Upper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites

The Upper Manistee dispersed campsites are primitive campsites on the Manistee River Backwaters of Tippy Dam Pond, located along the banks of the Manistee River between Tippy Dam and Hodenpyl Dam. The Government Landing location includes 7 sites, 5 of them on the water and 2 on higher ground overlooking the water; two of the waterside sites are walk-in only. The Red Bridge River Access offers 4 walk-in-only sites with easy access to the Manistee River. These sites are very popular and are by reservation only from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. The Upper Manistee River Area offers motorized and non-motorized boating opportunities, and fishing is excellent on the Manistee River. Wildlife viewing may include encounters with bald eagles, loons, trumpeter swans, black bears, white tailed deer, river otters and turtles; many of these species are secretive and sensitive to disturbances, so please view them from a distance. Hiking opportunities in the area are numerous, with the North Country Trail and the Manistee River Trail the top draw — both offer excellent views of the forested terrain and the river. Each site is designed for single camp unit use with a maximum of 8 people and 2 vehicles. Sites include a picnic table, fire ring and lantern hook, and vault toilets are located within walking distance of each site. A boat ramp is located at both Government Landing and Red Bridge. No drinking water is available at Government Landing, but drinking water is available at Red Bridge. The Upper Manistee River Area is one of the more scenic areas of the Manistee National Forest, and the outdoor enthusiast will enjoy a rustic camping experience enhanced by the scenic river, peace and solitude, and abundant wildlife. The Manistee River, with its steep slopes and sharp turns, meanders through native hardwoods and pines. This location is unstaffed.