Cedar River North State Forest Campground sits in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, roughly 40 miles northeast of Menominee at an elevation of approximately 800 feet. The campground follows the Cedar River through forested terrain, with 14 sites positioned along the waterway. Weather patterns include warm summers with highs in the 70s-80s and cold winters with abundant snowfall, making the campground primarily a three-season destination.
What to do
Fishing the Cedar River: Cast for bass along the riverfront at Cedar River North. One camper noted, "The river is a great place for catching bass," while enjoying the convenient water access from many of the sites.
Kayaking and water recreation: The campground provides a designated kayak launch for easy river access. According to visitors at River Park, "Stayed here for one night and was perfect! Campsite 2 is amazing and has a path down to the river, which is so beautiful."
Hiking forest trails: Explore the surrounding woodland on the multiple trail systems. The terrain offers varied paths suitable for casual walks or more extensive hikes through typical Upper Peninsula mixed forests. A visitor at Chute Pond Park shared, "There's lots to do the whole weekend whether you want to go hiking, fishing, boating, small cliff jumping, or take a walk to slippery rock."
What campers like
Peaceful riverside environment: Campers repeatedly mention the quiet, tranquil setting. As one visitor described, "Very few people, extremely quiet, private sites. Road is slightly bumpy but completely fine for almost any vehicle to go down."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting provides abundant wildlife watching. At Bay Shore Park, visitors appreciate that "Watching lightning storms approach from over the lake was exhilarating," showing how natural phenomena can enhance the camping experience.
Winter recreation options: The equestrian trails double as winter ski trails when snow covers the ground, extending the recreational opportunities into the colder months. This creates a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking equestrian camping near Menominee, Michigan and surrounding areas.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: Bug protection is essential during warm months. A camper cautioned, "Mosquitoes are plentiful," making insect repellent necessary equipment for both humans and horses.
Road conditions: The access road extends 8 miles from the main highway and can be bumpy. While passable for vehicles with horse trailers, travelers should be prepared for slower travel on this logging road.
Water availability: Though lacking electrical hookups, the campground does provide fresh water spigots accessible for both humans and horses, eliminating the need to haul in all your water. At Washington Island Campground, a different issue exists where "There is water at each site, but the lowest water pressure I have ever seen."
Tips for camping with families
Vault toilet facilities: The campground maintains accessible vault toilets rather than flush facilities. This rustic setup works well for families accustomed to more primitive camping conditions.
Spacious sites for group setups: Sites accommodate various camping setups, making them suitable for family gatherings. Visitors to nearby Rustic Timbers Door County Camping noted a similar advantage: "I was surprised that each site is pretty wooded making you feel like you don't have neighbors."
Fire rings and picnic tables: Each site includes a fire ring and handicap-accessible picnic table, providing essential amenities for family meals and evening gatherings.
