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Big Cedar Campground & Canoe Livery
Overview
Big Cedar Campground & Canoe Livery offers a peaceful, woodland retreat in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Situated along the scenic Manistique River, this park blends traditional camping charm with essential modern conveniences. It serves as a comfortable base camp for those looking to immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of northern Michigan while enjoying easy access to water-based recreation. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-oriented, making it a staple for travelers seeking a slower pace of life amidst towering cedar trees and lush, green landscapes.
Location & Surroundings
The campground is nestled in Germfask, a quiet village that serves as a gateway to some of the U.P.’s most pristine wilderness areas. The property itself is defined by its prime riverfront access, providing a calming backdrop of flowing water and rustling leaves. Because the park is tucked away from busy thoroughfares, guests enjoy minimal traffic noise and exceptionally clear, starry nights. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dense forests and expansive wetlands, offering a true Northwoods experience that feels authentically secluded from modern distractions.
Amenities & Park Features
A standout feature of this destination is its on-site canoe and kayak livery, which allows guests to embark on scenic paddling trips directly from the property with ease. The park offers a variety of site types to suit different needs, including full hookup RV sites and primitive tent areas for a more traditional stay. Practical amenities include a clean bathhouse with hot showers, a playground for children, and a well-stocked camp store for firewood, ice, and basic supplies. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, encouraging guests to enjoy the fresh air.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Endless adventure is just minutes away, with the Seney National Wildlife Refuge located nearby for world-class birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife photography. Visitors can take a short drive to see the emerald waters of Kitch-iti-kipi or head north to explore the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. For those willing to venture further, Tahquamenon Falls and Oswald’s Bear Ranch are popular day-trip destinations. The river itself remains the primary draw, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, floating, and exploring the shoreline.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal match for outdoor enthusiasts and families who prioritize nature over commercial resort luxuries. It is a perfect fit for kayakers and anglers who want immediate access to the water without leaving the grounds. RVers looking for a centralized Upper Peninsula hub will appreciate the proximity to famous regional landmarks without the overcrowding found in more tourist-heavy towns. If you value a quiet, rustic setting where the primary entertainment is a crackling campfire or a quiet morning on the river, this park is for you.
Amenities
- Tenting
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Discounts
- Facility
- Internet
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
David Kelly
Very nice camp ground! Very nice staff! Bathrooms were clean every day. My wife and I stayed next to the river and that was nice and relaxing being able to hear the water. We are also big birders so we seen lots of birds in our campsite. I definitely recommend this place rather you're tent camping or using a camper/rv.
Breeann Kelly
We found this campground doing Google search. I was trying to find pictures of the sites but couldn't find them. However, we were pleasantly surprised to have picked a site that the river was running behind us. It was peaceful and as birders we were able to see a few flying around that made it special. Especially when we had a Kingfisher hanging around and a Pileated Woodpecker that greeted us at our campsite. We found this site quiet and relaxing. The owners were very friendly. The bath house was always kept very clean. We will be definitely be back.
Kayci Veres
The campground was beyond my expectations of cleanliness and order. There was plenty to do on-site such as kayaking and a playground for all ages (even adults). The owners were so friendly! I felt like the instructions and posted signs made everything very clear. The only suggestion is to cover the wood bundles a bit better from precipitation. I really appreciate they have ice on the grounds and the showers had great pressure/temperatures. The bathroom was cleaned a restocked daily. Our neighbors were nice and people adhered to the noise curfew. Very nice. Would return for sure.
Holli Carrick-Rogers
We love it here! The views are absolutely breathtaking, and the campground is always peaceful and relaxing. We love that they have showers and a bathroom, and a playground for kids!! We stay at least once each year and have even enjoyed the large rental cabin in the fall! The owners are great, friendly people and always make sure everything you could need that you may have forgotten (something we do a lot) is stocked in their store! They were helpful with exploration ideas outside of the campground nearby, and their river float and kayak trips are perfect! The river is beautiful, and it is always a good time with your loved ones. We even had a bachelorette group at the large cabin and did the float on tubes and each person enjoyed it!!
Laura Stanfill
We had a fantastic stay at Big Cedar, We stayed in Vera's RV for a couple of nights and the native nook the last 5 days. We loved how accommodating John and Melissa were! Awesome people! Everything was clean and smelled great, no funky cabin smell like most rentals. The bathrooms were the cleanest camp ground bathrooms I've ever seen, Hot and great water pressure! We will be back again!