Four miles east of Baldwin, Bowman Bridge Campground occupies an open field setting within the Manistee National Forest along the Pere Marquette River. The 16 individual sites and 4 group sites spread across relatively sparse terrain with limited tree cover between camping spots. Forest Service roads provide access to the campground, though several visitors note the final approach can present rough conditions.
The campground's proximity to the Pere Marquette River creates opportunities for trout fishing and canoeing. Local outfitters can arrange pickup directly from campsites for river trips that conclude back at the campground's boat access. Sites accommodate RVs up to 50 feet, and the open layout works well for solar panel setups. Vault toilets receive consistent praise from campers, with Steve H. noting these are the "cleanest vault toilets we've ever seen."
The campground operates seasonally from early May through mid-October with reservation availability. A camp host provides firewood and ice on-site. Traffic noise affects sites nearest the road, and some visitors report nearby shooting activity during weekends. The layout offers little privacy between sites, making this better suited for campers comfortable with an open, community-style camping environment rather than those seeking secluded spots.
Description
Overview
Bowman Bridge Campground is perfect for true nature immersion. Campers come here for easy access to the Pere Marquette National Scenic River and for the delightful views of the great outdoors.
Recreation
The top three activities for campers at Bowman Bridge are canoeing, fishing and hiking. Anglers cast for brown trout, salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout. Watercraft rentals are available at two nearby liveries in Baldwin. A permit is required to float the river from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through Monday of Labor Day weekend. Watercraft hours during the permit season are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hikers can head up the campground's connector trail to the North Country National Scenic Trail. This "north country" trail weaves through many scenic, historic and cultural areas across seven states, measuring 4,600 miles end-to-end.
Facilities
Campsites are in a wooded setting, but due to a tornado that passed through in 2005, tall trees and shade are less dense than in neighboring campgrounds. The campground has a single loop 16 paved family campsites. There are also 4 walk-in family campsites and 4 tent-only group sites that can accommodate up to 20 people each.
Natural Features
The campground is situated along the Pere Marquette National Scenic River, a 66-mile stretch of clear, unspoiled waters within the Huron-Manistee National Forests in Michigan. Large blocks of public land offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, photography, and hunting can be found in the surrounding area.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors enjoy exploring the extent of the Pere Marquette National Scenic River. Other nearby attractions include the Bowman Lake Foot Travel Area and the historic community of Idlewild.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBowman Bridge Campground is located in Michigan near Baldwin
Directions
From Baldwin, turn west on 7th Street, then left onto Cherry Street. Take the first right, W 52nd Street, and drive 5 miles. Look for signs into the campground.
Coordinates
43.8883333 N
85.9422222 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 5/6/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 5/6/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 12 min from Muskegon, MI
- 1 hr 18 min from Grand Rapids, MI
- 1 hr 19 min from Traverse City, MI
- 1 hr 34 min from Midland, MI
