Manistee National Forest
Overview
The Huron-Manistee National Forests comprise nearly one million acres in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, spanning between Lakes Michigan and Huron. The forest is fully open and offers year-round recreation including camping, hiking, OHV trails, and access to four Wild and Scenic Rivers (Pine, Manistee, Au Sable, and Pere Marquette). Current advisories include: a March 29, 2025 ice storm and subsequent wind events have left many downed trees across the Mio Ranger District (Huron side), affecting motorized and non-motorized trail access—use caution in that area. There are long-standing 'Do Not Eat' advisories for deer within 5 miles of Clark's Marsh near the former Wurtsmith AFB in Oscoda Township, and for all fish from Clark's Marsh and resident fish from the lower Au Sable River due to contamination. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid treatment is ongoing at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. Fire danger is currently LOW. The forest hosts rare species including Kirtland's Warbler, Piping Plover, Karner Blue Butterfly, and Pitcher's Thistle. Four district offices serve the forest: Baldwin, Cadillac, Manistee, White Cloud (Manistee side), and Huron Shores and Mio (Huron side).
Top Campgrounds
- Benton Lake Campground
- Blacksmith Bayou Access
- Bowman Bridge
- Bowman Bridge Recreation Area Campground
- Brush Lake Recreation Area Campground
- Gleasons Landing
- Government Landing Access
- Hemlock Recreation Area
- Highbanks Campground
- Hungerford Equestrian Group Campsite
- Hungerford Trail Camp
- Lake Michigan At Manistee
- Marzinski Horse Campground
- Minnie Pond Recreation Area
- Newaygo State Park Campground
- Nichols Lake South Campground
- Old Grade Campground
- Peterson Bridge
- Pine Lake Recreation Area Campground
- Pines Point Campground
- Red Bridge River Access Site
- Sand Lake Campground
- Sawdust Hole Angler Access
- Seaton Creek Campground
- Shelley Lake Recreation Area
- Sulak Campground
- Tippy Dam Cabin
- Upper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites
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