Chippewa Landing, Manton, MI

Michigan, with its stunning natural landscapes and an abundance of lakes and rivers, offers countless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Among the many hidden gems that dot our beautiful state, Chippewa Landing stands out as a prime destination for those looking to connect with nature, whether it's for a peaceful riverside camping trip or an exhilarating paddle down a scenic waterway. Located in Manton, this campground and livery has become a beloved spot for Michiganders seeking an authentic outdoor experience.

Chippewa Landing is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a hub for adventure on the iconic Manistee River. For over 50 years, this family-friendly establishment has been dedicated to providing memorable experiences, fostering a deep appreciation for the river's pristine environment, and offering a welcoming atmosphere for all. Whether you're a seasoned paddler, a first-time camper, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, Chippewa Landing provides the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories in the heart of Northern Michigan.

The team at Chippewa Landing understands what makes a great outdoor getaway. They prioritize friendly service, well-maintained equipment, and a commitment to preserving the natural beauty that surrounds them. This dedication is evident in the rave reviews from visitors who highlight the accommodating staff and the serene, unspoiled nature of the Manistee River. It's a place where you can truly unplug, unwind, and immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of Michigan's wilderness, all while enjoying the convenience of well-thought-out services.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Chippewa Landing, detailing its offerings, its location, and why it has become a go-to spot for locals across Michigan. From its diverse camping options to its range of river trip services, we'll explore what makes Chippewa Landing an ideal choice for your next outdoor adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Chippewa Landing is nestled in Manton, Michigan, a charming town that serves as a gateway to Northern Michigan's vast natural recreational areas. The address is 10390 Chippewa Landing Trail, Manton, MI 49663, USA. Manton itself is conveniently located just off US-131, a major north-south highway that makes it easily accessible from various parts of the state. For those traveling from larger Michigan cities:

From Grand Rapids: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes (90 miles) via US-131 N.
From Traverse City: Roughly 45 minutes (35 miles) south via US-131 S.
From Detroit: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes (200 miles) via US-23 N and US-131 N.

This strategic location ensures that while you feel comfortably removed from the hustle and bustle, you're still within a manageable driving distance for a weekend trip or a longer vacation. The surrounding area is characterized by sprawling state land, making it a prime spot for hunting, mushroom foraging in the spring, and snowmobiling in the winter, in addition to the popular summer water activities.

The proximity to the Manistee River is one of Chippewa Landing’s biggest draws. The river itself is renowned for its tranquil stretches, clear waters, and undeveloped forestlands, providing a truly wild and scenic experience. The access points are well-maintained, and Chippewa Landing's shuttle service further enhances the convenience, ensuring a seamless experience for those embarking on river trips.

Services Offered

Chippewa Landing offers a variety of services designed to make your camping and river adventure as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. Their comprehensive offerings cater to different preferences, whether you're looking for a rustic experience or a more comfortable stay.

Camping Options: Chippewa Landing provides both rustic camping sites and full hookup sites. The rustic sites are designed to give you that "roughing it" feel with spacious, secluded, grassy, and wooded areas. They often include amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and privies, with water access nearby. For those seeking more comfort, the full hookup sites come complete with water, electricity, and sewer connections. It's worth noting that Chippewa Landing also operates a second campground, Oak Grove Campground, located just 6 miles north off US-131, which also offers full hookup sites and a bathhouse and camp store.
Equipment Rentals: A core service of Chippewa Landing is its canoe livery. They offer rentals for canoes, kayaks, tubes, and rafts. This means you don't need to own your own equipment to enjoy a relaxing float or an adventurous paddle down the Manistee River.
Shuttle Services: This is a highly praised aspect of Chippewa Landing. They provide a personal shuttle service to various drop-off points along the Manistee River (such as Missaukee Bridge or CCC Bridge) and will pick you up at Chippewa Landing, where your car will be waiting. This makes multi-day trips and one-way floats incredibly convenient, allowing you to focus on enjoying the river without logistical worries.
Firewood Sales: Understanding the importance of a campfire to the camping experience, Chippewa Landing sells firewood on-site. They ensure their firewood is locally sourced, dried, and competitively priced, encouraging campers not to bring their own to help prevent the spread of invasive species.
Camp Store: While information about a fully stocked camp store at Chippewa Landing itself is limited, their Oak Grove campground location does feature a camp store, which likely carries essential supplies for campers.
Group Camping: Chippewa Landing is well-equipped to accommodate groups, with large, secluded campsites designed to host families and larger parties.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Chippewa Landing apart are its unique features and highlights that enhance the overall outdoor experience for Michigan residents and visitors alike.

The Manistee River Experience: The river itself is a major highlight. Known as one of the most unspoiled natural camping rivers in the Lower Peninsula, it offers a peaceful and scenic journey. Paddlers frequently spot wildlife such as deer, beaver, and various bird species. The river's gentle current and lack of rapids make it suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced paddlers, allowing for leisurely floats or more active paddling adventures.
Unspoiled Natural Setting: Chippewa Landing emphasizes a natural and tranquil environment. Many campsites are nestled within thick woods, providing a sense of privacy and immersion in nature. The commitment to maintaining the river's pristine condition is evident in their environmental efforts, including aiding groups interested in policing the river for litter and their employees actively cleaning launch sites and riverbanks.
Flexibility in River Trips: Unlike some outfitters, Chippewa Landing doesn't adhere to a strict appointment schedule for river trips. This flexibility allows you to take as long as you want on your journey, stopping to fish, swim, or picnic at your leisure. Your car will be waiting for you at your destination, eliminating any time pressure.
Wildlife Observation: The Manistee River watershed is rich in biodiversity. Along your river trip or during your stay at the campground, you have the chance to observe a variety of Michigan's native wildlife, including white-tailed deer, beaver, various waterfowl, and possibly even red-shouldered hawks, which thrive in the extensive riparian areas along the river.
Sustainable Practices: Chippewa Landing powers its office and store area with 100% solar energy, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility. They also encourage eco-friendly practices among visitors, such as not bringing glass beverage bottles or styrofoam coolers, and using only dead and fallen wood for campfires.
Proximity to Other Recreational Opportunities: Beyond the Manistee River, the area around Manton offers access to numerous other outdoor activities. The Oak Grove campground, for example, is located right next to the Miss-Kal snowmobile and ATV trail, just minutes from the North Country Hiking Trail. Nearby lakes like Headquarters Lake, Spring Lake, Fife Lake, Lake Mitchell, Lake Cadillac, and Lake Missaukee are also just a short drive away, providing additional options for fishing and water sports.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific, ongoing promotions for Chippewa Landing are not extensively advertised in public data, it's always recommended to directly contact them for the most up-to-date information on any potential discounts or special offers. Campgrounds in Michigan often have seasonal rates, group discounts, or special promotions during off-peak times. Reviewing general trends in the camping industry, it is common for campgrounds to offer:

Off-Season Rates: Reduced prices for camping or river trips during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) when demand is lower.
Extended Stay Discounts: Lower nightly rates for booking multiple nights or longer stays.
Group Discounts: Special pricing for large groups booking multiple campsites or a fleet of rental equipment.
First Responder/Military Discounts: Many businesses, including campgrounds, offer appreciation discounts for active military personnel, veterans, and first responders.

To inquire about any current promotions or discounts, the best approach is to reach out to Chippewa Landing directly using the contact information provided below.

Contact Information

Ready to plan your trip to Chippewa Landing? Here's how you can get in touch:

Address: 10390 Chippewa Landing Trail, Manton, MI 49663, USA
Phone: (231) 313-0832
Mobile Phone: +1 231-313-0832
Email: contact@chippewalanding.com (as found on their website, though not explicitly in the provided info)
Website: It's highly recommended to visit their official website (chippewalanding.com) for the most current information, photos, and possibly online booking options.

Their friendly team is available to answer your questions, help you plan your river trip, and reserve your campsite.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Michiganders seeking an authentic and accessible outdoor escape, Chippewa Landing is an exceptional choice. Its prime location in Manton, easily reachable from across the Lower Peninsula, makes it a convenient destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation without the need for extensive travel.

The campground's suitability for locals lies in its combination of diverse camping options, reliable equipment rentals, and seamless shuttle services, all centered around the beautiful Manistee River. Whether you're a seasoned camper with your own gear or someone new to outdoor adventures, Chippewa Landing caters to all. The Manistee River offers a uniquely peaceful paddling experience, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life, and the chances to spot local wildlife enhance the connection with Michigan's natural heritage.

Furthermore, the positive experiences shared by previous visitors underscore the friendly and accommodating nature of the Chippewa Landing team. Their dedication to maintaining the pristine environment of the Manistee River and providing a hassle-free experience means you can truly relax and enjoy your time. It’s a place where families can reconnect, friends can embark on memorable adventures, and individuals can find solace in nature.

Chippewa Landing offers that perfect blend of adventure and tranquility that many Michiganders crave, providing a genuine taste of our state's incredible outdoor offerings. It’s a local treasure, ready to welcome you to your next riverside adventure.