Blacksmith Bayou Access
This is a day-use only river access site, not a campground. No overnight camping is permitted. The site is open April 1 through November 30, accessible 24 hours daily with forest quiet hours in effect. Day use fee is $5 per vehicle.
Heat Advisory issued July 1 at 11:34PM EDT until July 2 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 100. * WHERE...Portions of Eastern Upper and Northern Lower Michigan. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Prolonged high humidity and limited overnight cooling will lead to compounding heat stress throughout the week.
About
Blacksmith Bayou Access is one of many river access points along the lower portion of the Manistee River in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. The bayou itself is an oxbow lake created when the river channel shifted over geologic time, leaving behind this scenic waterway in the mile-wide river valley. The Manistee River between Tippy Dam and the M-55 Bridge was designated as a National Recreational River in 1996. The site serves as a launch point for both motorized and non-motorized boating, and provides quality fishing access on the river. The North Country National Scenic Trail crosses the entrance road and follows the ridge along the bayou. The trail section between Blacksmith Bayou and High Bridge is a signed interpretive trail maintained in partnership with trail volunteers. The area is particularly popular for ice fishing during winter months. This is a day-use only facility with a vault toilet, picnic areas, and parking for 24 vehicles. No potable water is available; visitors must bring their own or treat water from nearby sources.
Directions
From Manistee, travel east on M-55 for 15 miles. Turn left and travel north on High Bridge Rd for 2 miles. Turn left and travel west on Chicago Ave for 1 mile. Turn right and travel north for 0.5 miles to the site entrance.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $5 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (231) 848-7090 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Blacksmith Bayou River Access |
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