The Manistee National Forest near Harrietta, Michigan sits within a glacial landscape characterized by sandy soils, rolling hills, and abundant freshwater resources. Seasonal temperatures range from winter lows averaging 14°F to summer highs around 80°F. Most dispersed camping areas remain accessible year-round, though primitive sites lack water during freezing months.
What to do
Hiking trail experiences: The Manistee River Trail offers multiple access points for day hikes or backpacking. "Great dispersed camping area to getaway! Can sometimes get busy on the weekends, but nothing like a normal campsite... Make sure to pack bug spray and be sure to check out the mini-waterfall near mile marker 3!" noted a visitor to Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping.
River activities: The Pine River provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. A review from Peterson Bridge mentioned, "We came to this campground on a very busy weekend for camping... Host camp has flushing toilets next to it, ice/wood available, and can make change for you. We went across the street to rent a Canoe and float the Pine River."
Explore forest loops: Several campgrounds connect to multi-use trails. "You are surrounded by beautiful pines. I wasn't able to explore as much as I liked to but hear there are great trails and you are in walking distance of water," shared one camper at Seaton Creek Campground.
What campers like
Swimming spots: Multiple riverside camping locations offer natural swimming areas. "I had to finally leave a review because this was my second time here recently. I love being right next to the water, I love the trails hugging the river and Creek and pond... I've never done a rope swing before and I can't wait to do it again," noted a camper at Seaton Creek Campground.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds feature wooded separation between camping spots. "The sites are large and well maintained. You are surrounded by beautiful pines," wrote another Seaton Creek visitor. Similarly, at Coolwater on the Pine River Campground, campers noted "Large shaded sites and AMAZING people visiting each year."
Group camping options: Several campgrounds accommodate larger parties. "We have been staying here since 2010 and usually book a larger lot with a big group. We try to make annual trips on the pine river and this has been our place to stay each time," mentioned a reviewer at Coolwater on the Pine River Campground.
What you should know
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters are reported in several campgrounds. At Peterson Bridge, a camper noted, "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."
Seasonal limitations: Most developed campgrounds operate from May through September, with water services unavailable in colder months. A few locations like Silver Creek State Forest Campground remain open year-round, though a visitor observed, "It gets busy on the weekends with hikers and kayakers, but quiets down during the week."
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies widely by location. "With only 1 dot of cell signal, just turn it off and know you can still call out in an emergency," advised a camper at Peterson Bridge. Another camper at Silver Creek mentioned "Limited cell service in the parking lot, no service at my site."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety planning: Rivers and lakes have varying depths and currents. "Nice spots both on the river shore and across the road. Easy water access for very little children and non-motorized boats/kayaks," reported a visitor at Northern Exposure Campground.
Evening activities: Some campgrounds organize regular entertainment. "Great place to take a camper with family. The campground offers clean facilities, general store, rentals for the lake, and camp events like movie night," noted a camper at Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park.
Playground access: Select campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "Large campground, with very clean restrooms and showers. Beach, boat launch, children's playground, fish cleaning station, store, pizza place, and nice hiking trails. I feel very relaxed here," shared another Northern Exposure camper.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV spots vary widely in size and accessibility. "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," mentioned a visitor to Peterson Bridge.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections differ by campground. "I think this is going to be one of our favorites. I do believe they have a few full hookup sites but all sites have electric and water," reported a camper at Northern Exposure Campground.
Access roads: Several campgrounds have challenging approach roads. "The dirt roads leading to the sites were hard to navigate as well and made me go in circles. There is no entrance map so I had to use GPS which took me to a dead end," cautioned a visitor at Seaton Creek Campground.
