Seaton Creek Campground
Huron-Manistee National Forests
Seaton Creek Campground adjoins Seaton Creek and is at the upper end of the backwater of Hodenpyl Dam Pond on the Big Manistee River. The forest surrounding the campground is mostly pine and the sites are rustic. The closest town is Mesick.
Two group sites and 17 family sites area situated near a picnic area on the Hodenpyl Backwater of the Manistee River. There are two vault restroom buildings. Sites have fire rings and picnic tables. Drinking water is available.
Need to Know
- An extra vehicle fee applies after the 1st vehicle on single sites and after the 5th vehicle on group sites.
- Single sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- All equipment must fit on the site. Vehicles should only park in developed areas.
- Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.
Any accepted senior passes must be entered for the discount at the time of booking for single sites only.
Natural Features
The terrain surrounding Hodenpyl Dam Pond is characterized as hilly with a mix of hardwoods and conifers. Briar Hill, which has the second-highest elevation in the lower peninsula, is located about five miles east of Hodenpyl Dam Pond. A number of other tributaries enter Hodenpyl Dam Pond from the east, flowing off the slopes of Briar Hill. These streams are characterized by very high gradient and cold temperatures. They include Seaton Creek, Small Creek, Preston Creek, Cripple Creek, and several unnamed streams. These streams mostly host a mix of brown and brook trout, although a few have only brook trout. The trailhead for the Manistee River Trail is within the campground.
Recreation
The surrounding waters offer excellent fishing opportunities for both panfish (perch, bluegil, crappie, sunfish) and game fish (trout, bass, pike, salmon). For State Fishing Regulations consult the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, website http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/ . Kayakers may access the campground by traveling up the very shallow Seaton Creek, however canoeing is not recommended unless you're putting in at the Hodenpyl Backwaters. From there, you can canoe the Big Manistee. There is a connector trail to the Manistee River Trail from this site. The North Country National Scenic Trail can be reached by crossing the suspension bridge over the Manistee River. The Upper Branch Trailhead is also nearby.
Contact Information
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P.O. Box 69 Manistee MI 49660
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 231-723-0141
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From the north: Follow M-37 south 6 miles from Mesick. Turn right on 26 Road (near Yuma) for 1.7 miles, then right on O'Rourke Drive for 1.3 miles, then right on Forest Road 5993 for 0.4 mile to the site.
From the south: Take M-37 north 9 miles from its intersection with M-55. Turn left on 26 Road for 1.7 miles, then right on O'Rourke Drive for 1.3 miles, then right on Forest Road 5993 for 0.4 miles to the site.
Available Campsites
- Site 15, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 16, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site GR1, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site 14, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 08, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 07, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 02, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 17, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 13, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site GR2, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
- Site 11, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 05, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 01, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 04, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 03, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 09, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 06, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 12, Loop SEATON CREEK CAMPGROUND, Type Standard Nonelectric
