Cedar Campground

For Michigan locals dreaming of a truly secluded and deeply immersive wilderness camping experience, Cedar Campground near Watersmeet offers an exceptional opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with nature. Tucked away in a "very beautiful forest" in the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this rustic campground is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to put in "the effort," it promises one of the "nicest campsites I've ever stayed in." It’s an ideal destination for adventurers seeking solitude, pristine natural beauty, and an authentic taste of the U.P.'s wild side.

Imagine setting up camp deep within a serene forest, with towering trees as your neighbors and the sounds of wildlife as your soundtrack. Cedar Campground provides this tranquil ambiance, offering a genuine backcountry feel. The reviews highlight its unique setup, with individual sites like "Cedar 1 and 2" boasting "seperate landings," suggesting an element of water access that adds to its allure for those exploring by canoe or kayak. While the "Cedar 1 landing was very muddy" at one point, the overall consensus points to a rewarding experience, emphasizing that it's "Worth the effort for sure."

What truly sets Cedar Campground apart for Michigan residents is its dedication to a primitive camping experience. This isn't a bustling park with amenities around every corner; it's a place where simplicity reigns, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the natural environment. The remote nature means you'll likely encounter fewer crowds, fostering a deeper sense of peace and privacy. The mention of "Cedar 2 is better for swimming" hints at the refreshing opportunities to cool off in nearby waters, a welcome feature after a day of hiking or exploring the surrounding forest.

Being located near Watersmeet, a gateway to vast stretches of national forest and numerous lakes, Cedar Campground is positioned for adventurers ready to explore a less-traveled part of Michigan. It’s a testament to the diverse camping experiences available in our state, providing an unparalleled opportunity for Michiganders to truly unwind and appreciate the untamed beauty of their own backyard.

Cedar Campground is situated in Michigan's picturesque Upper Peninsula, with its address listed simply as Watersmeet, MI 49969, USA. This places it within a region characterized by dense forests, numerous lakes, and a strong sense of wilderness, often falling within the bounds of a national forest or state land near Watersmeet.

Accessibility to Cedar Campground is a notable point, as highlighted by customer reviews. It is described as "Not easy to find this site" and specifically warns that "The current map location on Google Maps is incorrect." This implies that precise navigation might be required, potentially relying on detailed maps, GPS coordinates from official sources, or local knowledge rather than generic online maps. Visitors should anticipate driving on rustic forest roads that may be unpaved and less maintained than main highways, typical for remote, primitive campsites.

The campground's structure, with "Cedar 1 and 2" having "seperate landings," strongly suggests that at least some access to these campsites is via water, likely for canoes or kayaks. This water access might be the primary way to reach the sites, or a significant part of the journey after a drive to a general access point. The review mentioning "Decent walk up from the landing to the site" further supports a water-to-land transition for gear, indicating these are not drive-up sites directly at a vehicle parking spot. The condition of "Cedar 1 landing was very muddy when we were there" suggests rustic and potentially challenging conditions for landing watercraft.

Given its secluded nature, Cedar Campground is designed for those seeking a true wilderness experience. This means it is likely tucked away from main roads and urban centers, contributing to its quiet and pristine environment. While the exact driving instructions would need to be sought from official forest service or park sources, the nature of the reviews indicates a destination that requires preparation and a willingness to navigate to a more remote, deeply forested area, making the journey part of the adventure for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

• Rustic Campsites: Cedar Campground provides individual, rustic campsites (e.g., Cedar 1 and Cedar 2). These sites are typically primitive, offering a cleared space for tents.
• Separate Landings: As noted in reviews, individual sites like Cedar 1 and Cedar 2 have "seperate landings." This implies dedicated water access points, likely for canoes, kayaks, or small boats.
• No Potable Water: Typical for rustic and remote campgrounds, there is likely no direct source of potable water at the individual campsites. Campers should plan to bring all their drinking water or a reliable water filter/purifier to treat water from natural sources.
• No Restrooms (or Very Primitive): While not explicitly stated, the lack of mention of toilets and the "rustic" nature suggest either no facilities or very primitive, unimproved options (like dug latrines), which would require campers to practice Leave No Trace principles for human waste.
• No Hookups: As a rustic campground, Cedar Campground would not offer electric, water, or sewer hookups for RVs. It is entirely non-electric.
• No Trash Service: Campers are expected to follow a strict "pack it in, pack it out" policy, meaning all trash and waste must be carried out of the campground.
• Fire Ring (Implied): While not explicitly mentioned, rustic campsites typically include a designated fire ring for campfires. Campers should check for local fire restrictions before lighting a fire.

• Truly Secluded Wilderness: The primary highlight is the deep sense of seclusion and wilderness immersion. It's described as "one of the nicest campsites I've ever stayed in" and requiring "effort," which often correlates with a less-traveled, more pristine experience.
• Beautiful Forest Environment: Campers are surrounded by a "very beautiful forest," providing a picturesque and tranquil backdrop for their stay, with ample opportunities for nature appreciation.
• Water Access / Separate Landings: The "seperate landings" for sites like Cedar 1 and Cedar 2 are a unique feature, suggesting direct water access for canoes, kayaks, or other small watercraft, enhancing the paddling experience.
• Swimming Opportunities: "Cedar 2 is better for swimming" indicates that at least one of the sites offers good access to water suitable for swimming, a refreshing feature in a wilderness setting.
• Worth the Effort: Despite potential challenges with access (muddy landing, difficult to find), the overall consensus is that the experience is "Worth the effort for sure," speaking to the high quality of the natural surroundings.
• Rustic Charm: For those who prefer primitive camping, the lack of extensive amenities is a feature, promoting a true backcountry experience and a deeper connection to nature.
• Quiet and Peaceful: Remote locations like Cedar Campground typically offer profound quietude, free from the noise pollution of more developed areas.
• Unique Navigation Challenge: For adventurous souls, the challenge of finding the site (due to incorrect map location and no water-level sign) can be seen as part of the adventure, enhancing the sense of discovery upon arrival.
• Opportunities for Exploration: Being in a "beautiful forest in this area" implies excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and general exploration of the surrounding wilderness.

As Cedar Campground is described as a "rustic" campsite and its address indicates a location near Watersmeet, MI, it is highly likely that it falls under the management of a federal agency like the U.S. Forest Service (e.g., Ottawa National Forest) or a state agency (e.g., Michigan DNR). These types of campgrounds typically do not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense.

Instead, the "offer" here is the experience of a truly secluded, primitive wilderness camping site at a typically very affordable rate. Rustic sites within national forests or state parks are known for their low nightly fees compared to more developed campgrounds, reflecting the minimal services provided. Information regarding specific pricing would need to be obtained from the managing agency (e.g., Ottawa National Forest). Often, such remote sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with a self-pay envelope system, or through a reservation system like Recreation.gov if part of a larger federal recreation area. Given the review mentioning "seperate landings," it might even be a designated water-access-only site that requires a special permit or reservation.

For Michigan locals, the primary "value" or "promotion" would be the opportunity to access such a pristine and quiet wilderness experience, which is increasingly rare. While a Michigan Recreation Passport would cover vehicle entry to Michigan state parks, a federal forest campground would have its own fee structure. The "Worth the effort for sure" sentiment from a reviewer highlights that the inherent quality of the natural environment and the camping experience itself is the main draw, far outweighing any potential lack of commercial deals. Campers interested in Cedar Campground should always consult the official website of the managing forest or park for current fees, any reservation requirements, and specific regulations.

For inquiries and information regarding Cedar Campground, please use the following general contact details:

Address: Watersmeet, MI 49969, USA

As no phone number was provided in the prompt for Cedar Campground itself, and given its rustic and potentially remote nature, direct contact information might be tied to a managing agency's district office. Since Watersmeet is primarily associated with the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, it is highly probable that this campground falls under their jurisdiction.

Therefore, for the most accurate and up-to-date information on Cedar Campground, including its exact location (to counter the "incorrect map location" issue), accessibility details, any current fees, reservation procedures, and operating season, it is strongly recommended that interested parties contact the Ottawa National Forest, particularly their local ranger district office near Watersmeet. A general search for "Ottawa National Forest Watersmeet Ranger District" should provide their official contact details, which would be the most reliable source for information about this specific campground.

For Michigan locals, Cedar Campground near Watersmeet offers an unparalleled opportunity to truly escape into the wild heart of the Upper Peninsula. It’s not just a campsite; it’s an invitation to experience authentic, secluded wilderness, making it perfectly suitable for those who cherish raw natural beauty and a deep sense of tranquility.

The emphasis on a "very beautiful forest" environment, coupled with the promise of "one of the nicest campsites I've ever stayed in," speaks directly to Michiganders who seek pristine natural settings. The unique aspect of "seperate landings" for sites like Cedar 1 and Cedar 2, potentially requiring water access, caters to adventurous paddlers who want to integrate kayaking or canoeing into their camping experience. For those who don't shy away from a "decent walk up from the landing to the site" and are willing to put in "the effort," the reward is a truly private and peaceful setting, far removed from crowded campgrounds.

The fact that "Cedar 2 is better for swimming" highlights an added recreational benefit, allowing locals to enjoy refreshing dips in the pristine waters of the surrounding area. While its rustic nature means fewer amenities, this is precisely its appeal for many Michigan campers who prefer simplicity and a profound connection to their environment. This type of remote, less-developed campground fosters self-reliance and offers a true respite from the demands of modern life. For Michiganders eager to discover secluded gems and immerse themselves in the untamed grandeur of their own state, Cedar Campground promises a memorable and deeply rewarding wilderness adventure that is truly "Worth the effort for sure."