Map showing campground location near Gulliver, Michigan

Camper submitted image from Merwin Creek State Forest Campground

Merwin Creek State Forest Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Fishing and paddling draw most visitors to Merwin Creek State Forest Campground, where the river running alongside the sites supports both activities within steps of camp. The campground sits inside the Shingleton State Foreset Area and includes a small boat launch, making it accessible by water as well as by road. Sites are arranged in a couple of loops. The front loop has less shade and includes a volleyball net and horseshoe pits, while sites closer to the launch offer more privacy and tree cover.

The gravel access road is manageable for smaller vehicles, though reviewers advise keeping rigs under 20 feet. Bugs can be significant depending on the season, so packing spray is a practical necessity rather than an afterthought. Crowd levels tend to stay low. Locals have reportedly taken an active role in maintaining the campground to keep it from closing.

Amenities include drinking water, picnic tables, vault toilets, and trash service. The campground operates year-round and allows pets. Payment runs $13 to $15 per night in cash or check. As Tiffany V. notes of the facilities, "Vault Toilets a bit creepy - but CLEAN." Manistique, roughly six miles away, has grocery stores and bait shops for resupply. Campers who want a different setup nearby can check out Manistique Lakeshore Campground for a Lake Michigan shoreline alternative.

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Map & DirectionsMerwin Creek State Forest Campground is located in Michigan near Gulliver

Public Campground

Coordinates

46.03115468 N
86.12277028 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 55 min from Green Bay, WI
3 hrs 14 min from Appleton, WI
3 hrs 36 min from Traverse City, MI
3 hrs 45 min from Sheboygan, WI

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Merwin Creek State Forest Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the scenic riverside setting and remote feel despite being close to Manistique. Multiple visitors highlighted the peaceful atmosphere with minimal crowds and good fishing opportunities.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Tiffany V.

Guide

Reviewed May. 26, 2026

Quiet, Close to Town, Private

The best campsites are in the back! Ok gravel road - Honda Fit did fine. Vault Toilets a bit creepy - but CLEAN! Private and beautiful. $13 cash or check only.

Site1

Month of VisitMay

(4) View All

Steve S.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 1, 2024

Cool little Park not far off the beatin path

Nice little campground. I would not bring any big rigs into it. Right on the river

Michael M.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 8, 2021

River background

This is a beautiful little campground with most sites being right on the river. There is a small boat launch. The only knock I can give it is currently they are using a couple portajons that are pretty far spaced out and the water pump was rusty. So just prepare for that.

Site6

Month of VisitSeptember

Art S.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2021

Rustic and yet close enough to town

This campground is 15 minutes away from Manistique but feels quite remote. Campsites are in a couple loops. The first one seems set up for multiple family or friend campers. A volleyball net and horseshoe pits are found here. These also had less shade. Driving towards the small boat launch will uncover a couple more sites with more privacy. We saw one camper set up there with his teardrop camper.

The river is a medium size that looks nice for canoeing. Fishing seems to be another draw. We moved on to avoid the flies but in the right season this would be a nice getaway spot.

Month of VisitJune

(12) View All

Joie V.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 22, 2020

Don’t Underestimate

Drove through this one yesterday and wish I would have had the camper with me to have stayed. Very buggy but beautiful views of the river. Saw some people fishing but only one camper. Locals fishing said almost no one camps here. Locals actually all banded together to take care of it to keep it from closing. I think this campground is under estimated and worth a shot. If you want remote camping with great views this is your place. Sites are mostly open but since it’s empty plenty of room to spread out. Only 6-7 miles from Manistique which has a grocery store, bait stores and ice. You could even go to the casino! I didn’t camp here but drove through and spent some time here. Bring your bug spray and fogger and enjoy the woods as it was meant to be enjoyed!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Merwin Creek State Forest Campground located?

Merwin Creek State Forest Campground is located approximately 15 minutes away from Manistique, Michigan, along a river. Despite its proximity to town, the campground feels quite remote and secluded. The scenic setting provides beautiful views of the river, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful camping experience with water access. The natural surroundings create a true wilderness feel while still being reasonably accessible from a nearby community.

What amenities are available at Merwin Creek Campground?

Merwin Creek Campground offers rustic amenities including a small boat launch for river access, portable toilets (portajohns) that are spaced throughout the grounds, and a water pump (though it may be rusty). The campground features a volleyball net and horseshoe pits in the first camping loop, which is designed for multiple family or friend camping groups. Most campsites are situated right on the river, providing scenic views. Note that the campground doesn't have facilities for larger RVs, as it's best suited for smaller camping setups.

Do I need reservations for Merwin Creek State Forest Campground?

Reservations do not appear to be required at Merwin Creek State Forest Campground. The campground is typically not heavily used, with locals noting that "almost no one camps here." This suggests that finding an available site shouldn't be difficult, even during peak camping season. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. For the most current information about reservation policies, it's advisable to contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources before planning your trip.

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