Red Bridge River Access Site
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens April 1, 2026. The 4 walk-in campsites require reservations from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
Winter Storm Warning issued January 19 at 1:50AM EST until January 20 at 7:00AM EST by NWS Gaylord MI
* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 5 and 9 inches with locally higher amounts. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph and will lead to blowing and drifting snow. * WHERE...A portion of Northern Lower Michigan. * WHEN...Until 7 AM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes.
About
Named after an old red-painted wooden and steel bridge that once stood here, Red Bridge River Access Site now features a modern concrete bridge over the Manistee River. Located at the southern terminus of the Manistee River Trail, this site serves as a key access point for both paddlers and hikers exploring the Manistee National Recreation River. The site offers 4 walk-in primitive campsites that are reservable through Recreation.gov from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Each campsite is designed for a single camping unit with a maximum of 8 people and includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook. Vault toilets and drinking water from a hand pump are available. The boat launch accommodates both motorized and non-motorized watercraft, with designated parking for vehicles with boat trailers. The Upper Manistee River Area offers excellent fishing, wildlife viewing including bald eagles and black bears, and hiking opportunities on both the Manistee River Trail and North Country Trail. The Manistee River meanders through native hardwoods and pines with steep slopes and sharp turns, providing a scenic backdrop for a rustic camping experience.
Directions
From Manistee travel east on M-55 for 15 miles. Turn left and travel north on High Bridge Road for 6 miles. Turn right and travel east on Coates Highway for 8 miles.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 - $12 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (231) 848-7090 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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