Campsite AtlasUpper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites
The Upper Manistee dispersed campsites are primitive campsites on the Manistee River Backwaters of Tippy Dam Pond, located along the banks of the Manistee River between Tippy Dam and Hodenpyl Dam. The Government Landing location includes 7 sites, in which, 5 are located on the water and 2 sites are on higher ground overlooking the water. There are 2 sites located on the water that are walk in only. The Red Bridge River Access offers 4 sites that are walk in only and allow easy access to the Manistee River. These sites are very popular and are by reservation only Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
Campsites
| Standard, no hookups | 5 |
| Tent-only | 4 |
| Walk-in | 2 |
| Total | 11 |
Amenities & rules
Fees: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend requires a reservation. There is no camping fee this year, but Recreation.gov will charge a standard reservation fee for each reservation.
Compiled from site-level records; individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Getting there
For All Campsites: . From the intersection of M55 and M37, head west on M-55 for 2.7 miles. Turn right onto N Warfield Rd, then travel north for 5.1 miles. Turn left onto N Coates Hwy and travel west until you cross the bridge over the Manistee River. Red Bridge campsites will be on the left. For Government Landing Campsites: .
Campgrounds nearby
Data source: Recreation.gov RIDB, retrieved August 30, 2026. The Campsite Atlas is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Recreation.gov or any federal agency. Always confirm critical details on the official Recreation.gov page before you travel.