Peterson Bridge, near Wellston, Michigan, is a rustic campground that offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. With its drive-in sites surrounded by trees, you’ll find a decent amount of privacy while still being close to the amenities you need.

The campground is clean and well-kept, featuring flushing toilets and a water pump for your convenience. Visitors have noted the beautiful walk-in tent sites tucked away in the trees, with some right by the river, making it a great spot for a peaceful retreat. As one camper mentioned, “The drive-in sites are all paved,” which is a nice touch for those who appreciate a solid surface.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Peterson Bridge is a fantastic base for exploring the nearby Manistee River Trail, ideal for hiking and backpacking. Plus, if you’re into kayaking, you’ll have easy access to the river for a fun day on the water. Just keep an eye out for wildlife; there have been bear sightings in the area, so it’s good to stay alert.

While the campground doesn’t offer showers, the friendly host and clean facilities make up for it. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip or a longer stay, Peterson Bridge is a solid choice for a relaxing getaway in nature.

## 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/.
## 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.

Peterson Bridge

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South Branch

The Best Camping Near South Branch, Michigan

This campground is absolutely gorgeous, clean, well kept and each site area of pitching is nesseled into the woods while having easy access to vehicle. Therr is a restroom every 4 campsites. You are far away from other campers and you have the grounds crew who have that kind Michigan feel. The only downside is no showers. But there is walking access to the river! Easy access for kayaks! absolutely quiet, no animal issues, no bugs besides daddy long legs. 

Peaceful Peterson

We stayed at the Peterson bridge as part of a kayak trip down the pine river. The tent sites near the river have pit toilets and a water pump available. Up near the camper sites there are flushing toilets and bathrooms with sinks but no showers. During our stay a bear wandered through the camp. 

I can’t speak into much about the RV campsite but they looked nice; they had concrete slabs to park on. 

This national forest campground is right along the river. A hiking trail goes right from camp. In fact there is also a day use parking area. Peterson bridge is big and crosses right outside camp. 

  

The road in camp twists and turns providing a wonderful layout. Campsites are spread apart and are facing all different ways. There were a lot to choose from when we stopped in on a Thursday. It's nice to have paved campsites in a national forest camp. It wasn't raining when we were here but we still appreciated the pavement.

  

The Manistee River Trail is not far away either - perfect for day hiking or an a weekend backpack. This is a great spot to spend some time.

Twisty campground layout makes for a beautiful place 

We came to this campground on a very busy weekend for camping and we made a reservation online just in case they were all full, but they do have a self-serve drop box if you don't have a reservation. The walk-in tent sites were gorgeous, very hidden away in the trees, and 2 sites are literally right next to the river. The drive-in sites are close together but surrounded by trees so it gives you some privacy. Host camp has flushing toilets next to it, ice/wood available, and can make change for you. Vault toilets are available every few sites. Over run with caterpillars, not sure what kind but they were everywhere. We went across the street to rent a Canoe and float the Pine River. Great location.

Rustic Feel with Modern Amenities

We stayed at this campground very last minute.  We decided the day before to go up to sleeping bear dunes for the weekend, and all the reservations across western Michigan were full, so we picked this one to try first come first served, and got lucky!  Only 45-60 min from Sleeping Bear Dunes.  Perfect for people coming from Southern Michigan wanting to beat traffic at the end of the weekend!

Great access for out oft owners going to sleeping bear!

The host greeted us the second we got there. He informed us they had a bear with cubs in the area. We never saw them but something to keep in mind. It’s a very nice, clean campground. The drive in sites are pretty small but nice. Drop toilets are clean. They also have one building with flush toilets. No showers. (That I saw anyways.)

Very clean, Friendly host

The drive-in sites are all paved. Some sites are close to the next site but there is a reasonable amount of vegetation between the sites, so they are somewhat secluded.  The main restroom has electricity.  There is no internet service with Verizon. Occasional texts came through.  Unfortunately,  you can hear the traffic on US 37.  The reservation site shows the camp sites in completely the wrong locations. 

Photos of Peterson Bridge

Real photos from real campers