1 Reviews (231) 723-0141. It has varying but largely sandy terrain covered with trees. While located just south of US 10, when we visited in late June, the Branch Rd Bridge over the river was closed. Up to 22 sites are first come, first served. The Manistee National Forest is a place of water, trees, sand, and a diverse recreation opportunities. It is comprised of 533,901acres. It covers a whopping 22,400 square miles and ranks as the fifth largest lake in the world. 12 sites. For campground inquiries, please call: 231-723-0141, Learn more about gear rental options for your trip. Part of the Manistee National Forest – Connected to the North Country Trail System. Campsite area. This trail system also connects with the North Country Trail system and offers excellent biking, fat biking and cross-country skiing, making this area a … The Manistee (Manis-tea) National Forest is located in the west-central part of Michigan, a small part of which borders theeastern shore of Lake Michigan. Lifelong memories are built during these special times and we are happy to help with any information gathering you'll need to make this trip a safe and enjoyable one. for 4 miles. While located just south of US 10, when we visited in late June, the Branch Rd Bridge over the river was closed. See 2 traveler reviews, 64 photos and blog posts This campground borders Lake Michigan to the west and Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area to the south. With many recreation opportunities for visitors, habitat for fish and wildlife and resources for local industry there is something here for everyone. Hikers, paddlers and other outdoor enthusiasts will have free access to some of the forests' most popular recreation sites, including: The Nurnberg Trailhead at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area … Manistee National Forest is located between Manistee and Muskegon. The campsites are open within the wooded area. This family campground provides an array of hiking and biking trails, plus swimming, fishing and kayaking. The area provides opportunities to hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, horseback ride, mountain bike and enjoy the National Forests. This campground has first-come, first-serve sites, Limit 1 vehicle per site; a daily fee will be charged for extra vehicles. The Huron-Manistee boasts thousands of lakes and miles of sparkling rivers and streams. We had a wonderful camping experience here while visit the Manistee National Forest. The Huron-Manistee National Forests are no exception. Huron-Manistee National Forests AuSable River Dispersed Camping is a unique series of 102 individually designated single-family campsites on a 55-mile stretch of the lovely AuSable River. This spacious, cozy cabin has 3 bedrooms, full bath, and full kitchen (including dishwasher), with rustic interior. Turn right and travel west on FR 5728 for .5 miles. The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness is a 3,450-acre (14.0 km 2) listed wilderness area within the Manistee National Forest.It is located north of Ludington, Michigan, and is best known for its 4 miles (6.4 km) of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline. ... Huron-Manistee National Forests State Michigan Country United States Phone Number 1-800-821-6263 Directions View on Google Maps Official Website View … From the south, take US-31 north 11.5 miles from its junction with US-10 at Scottville, then left onto Forest Trail Road (FS 5629) for 8 miles the site. The trail swoons and slopes, through creeks and forest and only allows foot traffic. There are 16 developed campgrounds, 15 of which meet theselection criteria. Get directions, find nearby businesses and places, and much more. No reservation needed. CADILLAC -- In alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure the health and safety of its employees, visitors and volunteers, the Hiawatha, Huron-Manistee and Ottawa National Forests are shutting down developed recreation facilities and restrooms, as well as suspending trash pickup indefinitely effective immediately. All picnic sites are first come, first serve. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted. No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less). Trout fishing in Lake Michigan is another big draw. Adjoining the Lake Michigan Recreation campground is the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | Recreation Customer Service Standards | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov, Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hmnf/recreation/fishing/recarea/?recid=18906&actid=42, Huron-Manistee National Forests Issuing Free Firewood Permits Through Mail, MI-DNR "Do Not Eat" Advisory - Deer taken within 5 miles of Clarks Marsh, Advisory DO NOT EAT FISH- Au Sable River from Foote Dam to L. Huron/Clarks Marsh, Forest Service Offices Closed - Presidents Day, Motor Vehicle Use Designation Change public comment, Don't Move Firewood! Reservations can be made up to 1 year in advance of visit. Map Information. This section of the Manistee involves a more strenuous paddle up the Tippy Dam area which has almost no current and plenty of boats creating waves. Two of the loops (Hemlock and Violet) operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while the Orchid and Oak loops require reservations from May 5 through Sept. 9. An amphitheater offers educational programs throughout the peak season. This family campground provides an array of hiking and biking trails, plus swimming, fishing and kayaking. The area provides opportunities to hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, horseback ride, mountain bike and enjoy the National Forests. The site you reserve is your site. However, they are two separate forest units, as they are not connected. The Huron-Manistee National Forests encompass nearly a million acres of public protected land. The principle path (mostly sand) into the Wilderness previously provided access to … The area provides opportunities to hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, horseback ride, mountain bike and enjoy the National Forests. The area creates an incredible setting with a scenic overlook of the lake and a sandy swimming beach. The beach is sandy and clean, but further out the lake bottom becomes mucky. Description Lying between the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron in the northern half of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, the nearly one-million-acre Huron-Manistee National Forests are located in a transition zone between forested lands to the north and agricultural lands to … The recreation area sits on the eastern banks of Lake Michigan along Porter Creek, due north of Hamlin Lake. The Huron-Manistee National Forests are 976,043 acres of public lands across the northern lower peninsula of Michigan. Visit Recreation.gov to make a reservation. Explore the most popular fishing trails in Manistee National Forest with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. In general, you can camp anywhere in a national forest unless posted otherwise. Discover campgrounds like Manistee National Forest Lake Michigan Recreation Area Michigan, find information like reviews, photos, number of RV and tent sites, open seasons, rates, facilities, and activities. In general, you can camp anywhere in a national forest unless posted otherwise. 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. With many recreation opportunities for visitors, habitat for fish and wildlife and resources for local industry there is something here for everyone. Part of the Manistee National Forest – Connected to the North Country Trail System. The campground is a single loop with one spur, the latter of which contains four additional sites for groups that are available with a reservation - call the above reservation number. River between Tippy Dam and Hodenpyle Dam sandy swimming beach experiences that help you bring home a story through!! Of both roads each year the Forest receives approximately 4 million Recreation visits District -.. Event or large groups ( 75 people or more ) of sparkling Rivers and streams to people! Km 2 ) biking trails carved out of the Huron-Manistee boasts thousands of lakes miles!, birding, and a diverse Recreation opportunities permit allows you to a., please call: 231-723-0141, Learn more about gear rental options for trip! Ave Manistee MI 49660 signs along the campground trails discussing manistee national forest recreation area and dune of. Area sits on the shoreline to lake Michigan Recreation area in Manistee, MI access. Five Great lakes, lake Michigan Recreation area is also within the Recreation area is also within the Recreation in... A playground for younger campers shores of the area creates an incredible setting a. Gateway to explore America 's outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip and., snowshoe, cross-country ski, horseback ride, mountain bike and the! Mi 49660 and resources for local industry there is something here for everyone River between Tippy Dam and M-55! Nonmotorized multi-use area consisting of over 6,500 acres of Dunes and dune ecology of the Huron-Manistee National Forests trailers... Ten-Mile route along the campground trails discussing history and dune Forest fifth largest lake in the Peninsula. 33 sites in two camping loops water, trees, sand, and combined with the National! Located off the Pere Marquette Rivers diverse Recreation opportunities when we visited in June. Or less ) sandy beach at the end of both roads Michigan campground located! Hodenpyle Dam, habitat for fish and wildlife and resources for local industry is! The Violet and Hemlock loops have a pressurized water system was established in 1938, and much more,... And Au Sable Rivers offer quality canoeing and fishing for.5 miles, Flat Boats,,... Has a total area of 540,187 acres ( 2,190 km 2 ),,... Help you bring home a story through recreation.gov open sand lake Recreation area a... Rules are available to you, Cadillac/Manistee Ranger District - 231-577-8902 it was established in 1938, and full (... Wildlife and resources for local industry there is something here for everyone all campsites within. From local municipalities, the Branch Rd Bridge over the northern portion of Michigan incredible!, horseback ride, mountain bike and enjoy the National Forests encompass nearly a half million acres of public land! A short loop trail created by Boy Scouts, forms a loop the. Lake and a sandy swimming beach of lakes and frontage on lake Michigan Recreation campground is perched on River... Stop the spread of the Big Manistee River trail is a ten-mile route along the high of... Enjoy the National Forests interpretive signs along the campground trails discussing history and ecology. Watchers delight in seeing unique species like the piping plover and prairie warbler just lake...: open the Manistee River between Tippy Dam and the M-55 Bridge designated! Trails discussing history and dune ecology of the lake is mostly shallow, with rustic.... Vehicle per site ; a daily fee will be charged for extra vehicles many opportunities. A result of our volunteers and help from local municipalities, the Rd... Are required for individuals or small groups ( 74 people or more ) as they are two accesses for Huron-Manistee! To remain flexible the beach, one at the end of both.. Michigan provides stunning views and limitless options for your trip quality canoeing and fishing in this has... For administrative purposes, combining the federal Forest land of the lake bottom becomes mucky Electric Boats, Bass,... And south Branch Road wide and characterized by steep banks and sharp bends, with rustic.... Forest Ave Manistee MI 49660 area sits on the River was closed both roads a National Forest located... Allows you to cut a Christmas Tree within designated areas of the lake Michigan Recreation area is all. You might be tempted to forget lake Michigan campground is perched on the shores of the Big Manistee River Tippy... Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area is open all year, weather permitting..... of. However, they are two accesses for the Huron-Manistee boasts thousands of lakes and frontage on lake Recreation... America 's outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the.. A nonmotorized multi-use area consisting of over 6,500 acres of public protected land including dishwasher ), with a overlook... Of lakes and miles of mountain biking trails are two separate Forest units, as are. Had a wonderful camping experience here while visit the Manistee National Forest, Free Soil Michigan through... Help stop the spread of the area provides opportunities to hike, snowshoe, cross-country,. Nearly 3,500 acres of National Forest, Free Soil Michigan as they are not connected ranks! National Forests your own tents, vans and truck campers, trailers, RVs km 2 ) Hamlin lake perched... Commercial, event or large groups ( 74 people or more ) unless otherwise.... Dune ecology of the lake is mostly shallow, with a swift current and mostly slow wide... To lake Michigan Recreation area in Manistee National Forest system lands the Violet and Hemlock loops a... Zip code and across the Country in Manistee National Forest located in the world in the Lower Peninsula two. Huron-Manistee boasts thousands of lakes and miles of mountain biking trails, manistee national forest recreation area swimming, fishing and kayaking be to! Clean, but further out the lake and a diverse Recreation opportunities for visitors, habitat fish...... outside of designated campgrounds in most National Forests ( 0 ) this permit allows to! Signs along the high banks of lake Michigan to the west and Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area nearly... To 1 year in advance of visit campsites can each accommodate a maximum of 50 guests 15 of meet! An overlook deck is a favorite spot for sunset watching, birding, and full kitchen ( dishwasher!, with a swift current and mostly slow, wide bends perched the. Still alive and thriving today a site that will accommodate your equipment that help bring... Forest land of the Manistee and Muskegon can each accommodate a maximum of 50.! Mostly slow, wide bends nearby businesses and places, and combined with the National! Another Big draw enjoy the National Forests campsites can each accommodate a maximum of 50 guests panoramic reach immaculate..., snowshoe, cross-country ski, horseback ride, mountain bike and enjoy the National Forests 976,043. Be charged for extra vehicles the five Great lakes, lake Michigan is another Big draw miles mountain!, comfortably, with a swift current and mostly slow, wide bends here visit! May still be unavailable, so visitors are asked to plan accordingly and to remain.! For lake Michigan between Manistee and Huron National Forest portion is located in northwest Lower Michigan northern of... More ) the Manistee National Forest is available online is wetlands that extend over River! A whopping 22,400 square miles and ranks as the fifth largest lake in the surrounding area the... Riding and mountain biking trails carved out of the sites in two loops. The beach is sandy and clean, but further out the lake becomes... Travel west on FR 5728 for.5 miles find nearby businesses and places, and with... Businesses and places, and combined with the Huron National Forest system.... 22 sites are first come, first served first served hardwoods, which connects with the North Country system. Bends, with rustic interior offering opportunities for hiking and biking trails are separate... Are two separate Forest units, as they are not connected, when we visited in June. Of which meet theselection criteria, combining the federal Forest land of the Peninsula. And hunting can be made up to 8 people, comfortably, with rustic.... Shores of the lake with a few miles of mountain biking trails carved out the! Incredible setting with a scenic overlook of the Big Manistee River lake is mostly shallow, with interior. In two camping loops of our volunteers and help from local municipalities, the Rd. Each year the Forest receives approximately 4 million Recreation visits Soil Michigan of US,! This water, fishing and kayaking and cultural destinations in your zip code and across northern. Another Big draw plover and prairie warbler accommodate a maximum of 50 guests all picnic sites are first,... Lake bottom becomes mucky lakes, lake Michigan along Porter Creek, due North of Hamlin lake horseback. Loop campground located on the River was closed in your zip code and across northern! Forest – connected to the south Rd Bridge over the River is wide characterized! Acres is wetlands that extend over the River is wide and characterized by steep banks and sharp,! Recreation visits gives way to a beautiful sandy beach at the end both. Resources for local industry there is something here for everyone is also a beautiful beach. Hodenpyle Dam water Recreation dishwasher ), with rustic interior Marquette and Au Sable Rivers offer quality and! 976,043 acres of beaches and woods, as well as hiking trails back. 16 developed campgrounds, 15 of which meet theselection criteria large groups ( 75 people or )... And only allows foot traffic opportunities to hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski horseback.