Northern Exposure

For Michigan residents seeking an unforgettable "Up-North" camping experience that perfectly balances natural beauty with exceptional amenities, Northern Exposure Campground in Mesick is a destination that truly delivers. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Wexford County, this campground has earned a reputation for its pristine facilities, diverse site options, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps campers returning season after season. Whether you're an RVer looking for spacious, well-maintained sites, a family desiring a cozy cabin, or an outdoor enthusiast ready to explore the Manistee River area, Northern Exposure offers an ideal setting for your Michigan getaway.

This article is crafted to be your comprehensive guide to Northern Exposure Campground, providing Michigan locals with all the factual information needed to plan your next memorable outdoor adventure. We'll delve into its strategic location, the impressive range of services and facilities it offers, its unique features and highlights, and vital contact information. Our aim is to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview to help you discover why Northern Exposure Campground is a top choice for experiencing Michigan's beautiful outdoors.

Northern Exposure Campground is a state-of-the-art RV and tent campground located in Mesick, Michigan. It’s a highly regarded destination that takes pride in providing a memorable, clean, safe, and friendly camping experience for guests of all ages. What truly sets Northern Exposure apart, as echoed by satisfied campers, are its meticulously maintained facilities, particularly the "impeccable" showers and clean restrooms, which are often a top priority for travelers.

The campground offers a variety of site types to suit different preferences, including spacious RV sites with full hookups and cozy cabins for rent. Beyond the individual sites, Northern Exposure boasts an impressive array of amenities and activities, from a well-stocked camp store and a pizzeria right on-site to playgrounds, sports courts, and direct access to the water. Operated as a non-profit organization, all profits are reinvested back into improving the campground facilities, demonstrating a clear commitment to continuously enhancing the guest experience. This dedication ensures that Northern Exposure remains a premier choice for Michigan campers looking for comfort, convenience, and a truly enjoyable stay.

Northern Exposure Campground is conveniently located at 285 Manistee River Rd, Mesick, MI 49668, USA. This prime address places it squarely within Wexford County, a highly sought-after region in Northern Michigan known for its stunning natural beauty and abundant recreational opportunities. The campground is spread out over 300 wooded acres and boasts 2.5 miles of shoreline along Hodenpyl Dam Pond, offering breathtaking lake views framed by rolling hills.

For Michigan residents, accessing Northern Exposure is straightforward. Mesick is well-connected via Michigan's state highway system, making the journey to the campground relatively easy for those coming from major cities like Grand Rapids, Traverse City, or Cadillac. Being on Manistee River Road provides direct access to one of Michigan's most iconic waterways, renowned for fishing and paddling.

The campground's strategic location also means it serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the wider Northern Michigan area. Nearby attractions include the vast Manistee National Forest with its premier mountain biking and hiking trails (including direct access to the North Country Trail from the park), charming small towns, and award-winning fishing areas. Despite its expansive natural setting, Northern Exposure is designed with 3.5 miles of paved roads within the park, ensuring easy navigation for all types of vehicles and RVs. This blend of remote tranquility and regional accessibility makes it an ideal destination for Michigan locals.

Northern Exposure Campground prides itself on offering a comprehensive suite of services and amenities that cater to a wide range of campers, ensuring a comfortable and entertaining stay. Their commitment to guest satisfaction and reinvestment of profits into the facilities is evident in the quality of their offerings:

• Variety of Campsites: The campground offers 260 sites, including 220 with water and electric hookups (30 amp and 50 amp service available), and 40 primitive (first-come, first-served) sites. There are 100 waterfront sites and pull-through options available.
• Full Hookup RV Sites: Many RV sites come with full hookups, typically including water, electric, and sewer connections for maximum convenience.
• Cabin Rentals: Cozy camping cabins are available for rent, offering a comfortable alternative to traditional camping. These cabins typically include amenities like a picnic table, charcoal grill, water spigot outside, and an outside fire pit (note: no plumbing or running water inside rustic cabins, and no pets/smoking in cabins).
• Immaculate Restrooms & Hot Showers: Consistently praised in reviews, the facilities are described as "impeccable" and "well maintained," offering clean restrooms and hot showers.
• Sanitary Dump Stations: Three sanitary dump stations are conveniently located within the park for waste and grey water disposal.
• Expanded Camp Store: A well-stocked camp store offers essentials like firewood, bait, ice, groceries, camping supplies, merchandise, and clothing, reducing the need to leave the park for necessities.
• On-Site Pizzeria: A unique and highly appreciated service is the on-site pizzeria, providing a convenient and tasty dining option.
• Laundry Facilities: Available for guest convenience, allowing campers to refresh their clothing during longer stays.
• Water Rentals: Kayaks, paddle boards, and pedal boats are available for rent, providing easy access to water recreation on Hodenpyl Dam Pond.
• Firewood, Bait & Ice: Essential camping supplies are readily available for purchase on-site.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: Northern Exposure is a pet-friendly establishment, welcoming leashed pets at campsites (with specific rules regarding leashes, cleanup, and no pets in cabins or on the beach).
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: The staff is committed to being helpful and friendly, ready to answer questions and assist guests.

Northern Exposure Campground stands out with an array of features and highlights that promise a memorable and enjoyable experience for all who visit. These elements truly showcase why it's a premier camping destination in Northern Michigan:

• Access to Hodenpyl Dam Pond: The campground is uniquely situated on 2.5 miles of shoreline along Hodenpyl Dam Pond, offering stunning lake views and direct access for boating, fishing, and water sports like PWC use and skiing.
• Award-Winning Fishing Area: Recognized as an "award-winning fishing area," the pond is teeming with pike, walleye, bass, and panfish, making it a fantastic destination for anglers of all levels.
• Double-Sided Boat Launch: An easily accessible double-sided boat launch makes it convenient for campers to get their boats, kayaks, or canoes onto the water.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: With 13 miles of hiking trails, including direct access to the North Country Trail, the campground offers ample opportunities for exploring the surrounding 300 wooded acres and experiencing the natural beauty of the Manistee National Forest.
• Family Entertainment: The campground is dedicated to "fun family entertainment," featuring two playgrounds for children, a full-size basketball court, and a beach volleyball court. They also offer children's activities.
• On-Site Pizzeria and Arcade: The convenience of an on-site pizzeria and an arcade provides easy dining options and entertainment, especially for families.
• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Consistently highlighted by reviewers, the "impeccable" showers and well-maintained facilities are a testament to the campground's high standards and commitment to guest comfort.
• Paved Roads: The park features 3.5 miles of paved roads, making it easy to navigate throughout the campground for all types of vehicles and even for biking.
• Live Music and Karaoke: Adding to the recreational offerings, the campground sometimes hosts live music and karaoke, providing evening entertainment for campers.
• Secluded Sites with Lake Views: Many sites are described as secluded, and 100 of them are waterfront, offering picturesque views and a more private camping experience.

As a professional content writer focused on local business SEO, it's important to provide factual information about promotions. While specific, limited-time "special offers" can vary, Northern Exposure Campground does highlight consistent value and potential discounts for Michigan locals:

• Off-Season Discounted Rates: The campground explicitly mentions "Special Fall Rates" and encourages inquiries for "off-season discounted rates," providing a clear opportunity for savings outside the peak summer months (e.g., after Labor Day in September).
• Inherent Value of Amenities: The quality and breadth of amenities offered – including immaculate showers, spacious full-hookup sites, cabins, boat launch, pizzeria, and extensive recreational facilities – represent significant value for the price, even at standard rates. This comprehensive offering is a continuous "special offer" in terms of what you get for your money.
• Seasonal Site Options: Northern Exposure offers seasonal sites, providing a potentially more cost-effective option for those who wish to camp for extended periods throughout the year, fostering a strong community of returning campers.
• Vehicle Pass Savings: While daily vehicle passes are $5, an annual season pass can be purchased for $40, or even $30 if purchased before May 1st. This offers savings for frequent visitors.
• Non-Profit Operation: The campground is operated as a non-profit organization, with all profits reinvested into improving facilities. While not a direct discount, it offers a sense of shared community and continuous improvement, providing long-term value for campers.

For the most current and specific pricing, availability, and any additional offers, Michigan residents are strongly encouraged to contact Northern Exposure Campground directly or visit their official website. They are best equipped to provide up-to-the-minute details for planning your stay.

For Michigan residents eager to plan their next outdoor adventure at Northern Exposure Campground, or to inquire about specific site availability and amenities, the friendly staff are ready to assist. Here is the direct contact information:

Address: 285 Manistee River Rd, Mesick, MI 49668, USA

Phone: (231) 885-1199

Mobile Phone: +1 231-885-1199

Reservations typically begin on January 15th at 9 AM by phone only, with online reservations opening on January 16th at 9 AM, and in-person reservations starting January 22nd. It is always advisable to call during regular business hours for the most direct and efficient assistance, especially when making reservations for popular periods. You can also visit their official website for more detailed information and online booking options.

Northern Exposure Campground is an ideal destination for Michigan locals, offering a compelling blend of natural beauty, extensive amenities, and a commitment to guest satisfaction. Its prime location in Mesick, within Wexford County and along the Hodenpyl Dam Pond, provides easy access to some of Northern Michigan's most cherished outdoor recreational areas. This accessibility means less time on the road and more time enjoying the vast forests, pristine waters, and charming small towns that make our state so special.

What truly makes Northern Exposure suitable for Michigan residents is its comprehensive offering. Whether you prefer the comfort of a full-hookup RV site, the rustic charm of a cabin, or the simplicity of tent camping, there’s an option for everyone. The consistently praised "impeccable" showers and well-maintained facilities ensure a comfortable and clean experience, a crucial factor for any enjoyable camping trip. Beyond the basics, the on-site pizzeria, camp store, and diverse recreational activities, including water rentals, playgrounds, and sports courts, cater to families and provide entertainment right within the campground.

Furthermore, the campground's dedication to reinvesting profits into improvements and its friendly, helpful staff create a welcoming environment that fosters repeat visits and a strong sense of community among campers. For Michigan locals seeking a state-of-the-art camping experience that offers both relaxation and adventure in the heart of our beautiful "Up-North," Northern Exposure Campground is not just a choice, but a premier destination promising unforgettable memories for years to come.