Minnie Pond Recreation Area

About

Minnie Pond Recreation Area offers a quiet, primitive camping experience in Michigan's Manistee National Forest. The campground sits along Minnie Pond, a human-made impoundment on Mena Creek in Newaygo County. The area is frequented by ducks, geese, and herons, making it attractive to birdwatchers and waterfowl hunters. Small and large game hunting is also popular in the surrounding forest. Facilities are basic, with vault toilets but no potable water. Campers must bring their own water or treat water from nearby sources. A footbridge crosses Mena Creek, connecting the campground to a day-use area on the opposite side. Boating (both motorized and non-motorized), swimming, and fishing are available on the pond. The campground is open year-round but is not maintained from November 1 through April 30, meaning the access road is not plowed and toilet facilities may be unavailable during winter months. ORVs are prohibited in the campground and on the access road.

Directions

From White Cloud, travel north on M-37 for 1 mile. Turn left and travel west on M-20 for 7.5 miles. Turn right and travel north on Luce Ave. for 3 miles. Turn right and travel east on 4 Mile Rd. for 0.5 miles. Turn left and travel north on Alger Ave. for 1 mile. Continue on Alger Rd. to the campground entrance on the right.