Established Camping
Seaton Creek Campground
About
National Forest
Huron-Manistee National Forests
Overview
Seaton Creek Campground adjoins Seaton Creek and is at the upper end of the backwater of Hodenpyl Dam Pond on the Big Manistee River. The forest surrounding the campground is mostly pine and the sites are rustic. The closest town is Mesick.
Recreation
The surrounding waters offer excellent fishing opportunities for both panfish (perch, bluegil, crappie, sunfish) and game fish (trout, bass, pike, salmon). For State Fishing Regulations consult the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, website http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/ . Kayakers may access the campground by traveling up the very shallow Seaton Creek, however canoeing is not recommended unless you're putting in at the Hodenpyl Backwaters. From there, you can canoe the Big Manistee. There is a connector trail to the Manistee River Trail from this site. The North Country National Scenic Trail can be reached by crossing the suspension bridge over the Manistee River. The Upper Branch Trailhead is also nearby.
Facilities
Two group sites and 17 family sites area situated near a picnic area on the Hodenpyl Backwater of the Manistee River. There are two vault restroom buildings. Sites have fire rings and picnic tables. Drinking water is available.
Natural Features
The terrain surrounding Hodenpyl Dam Pond is characterized as hilly with a mix of hardwoods and conifers. Briar Hill, which has the second-highest elevation in the lower peninsula, is located about five miles east of Hodenpyl Dam Pond. A number of other tributaries enter Hodenpyl Dam Pond from the east, flowing off the slopes of Briar Hill. These streams are characterized by very high gradient and cold temperatures. They include Seaton Creek, Small Creek, Preston Creek, Cripple Creek, and several unnamed streams. These streams mostly host a mix of brown and brook trout, although a few have only brook trout. The trailhead for the Manistee River Trail is within the campground.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonGood
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
TravelerA tranquil, lovely time under the stars next to the sound of trickling water
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, the host Frank has been so nice, and he told us about a rope swing across the river if you take a particular path. I've never done a rope swing before and I can't wait to do it again. The ground was the most wonderful feeling sleeping on it this second time around. I don't know why, but maybe because there was a thunderstorm a few hours before we came and it softened the ground just enough where we didn't sink in but we also weren't killing our body. There's really nothing bad I can say about this campground, except for the $20 fee per night. But honestly, it's worth it. Every penny.
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ScoutFriendly camp host
I enjoyed this campground quiet for the most part except for one guest wanting to play his music really loud at 11:00 p.m. at night but that was shut down. There is restrooms no running water at the restrooms. There is a spot to get water on the loop. There is firewood for sale at the camp host spot. This campground is also the starting point for a really long hike. About to try the short version.
LegendSpacious sites with lots of wooded surroundings
Seaton Creek is the campground that is near the start of the Manistee River Trail. There is day hiker parking right in the camp. This is the perfect start to exploring a beautiful trail. 1 mile of trail gets you to the Manistee trail. You can cross the suspension bridge and hike the North Country Trail. Both are great but have different vibes. The Manistee trail is more up and down with plenty of backpacking campsites. The North Country trail drifts away from the river into the forest and makes its way back.
Seaton Creek Campground has spacious sites that are spread apart. Some are closer than others but it’s nice to have choices. Clean vault toilets and a hand-pump for water can be found. The camp host has firewood for sale or you can stop at a local house on the drive in. Even with the forest, we still had enough sun for our solar panel to charge up the battery.
With only 1 dot of cell signal, just turn it off and know you can still call out in an emergency.
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Location
Seaton Creek Campground is located in Michigan
Directions
From the north: Follow M-37 south 6 miles from Mesick. Turn right on 26 Road (near Yuma) for 1.7 miles, then right on O'Rourke Drive for 1.3 miles, then right on Forest Road 5993 for 0.4 mile to the site. From the south: Take M-37 north 9 miles from its intersection with M-55. Turn left on 26 Road for 1.7 miles, then right on O'Rourke Drive for 1.3 miles, then right on Forest Road 5993 for 0.4 miles to the site.
Address
P.O. Box 69
Manistee, MI 49660
Coordinates
44.3577778 N
85.8091667 W