Red Bridge River Access Site
The campsites are open year-round, though access roads are not plowed in winter. Reservations via Recreation.gov are required Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The Manistee River Trail is temporarily closed due to damage from historic flooding in spring 2026. Check current conditions before visiting as road washouts may affect access.
Special Weather Statement issued May 22 at 11:08AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI
The combination of dry surface conditions, low afternoon relative humidity values, and gusty east to southeast winds will result in elevated fire danger conditions across northern lower Michigan this. Sustained winds of 7 to 15 mph with gusts of 20 to 30 mph will be seen over northern Michigan this afternoon. Minimum relative humidity values of 20 to 35 percent are expected over much of northern lower Michigan. These conditions could lead to rapid spread of fires. Check burning restrictions and fire danger before burning. For more information on burning restrictions for Michigan, see www.dnr.state.mi.us//.
About
Red Bridge River Access Site is a small backcountry camping area in the Manistee National Forest offering 4 walk-in campsites along the scenic Manistee River. The site takes its name from an old red-painted wooden and steel bridge that once stood here, now replaced by a modern concrete structure. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern hook, providing a rustic but comfortable experience for paddlers and hikers. The location serves dual purposes as both a camping destination and a key access point for recreation. A boat ramp with designated parking for 25 vehicles with trailers makes it popular with paddlers exploring the Manistee River between Hodenpyl and Tippy dams. Red Bridge is also a trailhead for the 8.8-mile Manistee River Trail, which follows the east shore through rolling terrain past wetlands and a waterfall. A spur trail connects to the North Country National Scenic Trail via Lower Michigan's largest wooden suspension bridge. Amenities are basic but functional: vault toilets are within walking distance of all sites, and potable water is available from a hand pump. Sites accommodate up to 8 people and 2 vehicles each. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, reservations are required through Recreation.gov and limited to 3-day stays. Outside that window, sites are first-come, first-served with no fee.
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 | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
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 |
Photos
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