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Steve S.
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GuideNordhouse Dunes Wilderness - Green Road
Nice quiet secluded spot
Numerous spots along Green rd. Nice walking trails. Minimal traffic.
Camping near South Branch, MI
284 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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 Campgrounds near South Branch (284)
1. Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park
"We asked to be away from the lake because of our young kids but the lake lots looked beautiful. We will be back."
"The campsite next to us was empty except for a pontoon boat and a float that were parked there."
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability2. Coolwater on the Pine River Campground
"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
"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
"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."
"The walk-in tent sites were gorgeous, very hidden away in the trees, and 2 sites are literally right next to the river."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability5. Seaton Creek Campground
"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."
"It's right by the second largest suspension bridge in Michigan. Great please to stay before you canoe or kayak the Manistee river."
from $30 - $80 / night
Check Availability6. Twin Oaks RV Campground and Cabins
"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."
from $11 - $90 / night
Check Availability7. Kestelwoods Campground
"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
"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
"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. Sand Lake Campground — Manistee National Forest
"Sand Lake is a really nice, well kept campground. Beautiful area, nice beach on a clean lake, and spacious campsites."
"Site 19 has its own little path to the beach. So do several others on that side of the campground. Nice little lake and beach. Loons in the evening."
from $40 - $105 / night
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Drive Time
- 54 min from Traverse City, MI
- 1 hr 27 min from Midland, MI
- 1 hr 27 min from Grand Rapids, MI
- 1 hr 37 min from Muskegon, MI
Recent Camping Photos near South Branch, MI
496 Photos of 284 South Branch Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Peterson Bridge
Coolwater on the Pine River Campground
Kestelwoods Campground
Twin Oaks RV Campground and CabinsH
Government Landing CampgroundB
Silver Creek State Forest Campground
Seaton Creek Campground
Manistee River Trail Dispersed Camping
Northern Exposure Campground & RV ParkA
Tippy Dam State Recreation Area
Sand Lake Campground — Manistee National ForestP
Mitchell State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near South Branch, MI
1154 Reviews of 284 South Branch Campgrounds
- TTerry A.
TravelerIndian Lake Campground
Walk in Sites
Nice small lake. Sites a little rough
- CC L.
ScoutEmpire Township Campground
Cozy and Clean
Each site seems to be cased in with beautiful trees and the atmosphere is relaxing. Bsthrooms are clean but be sure to bring quaters to take showers.
- TTerry A.Traveler
Platte River State Forest
Platte River
Nice on the river easy access. Shady sites not on top each other. Barred owl not even dark
- TTerry A.Traveler
Old Grade Campground
Little Manistee
Old Grade Campground awesome. Barred Owl and a pack of coyotes yipping in the middle of the nite very close. Nice site too on the water
- Michelle B.Scout
Ivan’s Campground
Hidden Gem in Baldwin Michigan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We stayed at Ivan’s Campground& Cabins in Baldwin over Labor Day weekend and had a wonderful experience. We were in Site 5 with 30-amp electric and water. The site was spacious, level, easy to get into, and had plenty of shade. The entire campground was very clean, quiet, and quaint. The bathrooms and showers were especially clean and well maintained. The campground also has a camp store, firewood available, picnic tables, and other conveniences that make your stay comfortable. What really stood out to us, though, were the owners, Melissa and CD Taylor. They are incredibly friendly and welcoming and were very present around the campground. We regularly saw them taking care of the property, picking things up, and making sure everything was in good shape. They were always willing to lend a hand or answer a question. They were also happy to share information about local fishing spots, ORV trails, and other things to do in the Baldwin area. The atmosphere is peaceful, laid-back, family-friendly, and very welcoming. If you're looking for a quiet campground where you can relax and where the owners genuinely care about their guests and their property, this is a great place to stay. We enjoyed our stay so much that we're already planning our next trip back! Highly recommend Ivan’s Campground& Cabins.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Devin T.TravelerRainbow Camp
Rainbow Camp
It’s an easy camp to get your car tucked in but the road is used. Unsure if it was other campers or people using the end of the road as a landing. We didn’t get bothered and slept well also.
- TTerry A.Traveler
Goose Lake State Forest Campground
Lakeviews most sites
Awesome campground many sites waterfront or views. Long Lake campground on same access rd. Secluded yet 2 mi from Lake City. Very nice
- Emily S.Traveler
Platte River State Forest
Relaxing river stay
Was able to find a nice clean area! Can walk to a small river about 200 yards away!
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?
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?
What camping is available near South Branch, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, South Branch, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 284 campgrounds and RV parks near South Branch, MI and 13 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near South Branch, MI?
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 4.8-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near South Branch, MI?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near South Branch, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near South Branch, MI.
What parks are 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.
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