Best Campgrounds near South Branch, MI

Camping options near South Branch, Michigan range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites within the Manistee National Forest. Several facilities including Peterson Bridge Campground, Northern Exposure Campground, and Coolwater on the Pine River Campground provide amenities for tent and RV campers. Many of these campgrounds feature cabin accommodations alongside traditional campsites, with some properties like Twin Oaks RV Campground and Cabins offering glamping options. The region contains a mix of public forest service campgrounds and privately operated facilities, most situated along or near the Pine and Manistee Rivers.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with many open from May through October or November. Winter camping is limited to select locations such as Silver Creek State Forest Campground and Government Landing, which remain open year-round. Water and electrical hookups vary significantly between facilities, with private campgrounds typically offering more amenities than the more rustic forest service sites. Cellular coverage can be limited or non-existent throughout much of the region, particularly in the more remote forest areas. A visitor to Coolwater Campground noted, "Our cell service was non-existent which was a great way to disconnect, but difficult when not knowing the area well."

The Pine and Manistee Rivers feature prominently in the camping experience, with many sites providing direct access for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Campers consistently mention the rivers as primary attractions when visiting the area. Sites near water tend to fill quickly, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Peterson Bridge Campground receives particular praise for its location and layout, with one camper noting, "This campground is absolutely gorgeous, clean, well kept and each site area of pitching is nestled into the woods while having easy access to vehicle." Wildlife sightings, including bears, have been reported at several campgrounds. The area appeals particularly to outdoor enthusiasts seeking access to water recreation, hiking trails, and off-road vehicle routes throughout the national forest.

Best Camping Sites Near South Branch, Michigan (278)

    1. Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park

    17 Reviews
    Mesick, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 885-1199

    $30 - $45 / night

    "We asked to be away from the lake because of our young kids but the lake lots looked beautiful. We will be back."

    "I love having a view from my campsite that has a lake on it! Not many big boats on it so there was no motor noise constantly like how it is on most inland lake campgrounds."

    2. Coolwater on the Pine River Campground

    9 Reviews
    South Branch, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 862-3481

    "Absolutely gorgeous surroundings. Great hiking. One family had over 70 pumpkins carved and set up a trail. Impressive night walk. New owners. Like 8 days. Very accommodating."

    "A few trails to walk around the property, and not far to Manistee (bakery downtown is the best in the state).

    Will definitely be coming back here."

    3. Silver Creek State Forest Campground

    10 Reviews
    Luther, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 745-9465

    "The 8 mile hiking loop follows the river and intersects with some off road trails."

    "It's a lovely, quiet, private, in-the-middle-of-nowhere-in-the-middle-of-Michigan place on the beautiful Pine River. We listened to it burble past us all night long and it was heavenly."

    4. Peterson Bridge

    7 Reviews
    South Branch, MI
    4 miles
    Website

    $15 - $35 / night

    "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."

    "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"

    5. Seaton Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mesick, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 723-0141

    $30 - $80 / night

    "It's right by the second largest suspension bridge in Michigan. Great please to stay before you canoe or kayak the Manistee river."

    "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."

    6. Twin Oaks RV Campground and Cabins

    7 Reviews
    Wellston, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 848-4124

    $11 - $90 / night

    "Nice private campground with good access to ATV trails as well as good proximity to big M for mountain biking. Sites are nice and spaced out as well."

    "And while I will say it's not very hidden away from the other sites it was still plenty relaxing and served the purpose of somewhere to hang my hat at the end of the day."

    7. Kestelwoods Campground

    5 Reviews
    South Branch, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 862-3476

    "This campground caters to trail bikers, kayakers & other groups."

    "In the Manistee National Forest, close to major trailheads, and right between two prime access points to the Pine river for canoeing and kayaking. Less than a mile to river trip rental locations also."

    8. Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Huron-Manistee National Forests, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "Although this is listed as "dispersed" camping, the camping on the Manistee River Trail side of this loop is mostly at designated sites. Most sites seemed to be able to accommodate large groups."

    "I've hiked and kayaked this trail on a few occasions and I can confidently say this is one of my favorite trails in all of Michigan."

    9. Government Landing Campground

    5 Reviews
    Wellston, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-2421

    "I hear it’s darn near impossible to find an open site During June-August. Sites are large with fantastic views. Walking trails, bike trails and ORV trails a d routes are in close proximity."

    "Is a bathroom within walking distance of a few sites. No water fountain/pump that I was able to located but there were easy walkways down to pond."

    10. Tippy Dam State Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Wellston, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 848-4880

    $20 - $78 / night

    "Steps go right down to the river. Good fishing. When we were there the toilets were In need of a pump out desperately."

    "Campsites are very clean and big, with nice trails to explore. Just a heads up, the sites with "lake access" don't actually have lake access - it's a steep drop to the water. Tumble at your own risk."

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Recent Reviews near South Branch, MI

1078 Reviews of 278 South Branch Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Sawkaw Lake

    Doesn't exist and says "no camping"

    We went down the path and it says to make it right when there's no road that goes to the right. We drove three and a half hours to get here and now we've got to figure out where we're going to stay for the night. And the only spot that looked like a campable spot says no camping. There's a stake in the ground that says it.

  • T
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Nichols Lake South Campground

    Needs to maintain standards of operation

    Facility at Office quite nice. Camp host was running his generator all night long. Women routinely take their dogs with them into the restroom. We’re not talking about outhouses but flush toilet bathroom with shower.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    Nice and woodsy

    The sites were easy to find and surrounded by forest. I could see other campers from my site, but they weren’t close. FCFS of course, but I had no problem finding an available site.

  • Jade M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Lime Lake

    good spot

    little tricky to get to but if you have a vehicle good for two tracking you shoukd be fine. we stayed at the 5th spot we seen because it is an active location. spots were occupied and a few cars drove passed us. the 5th spot is kinda next to a walking trail so we did have a couple and a dog walk past but not late at night. be aware of poison ivy. there is a handmade fire ring. it’s by water but not too buggy. from the looks of it it’s a one way rd in but not too sure. when leaving it is off a private estate rd so there are no trespassing signs but obviously if you don’t rip down the path and keep it clean and respectful you should be find to drive out. we stayed during hunting season and heard gun shots so wear orange if going in season.

  • Jade M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road

    good spot

    we went in mid september only stayed in this spot for a night. we took the 3rd open space i think. it was close to others but not too close. it is definitely around hunting land so wear bright colors if going during season.

  • Craig S.
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Indigo Bluffs RV Park

    Horrible RV Park - Beware!

    Recently visited as we were competitors in Empire Hill Climb. Had an issue w our group this weekend that I’ve never experienced in 40 yrs of camping. Stayed here for 3 nights. Unfortunately, after an incident one of the families we were with was kicked out. Never heard of being kicked out of a campground before without any prior warning. I will admit we had issue w one of our 5yr olds. The family I mentioned was camping in a pop up. They utilize a 5 gallon bucket to urinate in. Well, on the first full morning apparently the 5yr old dumped the bucket on the ground outside the camper. Others saw this and reported it. Again, we know we/he was in the wrong. However, clearly the 5 yr old thought they were helping and didn’t know the magnitude of their actions. With that said, he is 5 and made a mistake. Steve, the manager showed up after the report and kicked them out without a conversation had. His exact words were“ you have an hour to leave or I’m calling the sheriff.” Mind you this is a family w 3 little ones. Was sooo taken back by this comment. Been visiting Glen Arbor for 40 yrs and will never be back to Indigo Bluffs. If you don’t have money, 100k camper, and/or retired stay away at all cost, all they care about. 2.5 miles down Street is lovely brand new RV campground, Lively Acres Campground. Stay there if you want to your family treated right.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Mears State Park Campground

    Best little campground at the lake

    Beautiful small state park campground. Very well maintained, clean facilities, beautiful beach. Easy walk into town to shops and restaurants.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Government Landing Campground

    Nice offseason spot

    You have to reserve in the summer, but during offseason it is free/first come first serve. Scenic spot right on the pond/dam backwaters. Very spacious and spread out sites. Many sites were full when I came on a crappy weather Thursday night in early September. Is a bathroom within walking distance of a few sites. No water fountain/pump that I was able to located but there were easy walkways down to pond. Pond was warm/comfortable swimming temp even on a cold day but was full of seaweed which made swimming difficult/not enjoyable.


Guide to South Branch

The Manistee National Forest dominates the landscape near South Branch, Michigan, creating a densely wooded environment at elevations between 800-1,200 feet. Temperatures typically range from the mid-70s during summer days to low 50s at night, with distinct seasonal changes affecting campground availability. Most campsites in this region sit within close proximity to either the Pine or Manistee Rivers, offering opportunities for water activities during the May through October camping season.

What to do

Hiking the loop trail: Access the Manistee River Trail from Seaton Creek Campground for a multi-day adventure. "The trails hugging the river and Creek and pond" provide excellent views according to Jonathan W., who added, "the host Frank has been so nice, and he told us about a rope swing across the river if you take a particular path."

Fishing opportunities: Tippy Dam State Recreation Area offers "great fishing" with "steps [that] go right down to the river," according to Teri C. The recreation area includes both river and lake access, with James noting there's "convenient access for launching a boat on either the Manistee River or the backwaters side of the dam."

Off-road vehicle trails: The extensive trail system throughout Manistee National Forest connects to many campgrounds. At Kestelwoods Campground, Mike B. reported, "I did a dual sport motorcycle ride out of this campground. The area is great for riding with lots of trails and roads through the forests."

What campers like

River-adjacent sites: Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park receives praise for its waterfront locations. Macy M. shared, "I think next time we will get one of the lake front sites. The view is amazing," while Dalton B. added, "Great sites right on the water! The campground offers clean facilities, general store, rentals for the lake, and camp events like movie night."

Rustic options with amenities: Campers appreciate having primitive-feeling sites with bathroom access. At Twin Oaks RV Campground and Cabins, Joie V. noted, "This campground offers rustic sites and electric and water and can be enjoyed by tent campers and large RVs. I love the wooded rustic sites! Unlike State Forest campgrounds you get a rustic site with the benefit of hot showers!"

Secluded walk-in sites: For those wanting more privacy, look for campgrounds offering walk-in options. Kitty B. said of Silver Creek State Forest Campground, "The walk-in sites were secluded and amazing! Walk-in sites are right on the river: you could see kayakers passing and I took a dip in the river in the morning."

What you should know

Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have minimal to no cell coverage. At Coolwater on the Pine River Campground, Liz D. noted, "Our cell service was non-existent which was a great way to disconnect, but difficult when not knowing the area well."

Weekend crowds vs. weekday solitude: The popularity of river sites creates distinct differences between weekday and weekend camping. Ruby P. observed at Coolwater, "The weekends seem to be a little heavy on the partying. The weekdays are super quiet. Definitely a vibe here for everyone."

Frequently Asked Questions

Is group camping available at South Branch, MI?

Group camping is available near the South Branch area at several campgrounds. Tippy Dam State Recreation Area offers group camping options with designated areas for larger parties. For those seeking a more rustic group experience, Seaton Creek Campground provides group sites that can accommodate multiple tents and vehicles. Be sure to make reservations well in advance, especially during peak summer months, as group sites tend to fill up quickly throughout Michigan's camping season.

What camping is available near South Branch, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, South Branch, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 278 campgrounds and RV parks near South Branch, MI and 11 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near South Branch, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South Branch, MI is Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park with a 4.9-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near South Branch, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near South Branch, MI.

What parks are near South Branch, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near South Branch, MI that allow camping, notably Huron-Manistee National Forests and Sleeping Bear Dunes.