Lincoln Landing

Hello, fellow Michigan outdoor enthusiasts! If you're seeking a true escape into the serene wilderness, a place where the sounds of nature are your primary soundtrack, then Lincoln Landing in Newkirk Township, Michigan, offers a unique and authentic camping experience. Tucked away amidst secluded evergreens, this charming campground provides a rustic setting perfect for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in Michigan's natural beauty.

Lincoln Landing, also known as Lincoln Bridge State Forest Campground, is not your typical amenity-rich RV park. Instead, it embraces the essence of rustic camping, focusing on the simplicity and tranquility of the outdoors. It's a quaint spot, ideal for tent campers who appreciate a quiet environment and direct access to pristine natural resources. Reviewers consistently highlight its secluded nature and the opportunities for exploration in the surrounding forestland. It's a place where you can truly unwind, with the gentle sounds of Silver Creek and the Pine River serving as your backdrop. This campground is particularly suited for those who value privacy, outdoor activities, and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, making it a hidden gem for Michigan locals.

Lincoln Landing, officially Lincoln Bridge State Forest Campground, is nestled in Newkirk Township, Michigan, with the address often associated with the broader 49601 ZIP code. More precisely, it's located in Lake County, approximately seven miles north of Luther. Its coordinates are approximately LAT 44.132798 and LONG -85.69121. To reach the campground, you would typically travel via State Road and 10 Mile Road from Luther.

This location places Lincoln Landing in a prime spot for accessing a wealth of Michigan's natural attractions. It sits on Silver Creek and the beautiful Pine River, offering immediate water access for fishing and paddling. The campground is managed by the Baldwin Field Office, indicating its status as a state forest campground. While it offers a secluded feel, it is not entirely remote. Newkirk Township itself provides a mix of suburban and rural living, with many residents owning their homes, contributing to a stable local environment. Although it's a rustic campground, the accessibility via state and county roads makes it reachable for most vehicles, though campers should be prepared for a natural, unpaved environment typical of state forest campgrounds. Its positioning allows for easy day trips to surrounding areas for further exploration of hiking, biking, and ORV trails, making it a central point for outdoor adventures in this part of Michigan.

Lincoln Landing (Lincoln Bridge State Forest Campground) provides a basic yet essential range of services, catering specifically to those who prefer a rustic camping experience. It's important to note that as a state forest campground, the amenities are designed to complement a natural, less developed setting.

• Tent-Only Campsites: The campground primarily offers walk-in campsites, suitable exclusively for tent use. There are nine such sites, with the shortest walk-in being 20 yards and the longest 50 yards from the parking area. This ensures a more traditional, secluded tent camping experience.
• Potable Water: Fresh, potable water is available from a hand-pump well. This is a crucial amenity for rustic campgrounds, allowing campers to stay hydrated without needing to bring all their water.
• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are provided in the form of vault toilets, which are common in state forest campgrounds and maintain a rustic feel while offering necessary sanitation.
• Carry-in Boat Launch: A carry-in boat launch is available a short walk from the campground, designed for kayaks and canoes. This provides direct access to the Pine River and Silver Creek for paddling enthusiasts.
• Fishing Access: The boat launch area also serves as a point for fishing access, allowing campers to enjoy trout fishing (brown and rainbow trout) in the Pine River and Silver Creek.
• Year-Round Operation (with seasonal considerations): The campground is open all year; however, during winter, the campground and seasonal roads are not plowed. This allows for rustic winter camping for those prepared for such conditions.
• Vehicle and Trailer Parking: Parking is available for vehicles with trailers within the campground area and near the river access site, accommodating those bringing boats or ORVs.

Lincoln Landing (Lincoln Bridge State Forest Campground) offers several distinctive features that make it a compelling destination for a specific type of camper in Michigan, particularly those seeking a tranquil and activity-rich outdoor experience.

• Quaint, Rustic Setting: The campground is described as "quaint" and "rustic," nestled among "secluded evergreens." This provides a true escape into nature, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet away from commercial campgrounds.
• Tent-Only, Walk-in Sites: With nine designated walk-in campsites exclusively for tents, Lincoln Landing ensures a traditional camping feel and often a quieter atmosphere. The short walk to sites enhances the secluded experience.
• Direct Water Access (Pine River & Silver Creek): A significant highlight is its location on Silver Creek and the Pine River, offering excellent opportunities for fishing (brown and rainbow trout) and paddling with a dedicated carry-in boat launch for kayaks and canoes.
• Extensive Trail Access: The campground provides immediate access to the Silver Creek Pathway, which is great for hiking and open to mountain biking. It's also adjacent to the Lincoln Hills ORV trails (21 miles for cycle/ATV and 23 miles for full-sized vehicles), and within ten miles of the Little Manistee ORV trails, making it a hub for motorized recreation.
• Hunting Access: For hunters, the campground provides direct access to state land that is open to hunting, expanding the outdoor recreational opportunities.
• Year-Round Camping Potential: Being open all year allows hardy campers to enjoy winter camping, experiencing the quiet beauty of Michigan's snowy landscapes, even if roads are not plowed.
• Secluded Evergreen Forest: Surrounded by tall evergreen trees, the natural setting is both beautiful and offers a sense of privacy and immersion in the forest environment.
• Potable Water and Vault Toilets: These essential amenities, while rustic, ensure basic comfort and hygiene, making the primitive camping experience more manageable.

As a State Forest Campground managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Lincoln Landing (Lincoln Bridge State Forest Campground) typically does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the same way a private campground might. Pricing for state forest campgrounds is generally standardized. However, there are inherent value propositions and broader state park system benefits that could be considered "offers" for Michigan residents:

• Affordable Camping Rates: State forest campgrounds like Lincoln Landing usually offer very affordable nightly rates compared to private campgrounds, making outdoor recreation accessible to a wider range of budgets. Current pricing for Lincoln Bridge is around $20 per night.
• Michigan Recreation Passport: While not a direct campground discount, purchasing a Michigan Recreation Passport (an annual pass that grants vehicle access to all Michigan state parks and recreation areas) is a cost-effective way for locals to enjoy state facilities, including access to day-use areas and the ability to camp at sites like Lincoln Landing.
• Seasonal Camping Options: The year-round availability, even in a rustic capacity, provides a "special offer" of extended access to nature beyond typical warmer camping seasons for those prepared for it.
• Access to DNR-managed Land and Trails: Your camping fee grants you direct access to miles of hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, and ORV trails on state land, which is a significant value for outdoor enthusiasts.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on camping fees, reservation policies (if applicable for rustic sites), and any general state park system passes or regulations, it is always best to consult the Michigan DNR website or contact their Baldwin Field Office directly.

For inquiries about Lincoln Landing (Lincoln Bridge State Forest Campground), its availability, specific site details, or state park regulations, you would typically contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office that manages this area.

Associated Management Office: Baldwin Field Office (as mentioned in DNR descriptions)

Address: Newkirk Township, MI 49601, USA (Specific physical address for the campground)

Phone for DNR Baldwin Field Office (or similar regional office for inquiries): (231) 745-9465 (This number is associated with Lincoln Bridge State Forest Campground on DNR pages).

For Michigan residents, Lincoln Landing (Lincoln Bridge State Forest Campground) is an exceptionally suitable destination for several compelling reasons, particularly if you gravitate towards a more authentic and active outdoor experience. Firstly, its rustic charm and secluded setting among evergreens on Silver Creek and the Pine River offer a genuine escape from the demands of daily life. This isn't a place for resort-style amenities, but rather for quiet contemplation and deep connection with Michigan's natural environment, something many locals cherish.

Secondly, the sheer breadth of accessible activities makes it a fantastic hub for outdoor adventurers. Whether you're an avid angler hoping to catch brown or rainbow trout in the Pine River, a paddler keen to explore the waterways, or a hiker/mountain biker ready to traverse the Silver Creek Pathway, Lincoln Landing puts you right in the heart of the action. Its direct access to extensive ORV trails, including the Lincoln Hills and Little Manistee systems, is a significant draw for motorized recreation enthusiasts within the state. This diverse array of recreational opportunities, combined with the affordable pricing typical of state forest campgrounds and the opportunity for year-round enjoyment, makes Lincoln Landing a highly valuable and accessible resource for Michiganders seeking an authentic, activity-filled, and peaceful retreat right here in their own beautiful state. It represents the very essence of Michigan's cherished state forest camping tradition.