Established Camping

Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground

Campers are Saying

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.

General Overview

State Park

Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html

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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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The Dyrt Alerts

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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.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Fair
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

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

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

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 VisitSeptember
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 VisitSeptember
Reviewed Mar. 30, 2017

Gorgeous

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

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground?

    Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Baxter Bridge State Forest Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is fair, and T-Mobile is fair.