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Dispersed Camping

Government Landing Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Government Landing Campground near Brethren, MI, is surrounded by forested terrain. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Visitors can explore the nearby Manistee National Forest and the scenic Pine River for outdoor activities.

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Location

Government Landing Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Brethren - Drive 3.5 miles east on Coates Hwy. Turn right onto Dilling Rd. And drive 2.5 miles. Turn left onto Upper River Rd. and drive 2.5 miles northeast to the entrance of the site.

Coordinates

44.26313 N
85.88884 W

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Connectivity

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    Good Coverage

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Connectivity

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    Good Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Features

For Campers

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

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Government Landing Campground needs a permit.


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Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 7, 2025

Nice offseason spot

You have to reserve in the summer, but during offseason it is free/first come first serve. Scenic spot right on the pond/dam backwaters. Very spacious and spread out sites. Many sites were full when I came on a crappy weather Thursday night in early September. Is a bathroom within walking distance of a few sites. No water fountain/pump that I was able to located but there were easy walkways down to pond. Pond was warm/comfortable swimming temp even on a cold day but was full of seaweed which made swimming difficult/not enjoyable.

Site25
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed May. 19, 2024

Beautiful Rustic Riverside Site

At site #33 which is technically not governments landing, but felt it was good information. Camping with a 20ft trailer, It was very beautiful and peaceful stay. This was a very difficult site to turn around in with a trailer, would not advise anyone to bring a trailer down unless they are very confident. River access at bottom of steep hill and gets deep fast.

Site#33
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Government Landing Campground by Brittany D., May 19, 2024
  • Review photo of Government Landing Campground by Brittany D., May 19, 2024
Reviewed May. 10, 2023

Amazing and beautiful

It was the most amazing, relaxing, beautiful, peaceful time that I’ve had in a long time when camping

Site4
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Mar. 20, 2020

Beautiful campsites on the back waters of Tippy dam. About 8 sites available. No fee. A pit toilet is available at one cluster of 3 campsites

I was there during September 2019 and was lucky to get a site. Every site was full. I hear it’s darn near impossible to find an open site During June-August. Sites are large with fantastic views. Walking trails, bike trails and ORV trails a d routes are in close proximity. I will try again this summer mid week.

  • Review photo of Government Landing Campground by Bruce L., March 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Government Landing Campground by Bruce L., March 20, 2020
  • Review photo of Government Landing Campground by Bruce L., March 20, 2020
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Government Landing Campground located on the Manistee River?

Government Landing Campground is situated directly on the Manistee River, specifically on the pond/dam backwaters. The campground offers scenic waterfront sites with fantastic views of the river. It's positioned in an area that provides access to various recreational opportunities, including walking trails, bike trails, and ORV trails and routes in close proximity to the campground.

What camping facilities are available at Government Landing?

Government Landing Campground features spacious, spread-out sites positioned right on the water. The campground has bathroom facilities within walking distance. Sites are designed to accommodate various camping setups, though some sites (like #33) can be challenging for trailers due to limited turn-around space. During peak season (summer months), reservations are required through Recreation.gov, while off-season camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

What do visitor reviews say about Government Landing Campground?

Government Landing Campground is highly regarded for its beautiful, peaceful setting on the water. Campers describe it as relaxing with fantastic views and spacious sites. The campground is extremely popular during summer months (June-August), with sites filling up quickly and reservations strongly recommended. In the off-season, particularly September, it remains popular but less crowded. Some sites present challenges for larger rigs, particularly those with trailers. Overall, visitors consistently praise the scenic location and tranquil atmosphere.

Are there photos of Government Landing Campground available online?

Yes, photos of Government Landing Campground can be found online. The best place to look for current images would be on Recreation.gov, which is the official reservation platform for the campground. Additionally, the U.S. Forest Service website may have photos of the area. For the most up-to-date visual representation of the campground's waterfront sites and facilities, checking these official sources is recommended.