USDA Forest Service · Michigan
Seaton Creek Campground
USDA Forest Service · Michigan, United States
- Sites
- 19
- Hookups
- 19 no hookups
- Season
- April 26 to October 12
- Group sites
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 922 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile weak · AT&T weak · Verizon weak (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- SEATON CK CAMPGROUND S (NFSR 5993) · crushed aggregate or gravel · suitable for passenger cars
- Lake
- Huron-Manistee National Forests
- Nearest town
- Manistee
- Address
- P.O. Box 69, Manistee, MI, 49660
- Phone
- 231-723-0141
- Activities
- Camping, Emergency Services
About
Overview
Seaton Creek Campground adjoins Seaton Creek and is at the upper end of the backwater of Hodenpyl Dam Pond on the Big Manistee River. The forest surrounding the campground is mostly pine and the sites are rustic. The closest town is Mesick.
Recreation
The surrounding waters offer excellent fishing opportunities for both panfish (perch, bluegil, crappie, sunfish) and game fish (trout, bass, pike, salmon). For State Fishing Regulations consult the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, website http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/ .
Kayakers may access the campground by traveling up the very shallow Seaton Creek, however canoeing is not recommended unless you're putting in at the Hodenpyl Backwaters. From there, you can canoe the Big Manistee. There is a connector trail to the Manistee River Trail from this site. The North Country National Scenic Trail can be reached by crossing the suspension bridge over the Manistee River. The Upper Branch Trailhead is also nearby.
Facilities
Two group sites and 17 family sites area situated near a picnic area on the Hodenpyl Backwater of the Manistee River. There are two vault restroom buildings. Sites have fire rings and picnic tables. Drinking water is available.
Natural Features
The terrain surrounding Hodenpyl Dam Pond is characterized as hilly with a mix of hardwoods and conifers. Briar Hill, which has the second-highest elevation in the lower peninsula, is located about five miles east of Hodenpyl Dam Pond. A number of other tributaries enter Hodenpyl Dam Pond from the east, flowing off the slopes of Briar Hill. These streams are characterized by very high gradient and cold temperatures. They include Seaton Creek, Small Creek, Preston Creek, Cripple Creek, and several unnamed streams. These streams mostly host a mix of brown and brook trout, although a few have only brook trout. The trailhead for the Manistee River Trail is within the campground.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27° | 15° | -13° | 47° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 28° | 15° | -3° | 50° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 39° | 24° | 10° | 69° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 52° | 35° | 12° | 80° | 7 of 11 |
| May | 67° | 46° | 29° | 81° | 2 of 11 |
| June | 74° | 55° | 43° | 90° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 80° | 62° | 54° | 92° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 79° | 62° | 54° | 87° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 74° | 56° | 45° | 86° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 56° | 44° | 34° | 73° | 0 of 10 |
| November | 41° | 32° | 15° | 63° | 8 of 10 |
| December | 32° | 24° | 3° | 60° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Upper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites · USDA Forest Service · 6 mi · 11 sites
- Government Landing Access · USDA Forest Service · 7 mi
- Tippy Dam · Michigan State Parks · 9 mi
- Sawdust Hole Angler Access · USDA Forest Service · 9 mi
- Peterson Bridge · USDA Forest Service · 11 mi · 31 sites
All public campgrounds in Michigan · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-06-26. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.