HURON-MANISTEE NATIONAL FORESTS
The Huron-Manistee National Forests encompass nearly one million acres of public lands in the northern lower peninsula of Michigan. They were officially designated as national forests in 1945, although their management under federal oversight began with separate forest units earlier in the century.
These forests are known for a diverse landscape that includes thousands of lakes and miles of sparkling rivers and streams. The Manistee River Valley is particularly renowned within this system, offering spectacular views and opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and hiking along its banks.
Visitors to these woods can explore over 330 miles of trails designed for hiking, skiing, mountain biking,snowmobiling,and ATV riding.The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area,a main feature,is partoftheHuron sideand offersauniquecoastal ecosystemwith dune formations,rare plants,and wildlife habitats.Stretching across four distinct seasons,the area provides year-round recreation options amidst picturesque settings.
Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area 
AuSable River Dispersed Camping is a unique series of 102 individually designated single-family campsites on a 55-mile stretch of the lovely AuSable River. All campsites are within Alcona and Iosco Counties in Michigan.
These rustic sites are divided into sections near Alcona Pond, the AuSable Semi-Primitive Non-Motorized Area, Loud Pond, Five Channels
....moreBowman Bridge River Access Bowman Bridge Campground is perfect for true nature immersion. Campers come here for easy access to the Pere Marquette National Scenic River and for the delightful views of the great outdoors.
The campground is situated along the Pere Marquette National Scenic River, a 66-mile stretch of clear, unspoiled waters within the Huron-Manistee National Forests
....more Gabions Campground and Day Use Gabions Campground offers camping on the National Scenic stretch of the Au Sable River. Natural springs are common on this section of the river, including a small one at the river's edge near the gabions. Gabions are rock-filled wire baskets that are placed along the riverbank to help reduce erosion.
The Shore-to-Shore Trail passes near the campground
....more Gleasons Landing Gleasons Landing is a very popular campground on the banks of the Pere Marquette River. With a selection of shaded and secluded spots, the campground is perfect for peaceful nature immersion.
The Pere Marquette River was designated a National Scenic River in 1978, the first in Michigan, and it regularly attracts many canoeing, kayaking and fishing
....more Island Lake Campground Island Lake Campground is a popular campground and picnic area featuring a swimming beach marked with buoys on the 58-acre Island Lake.Located on the southern edge of the Mio Ranger District of the Huron-Manistee National Forest, this site is a short drive North on M-33 from Rose City, MI. This site is gated in the off-season. Island Lake Brochure and Map.
....more Kneff Lake Campground Kneff Lake Campground is a popular camping area on the far west side of the Mio Ranger District near Grayling. The campground has 27 sites and an onsite host during the season. Kneff Lake is a 20-acre shared private, state, and federal ownership. Kneff Lake day use area provides accessible beach access for all who wish to boat, fish, swim, or enjoy beach
....more Lake Michigan Recreation Area Lake Michigan Campground is perched on the shores of Lake Michigan, 15 miles south of Manistee. The area creates an incredible setting with a scenic overlook of the lake and a sandy swimming beach. This family campground provides an array of hiking and biking trails, plus swimming, fishing and kayaking.
An amphitheater offers educational programs
....more Mack Lake ORV Campground Mack Lake ORV Campground is the largest campground on the Mio Ranger District. Southeast of Mio, Mack Lake is 175-acres of shared private and federal ownership. An embedded day use area provides visitors with a picnic area as well as water access and a swimming area surrounded by bouys. With an ORV trailhead located within the campground, Mack Lake ORV
....more Marzinski Horse Trailhead Campground The Marzinski Horse Trail and Campground were developed for the horse enthusiasts, who enjoy riding through a forested quiet trail system. The Marzinski Horse Camp serves as the primary access location for the 18 miles of horse trail.
This campground has a day use area and 19 pull through sites with ample room for horses on each site. Hitching
....more Meadows ORV Campground Meadows ORV Campground is a small, 13 single site area primarily used by OHV riders. The sites accommodate trailers/RV's up to 25 feet in length.
Passing just long the south edge of the campground is the Meadows ORV Trail System . This trail system was developed for vehicles 50 inches of less. The Meadows ORV trail connects to the Mack Lake Trail System
....more Monument Campground Monument Campground was established in 1909 as one of the first campgrounds built in the Huron National Forest. The campground is a fully accessible camping area within a red pine plantation.
Families love this conveniently located campsite, just 15 minutes from Lake Huron off the River Road National Scenic Byway.
Pressurized drinking water, vault
....more Nichols Lake South Campground Located on the south side of Nichols Lake, the campground and surrounding area offer excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, picnicking, hiking, camping, or just relaxing.
Nichols Lake has 29 family sites on paved spurs. Drinking water, flush toilets, and showers are provided. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. A wood ramp and stairs lead
....more Peterson Bridge South Campground Peterson Bridge Campground is located on the Pine River in Michigans Manistee National Forest. The location on the river makes it ideal for canoeists and those looking to experience the adventure of this swift moving river.
The facility offers several tent sites which are walk-in only. Those tent sites on the river bank can also be accessed from the
....more Rollways Campground Rollways Campground is located 7 miles from Hale, Michigan along the beautiful AuSable River. The site was built in 1909 as one of the first campgrounds established in Huron National Forest. The space is small and secluded and features an observation area, picnic grounds and log shelter..
The facility is located just off the River Road National Scenic
....more Round Lake Campground Round Lake Campground offers a scenic, rustic, wooded camping area offering a wide variety of recreation opportunities in the Huron-Manistee National Forest in Michigan.
The campground is located in the village of Sand Lake, MI and groceries and fuel are nearby. Lumberman's Monument Visitor's Center is less than 15 miles from the campground. There are
....more Sand Lake Campground Sand Lake Campground is situated on the scenic shores of Sand Lake and provides a selection of sites shaded by a mixed hardwood forest. Just beyond the trees is a well-loved, sandy swimming beach. The campground is located 15 minutes from the Pine National Scenic River and several other lakes.
The popular campground sits within the Huron-Manistee
....more Seaton Creek Campground Seaton Creek Campground adjoins Seaton Creek and is at the upper end of the backwater of Hodenpyl Dam Pond on the Big Manistee River. The forest surrounding the campground is mostly pine and the sites are rustic. The closest town is Mesick.
Two group sites and 17 family sites area situated near a picnic area on the Hodenpyl Backwater of the Manistee
....more Upper Manistee River State Forest Campground 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
....more Wagner Lake Campground Wagner Lake Campground is a small but popular 12 site campground set on the banks of Wagner Lake. This shallow lake is surrounded by National Forest System lands.
Wagner Lake Campground has handpump wells for drinking water, vault toilets, and garbage collection services. Each campsite has a picnic table, a campfire ring, a lantern post, and a paved
....more The Huron and Manistee National Forests, located in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, were originally established as separate entities. The Huron National Forest was created on February 14, 1909 by President Theodore Roosevelt's executive order. Later that year, on May 23rd, the Manistee National Forest was designated.
Prior to federal protection and management as national forests, these lands saw extensive logging activity throughout the late-19th century. Vast tracts of old-growth forest were cleared during this time period for timber resources which significantly altered the landscape.
Ownership before becoming part of a protected area varied from private individuals to lumber companies who acquired land primarily for resource extraction purposes. As a result of heavy deforestation practices at that time there arose concerns about soil erosion and habitat loss leading conservationists like Gifford Pinchot advocating for sustainable forestry methods under governmental oversight.
In response to such environmental degradation efforts began towards reforestation projects within both areas following their establishment; planting millions trees helped restore much depleted ecosystems over subsequent decades since then providing wildlife habitats recreational opportunities alike today's visitors enjoy now too!
Historical features found across two combined sites include Lumberman's Monument Visitor Center - dedicated loggers worked regionally past centuries - along with several historic fire towers used early detection wildfire outbreaks when they occurred back days prior modern technology advancements.
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