Claybanks Campground
This river access is on the flies only, catch and release portion of the river. The river bottom is mostly gravel and is a very good area for brown trout. The path to the river borders posted private land on one side before reaching the stairs to the river. The stairs to the river are steep, and will be a workout for those who make the attempt. The pine and oak forest is a good area for wildlife watching and visitors may see a deer or two while heading to the river. Brochure with Map: This brochure is set to print on 11 x 17 paper, landscape (wide) orientation. To print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper set the print area to "shrink to printable area", this will make the text on the page smaller.
More like this: first-come in Michigan · tent only in Michigan
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Fees | Recreation Enhancement Act Fee - Day Use - Day: $5.00. Week: $15.00. Camping - Per Night: $10.00 |
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Closed for the season. Forest Service sites close for the season; check the official page for the reopening date. |
| Season | May 1 to November 30 |
| Forest | Huron-Manistee National Forests |
| Fees | Recreation Enhancement Act Fee - Day Use - Day: $5.00. Week: $15.00. Camping - Per Night: $10.00 |
| Rules | As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. |
Weather by month
Getting there
| Coordinates | 43.8708° N, 85.8823° W · Directions ↗ |
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 18 mi |
| Outdoor gear | 37 North ↗ | 31.4 mi |
| RV sales & service | Silver Lake RV Rental ↗ | 32.8 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Claybanks RV Park Opens for the Season in Merritt: What Campers Should Know
Trails nearby
- 1.7 miNCT 76th St. Trailhead Spur ↗0.05 mi trail · hiking · national_scenic_or_historic
- 2.7 miMcCt - Big O Spur ↗13.5 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 1 more
- 3.4 miNCT Bowman Campground Spur ↗0.4 mi trail · hiking, bike · national_scenic_or_historic
- 4.4 miNCT Bowman Lake Spur ↗0.1 mi trail · hiking, bike · national_scenic_or_historic
- 4.5 miBowman Lake1.9 mi trail · hiking, bike
Trailheads within three miles
- 1.7 mi76th St. Trailhead ↗Huron-Manistee National Forests · Season May 1 to October 31
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Marlborough Historic DistrictHistoric district · Marlborough · 2.3 mi
- Idlewild Historic DistrictHistoric district · Idlewild · 5.2 mi
Guidebooks for Michigan
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Reference
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to camp at Claybanks Campground?
Recreation Enhancement Act Fee - Day Use - Day: $5.00. Week: $15.00. Camping - Per Night: $10.00
Source: Forest Service
Is Claybanks Campground open right now?
Closed for the season as of Oct 26, 2026. Season May 1 to November 30.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Claybanks Campground have?
9 sites.
Source: Forest Service
Can I bring an RV to Claybanks Campground?
Claybanks Campground is listed for tents only.
Source: Forest Service
What if Claybanks Campground is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Gleasons Landing (1.9 mi), Bowman Bridge (3.2 mi), and Bowman Lake Campground (4.5 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby