Dispersed camping options exist throughout the Manistee National Forest surrounding Baldwin, Michigan, where elevations range from 800-1200 feet above sea level. The area receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forest conditions ideal for wildlife viewing. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, with cooler nights requiring proper sleeping gear even during warmer months.
What to do
Fishing access points: Sulak Campground offers direct access to the Pere Marquette River, popular for trout and salmon fishing. "We visited during the government shut down, and this site was perfect! Campsites are in national forest but (single) pit toilet was accessible because it's on state property!! Was amazing to connect from the site directly to the North Country Trail and fishing access could not have been better," notes Cristina S.
Wildlife observation trails: Multiple hiking paths connect to the North Country Trail system from various campgrounds. "Short 5-10 min walk from the river where we were able to see a ton of spawning salmon. Just be careful walking on the road, locals fly down it," writes Hunter G. about his Sulak Campground experience.
Kayaking routes: The Pine River offers scenic paddling opportunities for moderate skill levels. At Silver Creek State Forest Campground, "Weekend kayakers camp here as they take a 2 day trip down Silver Creek. During the week the campground was almost empty," shares Art S.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Bowman Bridge Campground receives praise for its secluded atmosphere. "The facilities were easy to get to, and even the vault toilets were clean! The staff was awesome. We had to stay in a group site because all the others were booked. The group site was accessible, but still felt rustic," notes C.J. W.
Lake access for cooling off: Nichols Lake South Campground features a swimming area that's especially appreciated during summer months. "Nice beach with a shallow weed free swimming area. The sites are large and semi-private, quite a bit of space between the sites. In addition, this rustic campground has showers and flush toilets! Nice upgrade," writes Bret J.
Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, many campgrounds maintain clean amenities. "We are accustomed to very rustic camping and prefer to be distanced from our neighbors. Walkup camp is a really sweet campground except for the noise from the very close by road," explains Susan W., highlighting the generally good maintenance at Walkup Lake Campground.
What you should know
Reservation limitations: Most rustic campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly during weekdays. "It gets busy on the weekends with hikers and kayaks, but quits down during the week. I was here 5 days for the Indian Summer and it was fantastic to witness here," reports Birgit H. about Silver Creek.
Seasonal water levels: Spring often brings higher water levels to creeks and rivers. "Some spots are right on the lake while others are more wooded. Some of the sites are close together so choose the style you prefer," advises Art S. about Highbank Lake Campground.
Limited amenities: Most forest campgrounds have vault toilets rather than flush facilities. "Rustic quiet campground w/ vault toilets," states Chris T. about Highbank Lake, a reminder to prepare accordingly for primitive conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly fishing spots: Several campgrounds offer easy fishing access appropriate for children. "The campground is small and quiet, has a vault toilet and drinking water. The beach is sandy, lots of frogs and some sites right on the lake," shares R.B. about camping at Highbank Lake.
Swimming areas: Nichols Lake South Campground features a designated swimming beach. "Nice place for a rustic forest campground. Nice beach with a shallow weed free swimming area," explains Bret J., noting the kid-friendly water access.
Spacious campsites: Gleasons Landing offers room for families to spread out. "Most sites have direct river access. All sites are walk-in, but not far from the parking area. There are two pit toilets for six sites and both were clean. They sites are large, but fairly open, not much between the sites," explains Benjamin A.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: While some campgrounds accommodate RVs, size restrictions apply. "Not a bad spot. Only 3 people here week of Memorial Day. Sites aren't bad. All will accommodate at 25ft RV and some a 30. Sites have picnic table and fire ring with cooking (rusty) thing over it," shares Jordan A. about Sulak Campground.
Solar considerations: For those using solar power, some sites offer better exposure. "We are grateful to have found this free campground for our very first destination in our RV life. There are some short but beautiful trails. The sites are mostly shaded but we were able to get enough sunlight for our solar panels," notes Roxana A.
Camp store proximity: Stock up before arriving as most rustic campgrounds lack supplies. "Best to stock up in Ludington rather than the local township (the Meijer is only a couple years old)," advises Daav I., highlighting limited shopping options near pet-friendly camping areas around Baldwin.
