Tucked into the Manistee National Forest outside Wellston, Kestelwoods Campground sits within easy reach of the Pine River corridor and several established trailheads, making it a practical base for paddlers and trail riders alike. The campground runs from late April through late October and accommodates rigs up to 50 feet with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer. WiFi is available on-site.
The campground draws a mix of motorcyclists, kayakers, and families, and reviewers consistently note the grounds are clean and well-maintained across four bathhouses. Sites are described as large, with enough spacing to keep the atmosphere from feeling cramped even during peak summer weeks. Reviewers report that trail bike riders staying at the campground tend to keep reasonable hours, with engines typically not running before mid-morning or past 10 pm. Melissa V. notes it sits "right between two prime access points to the Pine River for canoeing and kayaking."
River access is a recurring draw. Pine River Paddlesports Center is about a mile north, and Coolwater on the Pine River Campground lies roughly 1.5 miles east for those comparing nearby options. A heated pool is available on-site. Firewood and a honey wagon service are also available.
Reservations are accepted and pets are allowed. Booking a few weeks out appears sufficient for most summer stays, though holiday weeks can fill faster than expected.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsKestelwoods Campground is located in Michigan near South Branch
Directions
Located 25 miles from Cadillac. Located 2 1/2 miles south of M55 & M37 on M37 & 48 1/2 Road.
Address
10860 W 48 1/2 Rd
Wellston, MI 49689
Coordinates
44.18624741 N
85.79929318 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/1/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/1/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 52 min from Traverse City, MI
- 1 hr 30 min from Grand Rapids, MI
- 1 hr 31 min from Muskegon, MI
- 1 hr 35 min from Midland, MI
