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$15 / night

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Established Camping

Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground

4 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground, near Manton, Michigan, is a peaceful spot that offers a nice blend of wooded and open sites, perfect for families and those looking to unwind. With multiple access points to the nearby Manistee River, it’s a great place for a quick float or just to enjoy the soothing sounds of water.

This campground is known for its quiet atmosphere, making it a favorite for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle. Visitors have mentioned that it’s never too crowded, allowing for a more relaxed camping experience. One camper noted, “It does get a lot of ‘non camper traffic,’ but the river makes up for it.”

You’ll find picnic tables at your site, and while there are no electric hookups or showers, the rustic charm adds to the experience. Campers appreciate the opportunity to enjoy campfires under the stars, and the surrounding nature is perfect for exploring or biking along dirt roads.

If you’re planning a visit, keep in mind that cell service can be spotty, so it’s a good idea to disconnect and fully embrace the outdoors. Whether you’re here for a night or a longer stay, Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground offers a lovely retreat into nature.

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Location

Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located 12 miles NW of Manton via M-42 and 31 Road.

Coordinates

44.49191826 N
85.52568627 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

Scheck's Place State Forest Campground

19 min away

Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground

Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground

27 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.5

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4 Reviews

b
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2021

Nice spot

Quiet 25 site campground. It does get a lot of “non camper traffic” A little road noise but the river makes up for it.

Month of VisitAugust
Trish S.
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2020

Rustic with river access

Never especially busy, lots of great sites. We chose an open spot (really 3 sites but in a meadow) so the kids had room to run and play. Multiple river access points made for a quick float for the kids. Lots of dirt roads for bike rides. Great mix of wooded and open sites.

D G.
Reviewed Jun. 5, 2018

A great MI spot

Only spent one night here, but it was a beautiful spot. Right near the Manistee River and offers lovely scenery. It was rainy and there were slugs everywhere, but that's camping right? It was also very empty for a Thursday night in the middle of a Michigan summer.

I plan to re-visit it this summer. Keep in mind that cell service was very limited in this area (AT&T).

Month of VisitAugust
Christin O.
Reviewed Mar. 30, 2017

Gorgeous

Love this campground. We were there in August and it was empty. Multiple river accesses.

Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground?

Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground offers a rustic camping experience with limited amenities. The campground has 25 sites spread across a mix of wooded and open areas. Multiple river access points are available for fishing, floating, and water activities along the Manistee River. The campground doesn't have electric hookups or modern bathroom facilities, making it ideal for those seeking a more primitive outdoor experience. There's ample space for recreational activities, with some open meadow areas perfect for kids to play and dirt roads suitable for bike rides.

How do I access Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground and what are the directions?

Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground is accessible via local roads in northern Michigan. The campground is located along the Manistee River, with road access that may include some unpaved sections. While there might be occasional road noise, it's generally minimal. The campground receives some non-camper traffic due to its river access points. For specific directions, it's recommended to check with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website or contact the local ranger station as GPS directions may not be reliable in this rural area.

Are there photos of Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground to preview before visiting?

Photos of Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground can be found through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website and various camping platforms including The Dyrt. These images typically showcase the campground's scenic riverside setting, the mix of wooded and open sites, and the beautiful Manistee River access points. Look for pictures highlighting the meadow areas, camping spots, and surrounding natural environment. For the most current visual representation of the campground, check official state forest resources or camping websites that feature user-submitted photography.

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