Oh My Stars!
Timber Creek is a lovely campground within Manistee National Forest. The campsites are a perfect size, there is an easy-hike walking trail, and the view of the stars at night is truly out of this world (pun kind of intended). It’s also spacious enough for your doggos to run around to their hearts content!
Pricing is $10/night and $5/day pass, with a 14(?) day limit on your campsite stay.
Vault toilets are available but HOO boy do they smell, so if you have a Luggable Loo or equivalent portable toilet I definitely recommend it (along with hand sanitizer!).
Water pump is available, though I can’t speak to the quality as we didn’t end up having to use it.
Honestly, my only real gripe is the fire pits. I fully assume the design is meant to prevent forest fires so it’s for the best, but the fire pits have a higher wall around them with a grill on top you cannot remove. Great for cooking food, but if you’re looking to sit by the fire to warm up, you’d probably be better off with a portable heater. It’s also worth noting that I’ve noticed this type of fire pit at every campsite in Manistee so far, so don’t put too much effort into venturing out to find a better one.
All in all we really loved our stay here and we can’t wait to stay here again!