White River

Area Status: Open

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.

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station
Operational Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted.
Rentals & Guides: Watercraft Rentals
  • Montague
    • Happy Mohawk Canoe Livery
Fees: Recreation Enhancement Act Fee - Camping -
  • Diamond Point
Concessionaire Fee - Camping -
  • Pines Point Complex
Day Use -
  • Pines Point Complex
Permit Info: Special Use Permit -
  • No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less).
  • Permits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more).
Visit the Passes and Permits section for more information on obtaining a special use permit.
Open Season: January 1 - December 31
Usage: Light
Restrictions: 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
Closest Towns: Hesperia, Fremont, White Cloud
Operated By: Baldwin White Cloud Ranger District - 650 N. Michigan Ave. PO Box D, Baldwin, MI 49304
Information Center:

General Information

General Notes:

County - Oceana, Muskegon


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Diamond Point is surrounded by a white poine forest.  This campground is particularly busy on weekends as a canoe launch.  No reservation is needed at this campground, sites are first come, first served.

Pines Point Campground has a walk-in canoe landing and is popular for tubing during the summer, with a half-hour float around the peninsula located in the picnic area.  The site is quiet and secluded, surrounded by towering white pine.  A reservation is required for this campground.

Areas for Campground Camping at White River

RV Camping

Diamond Point is surrounded by a white poine forest.  This campground is particularly busy on weekends as a canoe launch.  No reservation is needed at this campground, sites are first come, first served.

Pines Point Campground has a walk-in canoe landing and is popular for tubing during the summer, with a half-hour float around the peninsula located in the picnic area.  The site is quiet and secluded, surrounded by towering white pine.  A reservation is required for this campground.

Areas for RV Camping at White River

Group Camping

Pines Point Campground has a walk-in canoe landing and is popular for tubing during the summer, with a half-hour float around the peninsula located in the picnic area.  The site is quiet and secluded, surrounded by towering white pine.  A reservation is required for this campground.

Areas for Group Camping at White River

River and Stream Fishing

Diamond Point is surrounded by a white poine forest.  This campground is particularly busy on weekends as a canoe launch.  No reservation is needed at this campground, sites are first come, first served.

Pines Point Campground has a walk-in canoe landing and is popular for tubing during the summer, with a half-hour float around the peninsula located in the picnic area.  The site is quiet and secluded, surrounded by towering white pine.  A reservation is required for this campground.

Podunk access the river via a set of steps.  The site is located in an open field surrounded by oak and pine forest.  Boat access is carry-in only.

Sischo Bayou provides access to the section of the White River that is primarily federal ownership.  The canoe access is carry-in and there are steps leading down to the river. 

At St. Huberts Angler Trail, the access trail is a short .25 mile walk to the river, with another short trail along the river that provides access to anglers. 

Fishing Mode Boat, Shore, Wade
Fish Species Salmon, Trout, Sucker Fish
Fishing Platform No
Cleaning Station No
Water Temperature Cold
Accessible Platform No
Fishing Method Fly, Pole

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at White River

Day Hiking

At St. Huberts Angler Trail, the access trail is a short .25 mile walk to the river, with another short trail along the river that provides access to anglers. 

The White River Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area (SPNMA)  is open to hikers.  Several roads traverse the area.  Hikers may also walk near several acres of habitat for the federally endangered Karner Blue butterfly.  There are no desigated trails through the SPNMA and visitors are encouraged to carry a map and compass. 

Areas for Day Hiking at White River

Backpacking

The White River Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area (SPNMA)  is open to hikers.  Several roads traverse the area.  Hikers may also walk near several acres of habitat for the federally endangered Karner Blue butterfly.  There are no desigated trails through the SPNMA and visitors are encouraged to carry a map and compass. 

Areas for Backpacking at White River

Picnicking

While you can picnic almost anywhere on the National Forest, the sites listed below have picnic tables, and most sites have pedestal grills or fire rings available.

Areas for Picnicking at White River

Group Picnicking


While you can picnic almost anywhere on the National Forest, the sites listed below have picnic tables, and most sites have pedestal grills or fire rings available.

Areas for Group Picnicking at White River

Boating - Non-Motorized

Diamond Point is surrounded by a white poine forest.  This campground is particularly busy on weekends as a canoe launch.  No reservation is needed at this campground, sites are first come, first served.

Pines Point Campground has a walk-in canoe landing and is popular for tubing during the summer, with a half-hour float around the peninsula located in the picnic area.  The site is quiet and secluded, surrounded by towering white pine.  A reservation is required for this campground.

Podunk access the river via a set of steps.  The site is located in an open field surrounded by oak and pine forest.  Boat access is carry-in only.

Sischo Bayou provides access to the section of the White River that is primarily federal ownership.  The canoe access is carry-in and there are steps leading down to the river.

Trailer Parking Yes
Class of rapids 0
Size Restrictions None
Type of Craft Canoe, Kayak
Marina/Mooring No

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at White River

Swimming

The White River Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area is a 6,900 acre area.  The White River runs next to this area. 

Areas for Swimming at White River

Tubing

Pines Point Campground has a walk-in canoe landing and is popular for tubing during the summer, with a half-hour float around the peninsula located in the picnic area.  The site is quiet and secluded, surrounded by towering white pine.  A reservation is required for this campground.

Water/Flow Level n/a

Areas for Tubing at White River

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
75 miles