Paved campsites in a national forest are not the norm, and Peterson Bridge delivers that along with concrete slabs for RVs and a winding internal road that angles sites in different directions, giving the layout more variety than a standard grid. Set within Manistee National Forest outside Wellston, this US Forest Service campground runs along the Pine River and draws a mix of paddlers, hikers, and RV travelers from May through mid-September. The namesake bridge crosses just outside camp, and a day-use parking area sits nearby for visitors not staying overnight.
Water access is a genuine draw here. Walk-in tent sites sit closest to the river, with two positioned directly on the bank. Kayakers and canoe renters use the campground as a put-in or take-out point, and a canoe rental operation is available across the road. The Manistee River Trail runs nearby for day hikes or multi-day backpacking. Wildlife is present: multiple reviewers report bear sightings, including a sighting of a bear with cubs, so food storage warrants attention.
Restroom facilities are distributed throughout the campground, with vault toilets placed roughly every four sites and a main building with flush toilets and electricity near the host site. No showers are available. Cell coverage is limited; one camper found Verizon unreliable, with only occasional texts getting through. Traffic noise from US-37 is audible from some sites. Reservations are available and worth booking for busy summer weekends, though a self-serve drop box handles walk-ins. Pine River Paddlesport Center and Campground is located just down the road for paddlers who want a different base. Peterson Bridge works best for paddlers staging river trips, RV travelers needing full-length pull-through access, and campers who want river proximity without dispersed camping conditions.
Description
Overview
Peterson Bridge Campground is located on the Pine River in Michigans Manistee National Forest. The location on the river makes it ideal for canoeists and those looking to experience the adventure of this swift moving river.
Recreation
With access to the river so close, floating the Pine River is a popular activity at Peterson Bridge. Several locations near the campground offer canoe rentals. Supporting outstanding trout fishing, the Pine River is also a Blue Ribbon cold-water fishery. For State Fishing Regulations consult the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, website http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/.
Facilities
The facility offers several tent sites which are walk-in only. Those tent sites on the river bank can also be accessed from the river. In addition, the facility offers RV sites with many of the sites at this facility offering shade and seclusion.
Natural Features
The Pine River is well known as one of the most outstanding canoeing and trout fishing rivers in the Midwest. The river gradient is 7% and, depending upon the season, offers the fasted average flow of any river in lower Michigan. The lower 26 miles of the Pine River have been designated a National Wild and Scenic River.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPeterson Bridge is located in Michigan near South Branch
Public CampgroundDirections
Please note: Peterson Bridge Campground is located on Highway 3T at Pine River Bridge, South of Highway 55. From Baldwin, MI: Take State Rt. 37 north about 21 miles to campground sign (just before Pine River bridge). Turn right into campground. From the north: follow M-37 south 1.5 miles from its junction with M-55. Turn left into the area after crossing the bridge over the Pine River. From the south: follow M-37 north 21.5 miles from Baldwin. Turn right into the area prior to crossing the bridge over the Pine River.
Address
Highway 3T @ Pine River Bridge, South of Highway 55
Wellston, MI 49689
Coordinates
44.2041667 N
85.7961111 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 8/16/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 8/16/26
- AT&TLTESome 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
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 51 min from Traverse City, MI
- 1 hr 31 min from Grand Rapids, MI
- 1 hr 32 min from Muskegon, MI
- 1 hr 32 min from Midland, MI
