Old US 131 State Forest Campground

For Michiganders who cherish the authentic, unadorned beauty of our state's vast state forests, Old US 131 State Forest Campground near Fife Lake offers a truly quintessential rustic camping experience. Tucked away in a peaceful pine forest along the banks of the majestic Manistee River, this campground is a haven for those seeking to unplug and immerse themselves in nature. It’s a place where the sounds of the river and the rustling of leaves replace the everyday noise, promising a serene escape for families, solo adventurers, and avid outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Unlike larger, more developed campgrounds, Old US 131 State Forest Campground prides itself on its rustic charm and direct access to unparalleled outdoor activities. It’s managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and provides a clean, well-maintained environment for tent and small trailer camping. Whether your passion is casting a line for trout, embarking on a long-distance hike, paddling down a scenic river, or exploring nearby ORV routes, this campground serves as an ideal base. Its reputation for being quiet and offering excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, and paddlesports makes it a beloved spot for Michiganders looking to connect with the wild heart of their home state.

Old US 131 State Forest Campground is situated on Old US Hwy 131, near Fife Lake, MI 49633, USA. This location places it in Wexford County, approximately 7 miles north of Manton via US-131 and Old US-131. It’s nestled within the sprawling Pere Marquette State Forest, which is part of Michigan's vast system of state forests.

The campground's direct placement along the Manistee River is a major highlight, offering not only scenic beauty but also convenient water access for paddlers and anglers. Its connection to the renowned North Country Trail makes it particularly accessible for backpackers and long-distance hikers, as the trail runs right through or very close to the campground. Additionally, it forms part of the 21-mile Fife Lake Loop, a popular route connecting to Spring Lake State Forest Campground, ideal for an easy overnight hike. While it’s a rustic campground, its location just off Old US-131 means it’s relatively easy to reach by car or small trailer. However, being a state forest campground, visitors should expect well-maintained gravel or dirt roads rather than paved surfaces within the campground itself. The blend of remote, natural beauty with accessible routes makes Old US 131 State Forest Campground a prime spot for Michiganders seeking a genuine, yet convenient, outdoor experience.

• Rustic Campsites: The campground offers 25 sites suitable for tent and small trailer use. These are individual, undeveloped sites designed for a more traditional and immersive camping experience.

• Walk-in Sites: Five of the campsites are specifically designated as walk-in sites, located near the water's edge of the Manistee River. These are also accessible from the river for canoe campers or those arriving by watercraft.

• Vault Toilets: For essential sanitation needs, clean vault toilets are available on-site, contributing to a comfortable rustic experience.

• Potable Water: Drinking water is accessible via a hand-pump well, providing a source of fresh water for campers.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and an iron fire ring, perfect for campfires and cooking under the stars.

• Carry-in Water Access: The campground provides convenient carry-in access to the Manistee River for canoes, kayaks, and other paddlesports, allowing easy entry to the river for paddlers.

• ORV Access: For off-road vehicle enthusiasts, ORVs are allowed to be ridden directly from campsites to access local ORV routes and other roads open for ORV use. Note: Access is typically from the north, and other ORV use within the campground is prohibited.

• Manistee River Frontage: A primary highlight is its stunning location directly along the Manistee River, renowned for its natural beauty and excellent opportunities for fishing and paddlesports.

• Premier Fishing Opportunities: The Manistee River provides fantastic fishing for brown trout, rainbow trout, bass, walleye, and suckers, making it a highly attractive spot for anglers.

• North Country Trail Access: The campground offers direct connectivity to the North Country Trail, a National Scenic Trail, allowing for superb hiking and backpacking opportunities right from your campsite.

• Fife Lake Loop Connection: It is part of the 21-mile Fife Lake Loop trail, an ideal route for an easy overnight hike between Old US 131 and Spring Lake State Forest Campground.

• Quiet and Serene Atmosphere: Visitors consistently praise the campground for its quiet ambiance, especially during non-peak seasons, providing a peaceful retreat from daily life.

• Beautiful Pine Forest Setting: Nestled within a dense pine forest, the campground offers a picturesque and shaded environment, particularly stunning during the fall colors.

• Rustic Charm: Embracing its state forest campground designation, it provides a genuine rustic experience without modern hookups, appealing to campers seeking a more traditional outdoor adventure.

• Managed by Mitchell State Park: Being managed by Mitchell State Park suggests a commitment to maintenance and oversight, ensuring the facilities, though rustic, are kept in good order.

As a Michigan State Forest Campground managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Old US 131 State Forest Campground operates with a standard fee structure rather than offering commercial promotions or special offers. These campgrounds are renowned for their affordability, providing excellent value for a rustic outdoor experience.

The campsite fee for a single site is typically around $20 per night, and all sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This means there are no advanced reservations or booking discounts available for individual sites. For Michiganders who are frequent users of state parks and forest campgrounds, a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds, and state trail parking lots. Purchasing this annual passport ($13 for a vehicle when renewing license plate tabs, $18 without) can offer significant savings if you plan to visit multiple state-managed outdoor sites throughout the year. The primary "promotion" is the consistent, low cost and the high-quality natural experience it provides. For the most current fee information and any updates on operational status, Michiganders should consult the Michigan DNR website or contact Mitchell State Park directly.

For information regarding Old US 131 State Forest Campground, including current conditions, operational dates, and specific guidelines, it is best to contact the managing authority:

Address: Old US Hwy 131, Fife Lake, MI 49633, USA

General inquiries for this state forest campground are often handled by Mitchell State Park, which manages it, or the local DNR office.

Phone (Mitchell State Park): (231) 775-7911

Alternatively, you can often find general information about Michigan's State Forest Campgrounds on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. As individual sites are first-come, first-served, direct contact can provide insight into typical occupancy rates, especially during peak season.

For Michiganders, Old US 131 State Forest Campground is an exceptional destination that perfectly encapsulates the authentic "up north" experience. Its inherent suitability for locals stems from its rustic charm, affordability, and direct access to some of Michigan's most beloved natural assets. Nestled along the pristine Manistee River, it offers an unparalleled setting for premier fly-fishing, paddling, and quiet contemplation by the water, activities deeply ingrained in Michigan's outdoor culture.

The campground's direct connection to the North Country Trail and the Fife Lake Loop makes it a dream come true for local hikers and backpackers, offering endless miles of exploration right from their campsite. For ORV enthusiasts, the ability to ride directly from your site to access local routes is a significant convenience. While it provides a truly rustic experience with vault toilets and hand-pump water, these basic amenities are well-maintained, allowing campers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the "quiet and serene" surroundings. The first-come, first-served site availability and affordable nightly fee, combined with the option of a Michigan Recreation Passport, make it a highly accessible and budget-friendly option for spontaneous weekend getaways or extended stays. For Michiganders seeking a genuine, peaceful, and activity-rich wilderness experience without the frills of modern campgrounds, Old US 131 State Forest Campground stands out as a prime choice to reconnect with our state's remarkable natural beauty.