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Blacksmith Bayou Campground

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Within Manistee National Forest, Blacksmith Bayou Campground provides both drive-in and boat-in access for campers exploring Michigan's north-central woodlands. The US Forest Service manages this established campground with basic amenities including drinking water from a hand pump well, pit toilets, picnic tables, and designated fire rings.

Sites sit on hilly terrain that creates natural separation between camping spots, with space adequate for RVs. The campground serves as a launch point for paddlers accessing nearby waterways, though campers should note that drainage issues can affect lower-lying tent sites during heavy rain. At $5 per night, the low cost attracts extended-stay visitors. Manistee National Forest Bear Track Campground offers an alternative 2.4 miles north with different site configurations.

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Map & DirectionsBlacksmith Bayou Campground is located in Michigan near Brethren

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

_ From Manistee - _ Travel east on M-55 for 15 miles. Turn left and travel north on High Bridge Rd. for 2 miles. Turn left and travel west on Chicago Ave. for 1 mile. Turn right and travel north for .5 miles to the site entrance.

Coordinates

44.25698051 N
86.03899775 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • 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
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Drinking Water
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Blacksmith Bayou Campground

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3.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 27, 2022

Crack heads

Last time I was there several drug addicts were renting out camp sites due to it being only 5 bucks a night. They rent the sites for the maximum amount of days and then rotate to another camp ground. I’ve had things stolen from my camp. Protect yourself and property if you stay here.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2018

Underrated woodsy gem

This campground is located on a great access point for canoeing and kayaking.

It has pit toilets and really good tasting well water you have to pump yourself.

It was very quiet when i visited. The sites are on a bit of a hilly space that makes them feel more private

You can fit an rv in these spaces. Although it's well above water level my neighbor did have their tent flooded during rain. Maybe a better set up could work better though.

Lots of fire kindling and no worries on wild fire.. it's michigan dont cha know

Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Blacksmith Bayou Campground?

Blacksmith Bayou Campground offers basic facilities including pit toilets and a hand-pump well that provides good-tasting drinking water. The campground has multiple sites situated on hilly terrain, creating natural privacy between campers. The sites can accommodate RVs, though amenities are primitive with no hookups or dump stations. The campground has a rustic feel with minimal facilities, and the camping fee is approximately $5 per night, making it an affordable option for visitors seeking a more primitive camping experience.

Where is Blacksmith Bayou Campground located in Michigan?

Blacksmith Bayou Campground is located in Michigan along a waterway that provides excellent access for water recreation activities. The campground sits in a natural setting with hilly terrain that creates a sense of privacy between campsites. It's a relatively secluded spot that offers a quiet camping experience away from more crowded areas. For specific directions, contact the managing agency as the exact location coordinates aren't widely published.

What recreational activities can I do at Blacksmith Bayou?

Blacksmith Bayou is primarily known for water-based recreation. Canoeing and kayaking are the most popular activities, with the campground serving as an ideal launching point. The quiet waterways provide excellent opportunities for paddling, fishing, and wildlife observation. On land, the hilly terrain creates natural walking paths for light hiking and nature exploration. The peaceful setting is also perfect for bird watching, photography, and simply enjoying the natural surroundings. Be sure to secure your belongings while exploring, as the remote location requires standard camping precautions.

How do I access Blacksmith Bayou Campground from the water?

Blacksmith Bayou Campground serves as an excellent access point for water recreation. The campground connects directly to a waterway, making it convenient for launching canoes and kayaks. There's a designated water access area that allows paddlers to easily enter and exit the water. This makes the campground particularly popular among paddling enthusiasts who can launch directly from the campground to explore the surrounding waterways.

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