Manton Trails RV Park & Campground, Manton, MI

For Michiganders dreaming of an "up north" escape, where adventure meets relaxation, Manton Trails RV Park & Campground stands out as a premier destination. Nestled in the charming town of Manton, this expansive 80-acre property offers a unique blend of outdoor excitement and comfortable amenities, making it a favorite for RV enthusiasts, tent campers, and anyone looking to experience the beauty of Northern Michigan. Whether you’re an avid ORV rider, a nature lover seeking peaceful trails, or a family looking for a fun-filled getaway, Manton Trails aims to provide an unforgettable experience.

Michigan is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, from the Great Lakes shoreline to vast forests and winding rivers. Manton Trails RV Park & Campground perfectly embodies this spirit, situating visitors in a prime location to explore it all. What makes this campground particularly appealing to local Michiganders is its focus on catering to various recreational interests, particularly the thriving off-road vehicle (ORV) community, while also ensuring a welcoming and clean environment for all guests. The glowing reviews from past visitors frequently highlight the friendly staff, exceptional shower facilities, and the vibrant atmosphere with regular events.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to Manton Trails RV Park & Campground, offering insights into its location, services, features, and why it's becoming a go-to spot for Michiganders looking for their next outdoor adventure. We'll explore how this campground combines the rustic appeal of camping with the conveniences that make for a truly enjoyable stay.

Location and Accessibility

Manton Trails RV Park & Campground is strategically located at 9909 N 39 Rd, Manton, MI 49663, USA. Manton is a small city in Wexford County, Michigan, positioned almost equidistant between the popular Northern Michigan destinations of Traverse City to the northwest and Cadillac to the south. This central location makes it highly accessible for visitors from across Michigan, providing a convenient hub for exploring the broader region.

The campground's address places it directly within or very near the vast expanse of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, offering immediate access to a wealth of natural recreation. Major roadways such as US-131 are easily reachable, connecting Manton to southern Michigan cities like Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, making the drive for many Michiganders straightforward and manageable. For those coming from the Detroit or Lansing areas, the journey leads you directly into the heart of Michigan’s "Up North" charm.

A significant draw of Manton Trails is its direct access to ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) trails, including the State "MISS-KAL" Trailhead in the Manistee National Forest. This means ORV, Side-by-Side, or UTV enthusiasts can ride directly from their campsite to miles of designated trails without having to trailer their vehicles to a separate trailhead. This unparalleled convenience is a huge benefit for the thriving ORV community in Michigan.

Beyond the trails, the location offers proximity to the Manistee River, known for its excellent fishing and paddling opportunities. While the campground provides a peaceful setting, the nearby town of Manton offers local shops, eateries, and a friendly community atmosphere. For a wider array of services, dining, and entertainment, the larger city of Cadillac is just a short drive away (approximately 15 minutes north), and Traverse City, with its bustling downtown, wineries, and Lake Michigan beaches, is about 45 minutes to an hour's drive southeast. The area is also served by the Manton Public Schools, adding to its appeal for families.

Services Offered

Manton Trails RV Park & Campground provides a comprehensive array of services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all guests.

RV Sites: The campground offers numerous spacious RV sites, including large 30-foot wide sites with 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups, water hookups, and sewer hookups. Many sites are pull-through, accommodating larger rigs.
Tent Sites: Dedicated tent camping areas are available, providing a more traditional camping experience with access to shared facilities.
Hotel-Style Rooms and Family Lodge: For those preferring more solid lodging, Manton Trails also features 15 clean, hotel-style rooms and a large Family Lodge. The lodge includes a great room, a fully stocked kitchen, and individual hotel-style rooms with private baths, perfect for large families, groups, or sports teams.
Super Clean Bathhouse and Showers: A standout feature, as highlighted by numerous reviews, is the exceptionally clean and spacious bathhouse. The showers are noted for being large, private with dressing areas, offering good and consistent water pressure and temperature.
Laundry Facilities: While not explicitly detailed, campgrounds of this size typically offer laundry facilities for guest convenience.
On-site RV Service and Storage: Manton Trails provides RV storage in a massive 12,000 sq ft building for the winter months, and potentially on-site RV service or wash facilities, adding a layer of convenience for RV owners.
Firewood Sales: Firewood bundles are available for purchase on-site, with a strict policy against bringing outside firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species, protecting Michigan's forests.
Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are welcome at the campground, with a limit of 2 dogs per site. There are restrictions on aggressive breeds, and pets must always be kept on a leash and picked up after. A pet fee applies. Pets are not allowed in buildings or the pond/lake.
Trash Disposal: Campground dumpsters are available for guests to dispose of their trash.

Features / Highlights

Manton Trails RV Park & Campground offers a variety of features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for a Michigan getaway.

Direct ORV Trail Access: This is a major highlight, allowing guests to ride their ORVs, Side-by-Sides, or UTVs directly from their campsite to the extensive State "MISS-KAL" Trailhead and other ATV trails in the Manistee National Forest. This eliminates the need for trailering and maximizes riding time.
Live Music on Saturdays: A unique and highly appreciated feature is the live music performances held on Saturday nights directly at the campground. This creates a vibrant, social, and festive atmosphere for guests.
80 Acres of Property: The sheer size of the campground provides ample space, ensuring spacious campsites and a sense of privacy, even when the park is busy. This vast property also allows for hiking to the Manistee River.
On-site Lake/Pond: The campground features a one-acre lake/pond where guests can enjoy a refreshing dip during hot weather. Swimming is permitted, although no lifeguard is on duty.
Team Sports Facilities: Manton Trails is equipped with tennis courts, basketball courts, tetherball, volleyball courts, and softball fields, making it an excellent choice for families, sports teams, and groups looking for active recreation.
Community Campfires: Hotel guests and likely other campers can join a community campfire every Friday and Saturday night, fostering a sense of camaraderie and providing a classic camping experience with s'mores and conversation.
Proximity to Manistee River: Guests can hike directly from the property to the Manistee River, offering opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, with boat and ATV rentals available nearby.
Nearby Town Events: The small town of Manton frequently hosts local events and festivals, providing additional entertainment and cultural experiences for campers, complementing the on-site activities.

Promotions or Special Offers

Manton Trails RV Park & Campground, while focused on providing a quality experience, does offer various rate structures and may occasionally have special promotions. Based on available public information:

Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Rates: The campground offers flexible booking options with daily, weekly, and monthly rates for its RV sites, catering to both short-term visitors and those planning extended stays.
Seasonal Sites: For Michiganders who want to make Manton Trails their regular summer retreat, seasonal sites are available, often at a discounted long-term rate. They have an "Annual Site Savings" promotion, offering discounts for new annual site leases, valid through June 30, 2025. This is a significant incentive for those looking for a consistent "up north" base.
Thousand Trails & Encore RV Resort Affiliation: While Manton Trails is listed on platforms like The Dyrt and RoverPass, it does not appear to be directly affiliated with large networks like Thousand Trails or Encore RV Resorts based on the information provided, which typically offer specific membership discounts. However, it's always worth checking their direct website or calling for any unadvertised offers.
Value for Amenities: The numerous amenities, including the spacious sites, clean bathhouse, direct ORV access, and on-site entertainment like live music, represent significant value for the price, effectively serving as an ongoing "promotion" by offering a comprehensive experience.

It is highly recommended to contact Manton Trails RV Park & Campground directly by phone or through their official website to inquire about the most current rates, any seasonal specials, or ongoing promotions that might be available for new bookings or extended stays. Promotions are subject to change and availability.

Contact Information

To book your stay, inquire about specific site availability, or learn more about the amenities and activities at Manton Trails RV Park & Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 9909 N 39 Rd, Manton, MI 49663, USA

Phone: (269) 857-5000

Mobile Phone: +1 269-857-5000

You can also visit their official website (often found through a quick search for "Manton Trails RV Park & Campground") which usually provides additional information, a booking portal, and sometimes an email contact. Direct contact is recommended for the most current information and personalized assistance.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Michiganders, Manton Trails RV Park & Campground offers an ideal "up north" getaway that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Michigan’s outdoor lifestyle. Its suitability for locals stems from several key factors, blending convenience with an abundance of recreational opportunities and a focus on guest comfort.

Firstly, the unparalleled direct access to Michigan's extensive ORV and UTV trail systems is a massive draw for the state's large and passionate off-road community. The ability to ride straight from your campsite without the hassle of trailering is a significant time-saver and enhances the overall adventure. This accessibility extends to other natural attractions, with hiking trails leading to the Manistee River and an on-site pond for swimming and relaxation.

Secondly, the campground's commitment to quality and cleanliness, particularly highlighted by its "super clean bathhouse," ensures a comfortable stay for all types of campers, from seasoned RVers to families with tents. This attention to detail, combined with the friendly and accommodating staff, creates a welcoming environment that makes guests feel at home.

Beyond the physical amenities, Manton Trails fosters a vibrant community atmosphere. The presence of live music on Saturday nights and the variety of team sports facilities encourage social interaction and provide entertainment for all ages. The proximity to the charming town of Manton, with its local events, and the easy day-trip access to larger Northern Michigan hubs like Cadillac and Traverse City, means there's always something to do, whether on-site or nearby.

In essence, Manton Trails RV Park & Campground isn't just a place to stay; it's a destination where Michiganders can fully embrace the beauty, adventure, and community spirit of their home state. It provides a convenient, well-equipped, and lively base for creating lasting memories in the heart of Northern Michigan's wonderland.