State Forest · Michigan

Manistee River Bridge State Forest Campground

State Forest · Michigan, United States

Open on the map Drive there Official page Directions
Sites
23
Hookups
23 no hookups
Season
Year-round
Cost
$20 per night; a Recreation Passport is required on the vehicle
Drinking water
Yes
Restrooms
Yes
Showers
No
Elevation
1,145 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 2
Cell coverage
T-Mobile weak · Verizon weak · AT&T good (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Phone
989-348-7068

About

This rustic campground is located on the main branch of the scenic Manistee River in Crawford County. The campground provides two different access points to the river. One is a small wooden deck behind site #3, and the other is a large grass landing perfect for launching canoes or kayaks. Both access points are down a set of stairs, so visitors should be aware that they will have to carry boats at least 30 yards to and from the river. There is parking within the campground adjacent to site #16 for visitors and those launching a kayak or canoes.

There are 23 sites for tent, small trailer and large trailer use. The campground is located 7.8 miles northwest of Grayling via M-72 and North Campground Road.

23 rustic campsites, $20 a night. Open all year; the road may not be plowed in winter. First come, first served; register at the campground kiosk on the day you arrive. Vault toilets and a hand-pump well for drinking water; no electricity or hookups. One camping unit and six people per site, 15 nights at most. Managed from Hartwick Pines State Park (989-348-7068).

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January26°12°-13°43°11 of 11
February26°12°-13°48°11 of 11
March39°23°6°65°11 of 11
April52°33°10°81°8 of 11
May67°45°29°82°2 of 11
June73°54°43°92°0 of 11
July79°62°54°92°0 of 11
August78°60°54°88°0 of 11
September72°55°42°84°0 of 11
October54°42°31°74°1 of 10
November40°31°9°58°10 of 10
December32°22°-5°59°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

All public campgrounds in Michigan · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-09-17. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.