campground
Nichols Lake South Campground
Shelley Lake Campground
Timber Creek Campground
Twinwood Lake Campground
Walkup Lake Campground
M-55: Manistee to Cadillac
This section includes all recreation areas along M-55 or a short distance from M-55 located between Cadillac and Manistee, except the Pine and Manistee Rivers.
Hemlock Campground and Boat Launch
Marzinski Horse Trail and Campground

The terrain is mostly flat through mixed hardwood forest and pine. The trail is marked with blue diamond-shaped markers on trees and cedar signs.

The campground is located in a pine forest.

Map (pdf)

Flickr Album
Pine Lake Campground
Sand Lake Recreation Area
Manistee River
The Manistee River, from Tippy Dam to the M-55 Bridge, is a designated National Recreation River. There are several river access sites, day use areas and campgrounds located along this section of river. During the summer the river is popular with canoers and kayakers, while during the fall salmon season, sites such as Suicide Bend and Sawdust Hole are popular with anglers.

The section north of Tippy Dam, up to Hodenpyl Dam Pond, is bordered on either side by the Manistee River Trail and the North Country National Scenic Trail. This area is also within the Manistee River Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area, a 7,900 acre area of the Forest.

Brochure with map:
This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.

Flickr Photo Albums
- Manistee River
- Manistee River Trail
Manistee National Recreation River
The Manistee River between Tippy Dam and the M-55 Bridge was designated as a National Recreational River in 1996. The river is wide and characterized by steep banks and sharp bends, with a swift current and mostly slow, wide bends.

The river corridor supports a wide variety of recreational activities throughout the year, including hiking on the North Country National Scenic Trail and Manistee River Trail.

In the fall, hunters come from all over to take advantage of the abundant white-tailed deer, waterfowl and small game hunting available along the river.

Anglers are lured by the annual salmon and steelhead runs, as well as brown trout, smallmouth bass and walleye. However, salmon season is particularly busy on the river.

Backwater bayous, extensive riparian areas and mature forest communities provide habitat for a diverse number of wildlife species. The lower Manistee River is considered to be the most extensive and least disturbed remnant of true red-shouldered hawk habitat in the state.

Click here for more information on our Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Brochure with map:
This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.

Flickr Photo Albums
- Manistee River
- Manistee River Trail
Blacksmith Bayou Access Site
Government Landing
Red Bridge River Access Site
Sawdust Hole River Access
Manistee River Trail
The Manistee River Trail follows the east shore of the Manistee River for 8.8 miles through rolling hills. The trail traverses past several wetlands and there are bridges crossing two creeks. A waterfall near the northern end of the trail is very popular with many hikers. The Manistee River Trail/North Country National Scenic Trail connector is also the site of the largest wooden suspension bridge in Lower Michigan. Several observation sites along the trail provide hikers with vista views of the Manistee River and surrounding area. There are several dispersed campsites along the trail.

A 23-mile loop trail is formed with the Manistee River Trail along the Manistee River. The loop trail can be accessed from the Marilla and Upper River Road Trailheads for the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Red Bridge and Seaton Creek accesses for the Manistee River Trail.

Brochure with map:
This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.

Flickr Photo Albums
- Manistee River
- Manistee River Trail
Seaton Creek Campground
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area
The 3,500 acre Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is a beautiful and complex feature along Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline, in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, located between Ludington and Manistee. It is popular for hiking, primitive and dispersed camping, beach combing, hunting, picnicking, nature study and wildlife viewing, also offering approximately 10-miles of trails accessed from two developed trailheads:  Nurnberg Road and Lake Michigan Recreation Area.  The designated Wilderness area is a protected natural space, an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.

Our Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Story has more information on what is being done to protect this special place and how you can help.
North Country National Scenic Trail
Did you know that the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) passes through three National Parks, eight National Forests, and one National Grassland?

The North Country National Scenic Trail is being constructed across federal, state, county and private land. Upon completion the trail will extend from Crown Point, New York to Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota. It will be the longest, continuous hiking trail in the United States.

The 128.8-mile portion of the NCNST that goes through the Manistee portion of the National forests has 15 spur trails to other forest hiking and interpretive trails.

The NCNST is marked with blue rectangle-shaped blazes. Connector trails are marked with white rectangle blazes on trees. For information on the NCNST visit the National Park Service www.nps.gov/noco/index.htm.

Brochure with map:
- North Country National Scenic Trail
- Manistee River Trail
This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.

Flickr Photo Albums
- North Country National Scenic Trail
- Manistee River Trail
Pere Marquette River
The Pere Marquette National Scenic River is a sixty-six mile stretch from the junction of the Middle and Little South Branches east of Baldwin to the Old Highway 31 Bridge.

The Bowman Lake Special Area is 1,100 acres and has both the Pere Marquette and North Country National Scenic Trail going through it.

Whelan Lake Special Area is a 2,800 acre area located near the south branch of the Pere Marquette River.
Bowman Lake Area
This area not only has the Pere Marquette River running through it, but also contains a portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail and habitat for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly.

The Bowman Lake area is located in Lake and Sweetwater Townships in Lake County. A total of 1,145 acres of NFS lands and 368 acres of private lands are within the boundary of the Bowman Lake area.

The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, glacial depressions and leatherleaf bogs. A 3-acre lake is located within the area. The area tends to be densely forested with a mix of hardwoods, red and white pine and aspen. Wildlife species that commonly inhabit this area include white-tailed deer, bobcat, coyote, red fox, raccoon, porcupine, squirrels, pileated woodpecker, ruffed grouse, wild turkey and various songbirds.

Visitor recreation activities include camping, fishing, mushroom gathering, bird-watching, hunting, hiking and canoeing. Mountain biking and horseback riding are also common uses on the area trails. Although trails are not groomed in the winter, the area is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

The Bowman Lake Trailhead serves as a main entry point onto the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT). A 3-mile segment of the NCT is located within this area and mountain biking is allowed on this section of trail. In addition, a small trailhead is located on NFS Road 6267, giving access to the Bowman Lake Campground Trail, which is approximately 7.5 miles of loop trail designed for nonmotorized recreation.

This trail system can also be used by mountain bikers and horseback riders. Four improved campsites are located on Bowman Lake. Segments of the State of Michigan snowmobile trail system and Michigan Cycle Conservation Club Trail (MCCCT) system are located immediately south of the area.
Bowman Lake Campground
Pere Marquette National Scenic River
In July 1978 the Pere Marquette River and its major tributaries were designated a Michigan Natural River by the State of Michigan. This same year the river was added as a National Wild and Scenic River, the first in Michigan. The scenic portion of the river is a sixty-six mile stretch from the junction of the Middle and Little South Branches east of Baldwin to the Old Highway 31 Bridge. The Natural River designation includes the main stem and major tributaries.

Brochure with Map: This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.

Flickr Photo Album

Click here for additional information on our Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Bowman Bridge Campground and River Access
Claybanks Campground
Elk Canoe Campground
Gleason's Landing Campground and River Access
Log Mark Rest Stop Canoe and Fishing Landing
Sulak Campground
Whelan Lake Area
Pine National Scenic River

The lower 26-miles of the Pine River was designated a National Scenic River in 1992. The Pine River provides a unique recreation experience for lower Michigan, supporting quality opportunities for a diversity of recreation activities in a relatively undeveloped setting. Canoeing and kayaking are the primary activities on this river, with much of the appeal being the fast water and light rapids. It is a designated "Blue Ribbon" cold-water trout stream, with fishing being the second most popular activity on the river. The Pine River has the fastest average flow of any river in lower Michigan.

Scenery is one of the most outstanding attributes of the river. The designated portion of the river contains a unique riparian landform with its deeply incised river channel and high, exposed sand banks. Diverse vegetation contributes to the overall "scenic" feel of the river. Tree species vary from cedar-hemlock, ash, elm, sugar and red maple, and basswood in the lowland portions to mixed oak, pine and aspen in the upland areas. There are small openings scattered throughout the corridor that provide habitat diversity for many species of wildlife.

Brochure with Map: This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.

Flickr Photo Album

Click here for additional information on our Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Peterson Bridge South Campground
Shore-to-Shore State Horse Trail

The trail begins in Empire near Lake Michigan, on the west side of the state and ends at Lake Huron on the eastern side of the state. The trail passes under I-75, north of Grayling, and then continues eastward to follow the historic Au Sable River to its end in Au Sable, just south of Oscoda. 112 miles of trail run through the Huron portion of the Huron-Manistee National Forests.
Luzerne Horse Trail Campground and Trailhead
McKinley Horse Trail Campground
River Road Trail Camp and Trailhead
South Branch Trail Campground and Trailhead
South Branch Pine River
This river is not navigable for canoeing or boating, however it is an excellent river for cold-water fishing.
Pine River Campground
This is a popular campground during fishing season. Recreation opportunities include hunting, picnicking, mushroom gathering and berry picking. The picnic shelter is a Civilian Conservation Corps construction from the mid 1940's.
Wagner Lake Area
This section contains information on the sites located in the southern section of the Huron National Forest.
Island Lake Campground
Wagner Lake Campground
Wakeley Lake Area
Recreation areas near the Wakeley Lake. This is the section of the Huron National Forest furthest west, and most sites are located along or north of M-72.
Kneff Lake Campground
Wakeley Lake Area
White River

Three sections of the White River are currently being study for inclusion as a National Scenic River. Currently the White River is designated Scenic by the State of Michigan.

The White River is characterized by a primarily sand bottom with deep pockets of water and small sections of gravel bottom. Paddlers find the river to be a steady and moderate float, with a meandering course.

The forest on either side of the river is primarily stands of oak, maple and aspen hardwoods mixed with red and white pine.

Wildlife abounds and fishing is a popular activity. A large portion of the river flows through the White River Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area.
Diamond Point
Pines Point