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Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Managed by the MIDNR Forest Resources Division within the Cadillac State Forest Area, Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground sits along the Manistee River near Manton, Michigan, drawing paddlers, anglers, and tent campers from April through October. The campground has around 25 sites. That variety matters: the mix includes wooded sites and more open, meadow-style spots where kids have room to move around.

River access is the defining feature here. Multiple put-in and take-out points along the Manistee make short floats easy to arrange, and fishing is straightforward from the bank. Trish S. notes that "multiple river access points made for a quick float for the kids." Dirt roads through the surrounding forest also give cyclists a low-traffic route without leaving camp. Reviewers consistently mention that the campground runs light on crowds, even mid-summer on weekdays.

Amenities are functional and reliable: a pump well provides drinking water, vault toilets are on-site, firewood is available for purchase, and picnic tables come with each site. RVs up to 40 feet can access the campground, and pets are welcome. Cell coverage has been inconsistent for some carriers, so plan accordingly if you rely on data. A note from multiple visitors: the area does see some through traffic, which brings occasional road noise, though the river tends to offset it.

Campers wanting additional options in the region can find Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel & Campground a few miles to the east. If a riverside site with low-key amenities and reliable water access fits your plans, Baxter Bridge is worth a night or two.

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Map & DirectionsBaxter Bridge State Forest Campground is located in Michigan near Kingsley

Detail location of campground
Public 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-MobileT-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
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 8/5/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 8/5/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-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
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 8/5/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 8/5/26

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

Drive Time

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground

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4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the beautiful riverside location and variety of site types. Several reviews noted the campground stays relatively uncrowded, offering a peaceful experience despite some minor road noise.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2026

Great backwoods campground

You have a great array of spots to chose from, you have access to outhouses and pump well for water! Spot to hike and float river if you chose, of course fishing!

Month of VisitMay
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
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.

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
Reviewed Mar. 30, 2017

Gorgeous

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

Showing results 1-5 of 5 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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