Manistee National Forest is home to Matson's Big Manistee River Campground, a US Forest Service facility set within a forested stretch along the Big Manistee River in Michigan. The campground runs from April 1 through December 1, with sites accessible by both vehicle and boat. Tent sites sit directly on the riverbank, while RV campers have access to electric and water hookups. A dump station is also on-site.
Water access is the defining feature here. The campground has a boat launch and rents boats, kayaks, and fishing charters, making it a practical base for time on the river. As Shawn M. puts it, "Manistee river is very nice to kayak and go fishing." Anglers in particular find the setup well-suited to their needs, with one reviewer noting it as a go-to spot for river fishing. Showers are available on-site and reviewers have noted the bathroom facilities are kept clean.
Nightly rates run $24 to $40. Reservations are available, and given the riverfront tent sites, booking ahead makes sense for peak summer weekends. Dogs are welcome. Up North Rivers Camping and Udell Rollways are among the nearby alternatives for those planning a longer stay in the area, with more campgrounds near Manistee National Forest available if this one fills up. Cell service has come up in at least one review, so downloading maps and river conditions before arrival is worth the extra step.
Description
Located on the Big Manistee River and Borski Bayou, Matson’s campground and surrounding Huron-Manistee National Forest, offer some of Michigan’s best fishing, hunting and camping.
TENT - Campsites are equipped with a picnic table and fire pit. We have rustic riverfront sites and electric sites just back off the river. Water, electric, and septic sites are located within walking distance.
CABIN - Cabins, lodge and rental RV trailers have air conditioning, a refrigerator, stove, microwave, TV with Wi-Fi, linens, towels and dishes as well as a fire pit, picnic table and charcoal grill.
RV - Full hookup RV sites are equipped with a 30A hookup, water and septic. Daily, weekly, and seasonal rates are available. On-site luxury 5th wheel RV’s are also available for rent.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMatson's Big Manistee River Campground is located in Michigan near Onekama
Directions
East of Manistee (between Manistee and Wellston) off M-55. From M-55 take Skocelas Rd north four miles to Becker Road. Turn West on Becker 3/4 mile to Bialik Rd. Continue on Bialik Road 3/4 mile to the campground.
Address
2680 Bialik Rd
Manistee, MI 49660
Coordinates
44.27996131 N
86.1570894 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 15 min from Traverse City, MI
- 1 hr 35 min from Muskegon, MI
- 3 hrs 50 min from Sheboygan, WI
- 4 hrs 2 min from Green Bay, WI






