Timber Creek Recreation Area

Open — Open year-round for camping. The access road and parking lot are plowed in winter for snowmobile trail access. Potable water is currently not available; campers should bring their own water supply. Vault toilets remain available.

About

Timber Creek Recreation Area is a 9-site campground situated in the Manistee National Forest, approximately 7.5 miles west of Baldwin via US-10. Located near a small impoundment on Tank Creek, the campground is best known as a popular trailhead for the North Country National Scenic Trail rather than as a fishing destination. The area features rolling, heavily wooded terrain with a mix of oak, maple, and pine forests. The campground operates year-round with the access road and parking lot plowed during winter months to provide access to the Ward Hills Snowmobile Trail. Sites are available first-come, first-served at $10 per night, with no reservation system. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table. The facility features vault toilets and a hand pump for drinking water during the main season, though water availability varies. ORV use is prohibited within the campground boundaries. Timber Creek serves as an excellent base for hikers exploring the North Country National Scenic Trail, which winds through the Ward Hills area with steep terrain and passes McCarthy Lake en route to other trailheads. Winter visitors use the site to access snowmobile trails, making this a versatile year-round recreation area. The campground is not gated during the off-season, allowing winter camping access.

Directions

From Baldwin, travel north on M-37 for 3 miles. Turn left and travel west on US-10 for 7.5 miles. The site is located on the right.

Nearby Campgrounds