Camping areas around Wellston, Michigan sit within the Huron-Manistee National Forest at elevations of 700-1,000 feet. The region experiences cold winters with heavy lake-effect snow and mild summers with average July temperatures around 75°F. Most national forest campgrounds are seasonal, operating from mid-May through mid-September, though dispersed camping options remain available year-round in designated areas.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing the Pine River: Northern Exposure Campground provides convenient access to the Manistee River. "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. With sites right on the water remember to bring your kayak!" notes Dalton B. about Northern Exposure Campground.
Fishing opportunities: The Manistee River watershed offers excellent fishing conditions. One camper at Tippy Dam State Recreation Area shared, "Campsites along the lake are high overlook campsites with narrow trails down to the water. Minimal swimming area but ours had a small sand bottom. A common area with stairs down to the water and a dock is available." These high overlooks provide strategic fishing positions.
Hiking local trails: Seaton Creek Campground connects to extensive trail networks. "Seaton Creek is the campground that is near the start of the Manistee River Trail. There is day hiker parking right in the camp. 1 mile of trail gets you to the Manistee trail. You can cross the suspension bridge and hike the North Country Trail," explains Art S.
What campers like
Large, well-spaced sites: Many campers appreciate the spacious camping areas. At Seaton Creek Campground, camper Danielle P. highlighted "spacious campsites" as one of three key features making this location worthwhile. These larger sites allow for more privacy and comfort compared to more developed campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high in visitor satisfaction. "Large campground, with very clean restrooms and showers. Beach, boat launch, childrens playground, fish cleaning station, store, pizza place, and nice hiking trails," reports Kammy H. about Northern Exposure Campground.
Swimming options: Access to water activities draws many visitors. At Sand Lake, Patrick K. noted, "Sand Lake is a really nice, well kept campground. Beautiful area, nice beach on a clean lake, and spacious campsites. It's only about a 30 minute trip to Lake Michigan if you wanted to spend a day on a beach there."
What you should know
Rustic vs. developed options: Campgrounds in the area range from basic to full-service. At Peterson Bridge, Bryan T. explained, "We stayed at the Peterson bridge as part of a kayak trip down the pine river. The tent sites near the river have pit toilets and a water pump available. Up near the camper sites there are flushing toilets and bathrooms with sinks but no showers."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies greatly throughout the region. Art S. reported about Seaton Creek Campground: "With only 1 dot of cell signal, just turn it off and know you can still call out in an emergency."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for potential wildlife encounters. Shelby S. shared about Peterson Bridge: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Group-friendly campgrounds: Several campgrounds accommodate family gatherings. "This campground is perfect for campers of most experience and age levels. If you are looking for rugged, wilderness/secluded camping its probably not your place but for everyone else it's a hidden gem," explains Anne G. about Northern Exposure Campground.
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer amenities specifically for children. Melissa V. commented about Kestelwoods Campground: "This place was great for a family trip! Clean showers and bathrooms, large sites, nice layout of the grounds, beautiful heated pool, and super friendly staff!"
Beach access considerations: Not all lakefront campgrounds have easy water access. At Tippy Dam Recreation Area, Lindsey C. noted: "Our site was great, easily fit a 17 foot trailer and a tent. Trails down to the water were appreciated by our kids. Neighbors are pretty close all around but that didn't matter until our last night."
Tips from RVers
Site orientation challenges: Some campgrounds have awkward site layouts. At Sand Lake Campground, Don B. observed: "There are paved pads for each site although some are sloped. Also, the orientation of the paving for a lot of sites is not correct for a travel trailer, i.e. the door to the trailer is not facing the fire pit and picnic table."
Electric and water options: Several campgrounds offer partial hookups. At Kestelwoods Campground, Traci L. specified: "20/30Amp Electric, Water hook up, Clean Bathhouses x 4, Heated pool, Honey Wagon, Firewood."
Noise considerations: For those seeking quiet, timing matters. At Orchard Beach State Park, Richard E. warned: "Unfortunately, the sites are as compact and close together as possible. I usually enjoy the aroma of a campfire, but in the evening if all the sites are full, a smogtacular smoke cloud hovers over this campground - if you have breathing sensitivities then sleep will be difficult."
