Manistee National Forest
Small Craft Advisory issued April 11 at 3:05PM EDT until April 13 at 4:00PM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI
* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 knots with gusts up to 30 knots and waves 5 to 8 feet expected. * WHERE...St Joseph to Manistee. * WHEN...From 4 AM Sunday to 4 PM EDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Scattered thunderstorms over Lake Michigan are also possible on Sunday.
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
- Bear Track Campground
- Benton Lake Campground
- Bowman Bridge
- Bowman Bridge Recreation Area Campground
- Brush Lake Recreation Area Campground
- Gleasons Landing
- Government Landing Access
- Highbanks Campground
- Hungerford Equestrian Group Campsite
- Hungerford Trail Camp
- Marzinski Horse Campground
- Minnie Pond Recreation Area
- Newaygo State Park 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
- Timber Creek Recreation Area
- Tippy Dam Cabin
- Twinwood Lake Recreation Area
- Upper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites
- Walkup Lake Campground
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