Accessible only by hiking in, this US Forest Service campground within Manistee National Forest requires campers to carry their gear to reach both dispersed and established sites. The access road presents challenges with rocky, steep, and narrow conditions that favor high-clearance vehicles, though SUVs can typically navigate the route. Some sites sit directly on the lake shore.
Campers can launch kayaks and other watercraft from the lake access points. Wind conditions typically increase during midday hours, making early morning the preferred time for paddling activities. The campground serves as a base for exploring campsites near Manistee National Forest in this section of Michigan's national forest system.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBowman Lake Campground is located in Michigan near Baldwin
Public CampgroundCoordinates
43.8901955 N
85.9674395 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 10/10/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 10/10/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Features
Drive Time
- 1 hr 11 min from Muskegon, MI
- 1 hr 20 min from Grand Rapids, MI
- 1 hr 20 min from Traverse City, MI
- 1 hr 35 min from Midland, MI
