State Forest · Michigan
Rapid River Trail Camp
State Forest · Michigan, United States
- Season
- Year-round
- Cost
- Group rates apply; a Recreation Passport is required on the vehicle
- Group sites
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Showers
- No
- Elevation
- 1,060 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 4
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile good · AT&T good · Verizon good (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Phone
- 231-922-5270
About
Designed for equestrian campers, this spacious and sunny group campground, shaded by majestic oaks and pines, offers direct access to the renowned Shore-to-Shore Trail. Riders can explore 420 miles of scenic routes, including the beautiful 19.2-mile stretch to Schecks Trail Camp along a picturesque river (be aware of sandy sections). Accommodating up to 200 people, the campground features a submersible pump for water, requiring a 5,000-watt generator.
If the group will utilize multiple campgrounds along the trail, please contact the Cadillac Operations Service Center at 231-775-9727, ext. 6006. This campground is maintained with the help of the Michigan Trail Riders Association.
The campground is located 3 miles north of Kalkaska via Metzgar Road.
A group camp (equestrian - group); group rates apply. 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 Traverse City State Park (231-922-5270).
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26° | 15° | -14° | 43° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 27° | 13° | -9° | 47° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 38° | 22° | 7° | 65° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 51° | 34° | 9° | 80° | 9 of 11 |
| May | 65° | 44° | 27° | 80° | 2 of 11 |
| June | 71° | 52° | 42° | 91° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 79° | 61° | 53° | 89° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 76° | 61° | 53° | 86° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 72° | 55° | 42° | 84° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 54° | 43° | 33° | 72° | 0 of 10 |
| November | 40° | 32° | 10° | 60° | 9 of 10 |
| December | 32° | 21° | 3° | 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
- Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground · State Forest · 7 mi · 35 sites
- Whitewater Township Park Campground · City, County & Regional Parks · 11 mi · 55 sites
- Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground · State Forest · 11 mi · 13 sites
- Forks State Forest Campground · State Forest · 12 mi · 9 sites
- CCC Bridge State Forest Campground · State Forest · 14 mi · 31 sites
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.