Recreation
The Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by concession-operated sites may vary. The 2025 dates are:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 20, 2025
- National Get Outdoors Day June 14, 2025
- Juneteenth June 19, 2025
- National Public Lands Day September 27, 2025
- Veterans Day November 11, 2025
Know Before You Go
Government Landing
Site Open
This camping area is named for Government Island. The 3 campsites are part of the Forest Services' 41 designated dispersed sites along the Upper Manistee River. The main access road along the…
Green Cottage
Site Open
The trip down the river is very scenic, paddlers will pass a lot of wetland areas and swamp vegetation and areas forested with oak and pine over story. This section is one where paddlers will be most…
Hemlock Campground and Boat Launch
Site Closed
This campground is located on the west end of Lake Mitchell near Cadillac. The lake is 1,600 acres and nearly surrounded by residences. The west end of the lake is marshy and good for wildlife…
High Bridge Access Site
Site Open
The Pere Marquette Railroad crossed the Big Manistee River on a 96-foot high, 1,200 ft long iron truss bridge. The bridge was torn down in 1955 but the foundations and some pilings are still seen…
Highbank Lake Campground
Site Open
This campground is located on the 20-acre Highbank Lake, which is completely surrounded by National Forest System land. This is a popular campground for anglers and hikers. The beach is very swim…
Hoist Lake Area
Site Open
Hoist Lake foot travel area encompasses almost 10,000 acres of pine, aspen and hardwood forest. There are 19 miles of looped trail. Hiking trails and back-country skiing are permitted; however, there…
Horseshoe Lake Campground and Boat Launch
Site Open
The small 16-acre lake offers a variety of fishing opportunities. The one-mile walk around the north end of the lake provides for wildlife sightings and scenic views of the lake and campground. This…
Iargo Springs
Site Open
Lying off of River Road National Scenic Byway, Iargo Springs provides a panoramic view of the Au Sable River. Used as a drinking water source since pre-settlement times, dams were constructed on the…
Indian Bridge
Site Open
This site is the most westward site managed by the Forest Service on the Pere Marquette River.Flickr Photo Album
Indian Lake Campground
Site Open
Indian Lake Campground is located on the 34-acre Indian Lake. The lake is surrounded by national forest, except a few small private ownerships on the northwest and southeast sides of the lake. The…