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Huron-Manistee/Peterson Bridge South
Overview
Located within the expansive Huron-Manistee National Forests, Peterson Bridge South offers a traditional camping experience centered on the beauty of the Pine River. This campground serves as a primary hub for those looking to explore one of Michigan’s premier paddling destinations. If you are seeking a quiet retreat where the sound of the forest takes precedence over the hum of electronics, this rustic destination provides the perfect backdrop for your next outdoor adventure. It is managed by the USDA Forest Service and maintains a serene, natural atmosphere.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just south of the M-37 bridge near Baldwin, Michigan, the park is nestled in a lush, wooded environment. The National Scenic River designation of the Pine River ensures that the surrounding landscape remains pristine and wild. The topography features rolling hills and high banks that overlook the winding water. This location is strategically placed for easy access to the river's fastest currents, making it a favorite spot for water sports enthusiasts throughout the summer season who want to be close to the action.
Amenities & Park Features
As a federal forest facility, the park focuses on a rustic camping style without modern hookups. Visitors will find basic essentials including vault toilets and a hand-operated water pump for potable water. Each campsite is equipped with a heavy-duty fire ring and a picnic table for outdoor cooking. While there is no electricity, Wi-Fi, or dump station on-site, the spacious sites offer plenty of room for smaller RVs and trailers looking for an authentic boondocking experience in the heart of the Michigan wilderness.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The main draw here is the water. The Pine River is famous for canoeing and kayaking, offering technical stretches that challenge even experienced paddlers. Anglers frequent the area for its excellent trout fishing opportunities. Beyond the water, the Silver Creek Pathway provides miles of hiking and biking trails through the forest. A short drive into the town of Baldwin allows visitors to see the World's Largest Trout monument and explore local bait shops, outfitters, and small-town eateries.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for paddlers and anglers who prioritize river access and natural beauty above resort-style amenities. Because of its rustic nature, it is best suited for self-contained RVers and tent campers who enjoy a back-to-basics atmosphere. If you appreciate starry night skies and a peaceful environment away from the crowds of larger commercial parks, Peterson Bridge South is a premier choice for your next Michigan forest getaway.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Rybread690
Couldn't even check things out without being harassed by national forest service people. How in the hell do they expect to have anyone camp at national state forest if they can't check it out before hand. It's like buying a car without looking at it
Joie King
Host goes around telling people he's allergic to marijuana and it's not legal there. But he allows a 2 hour family screaming hitting match continue into the dead of the night. I paid 35 bucks a night at a rustic campground to get no sleep Saturday night. Why he didn't call the police I have no clue.
Maia Hausler
Host was really nice, campsites along the River were great. The fee structure is super confusing and disadvantages canoe campers. $35 per site for drive in (up to 8 people). $15 PER PERSON for the canoe and walk-in sites. And this being per person is not listed anywhere online or on the signage at the site. (Host said sign is being updated soon). It’s a ridiculous fee structure that a family of 3 will pay $45 for a walk-in site when 8 people can stay at a drive-in site for only $35. Make it make sense!?
Kari Koran
Tent camping. Nice well maintained campground. Sites are large. Some are not fully level so check the information on site. Large picnic table. Parking enough for 2 cars. Only reason not 5 star is that no shower on premises. Camp host is great and can tell you where you can get a shower. He does enforce park policies so don't plan parties after quiet hours. Cell Service was okay. Would be happy to come back.
Madeline Mahler
We camped at site 21 right next to the river. Beautiful view and there was a nice path down to the river and a shallow area. It got a little loud being directly across from the kayak launch. Dog friendly!
A Stephens
Nice quiet campground in the Manistee forest. Most of the sites are first come first served. Clean bathrooms and walk in sites available. Stayed at site 21, right along the pine river. Some highway noise but the seclusion makes up for it. We will be returning!
Mark McCarthy
Make sure to don't crack your dome.
Micah M
Camped in mid-October. Campground was very well kept, quiet and had fairly large sites that were well spaced from one another. If you are tent camping, there are walk-in riverside sites. Site 21 was very large and secluded from other sites. There were several pit toilets and one central flush toilet restroom with a sink. There are no showers. Water was available every few sites as well. Camp host was welcoming and helpful. They have firewood and ice for sale as well.
Tom Gregg
One of the nicest campgrounds I have stayed at. The campground manager, Buck, was very accommodating and keeps the entire area very clean and well run. This campground is well secluded and even offer sites right on the water.
Jean Griffiths
Great hidden gem campground with a main bathroom w/flush toilets (no shower 🚿) and several vault toilets. Clean good drinking water available. As well as ice & wood for sale. Very clean hosts Buck and Betty we're very friendly and helpful. Knowledge about the area. We had no VZW cell service in the campground. Had to drive down the road. We had no trouble parking our 38' RV there the back in spots are roomy. Beautiful area with lots to explore. Mosquitos 🦟 were the only thing we didn't like. Next time I hope we can get on Pine river looks like a blast.