Blacksmith Bayou Access Campground
Your Perfect Outdoor Escape
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Wellston, MI 44.26112, -86.035278 Elevation: 640′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – USDA Forest Service (Official) This is a PAY campground. ($12 or less) |
Previous Reviews:
Blacksmith Bayou Access Campground: No reservation needed. All campsites are first come, first served. One of many bayous along the lower portion of the river, Blacksmith is an oxbow lake left from an old river channel. The river channel moves during geologic time, creating new meanders in the mile-wide river valley. The North Country Trail follows the ridge along the bayou and crosses the entrance road. This is a good area for ice fishing.
Directions:From Manistee -Travel east on M-55 for 15 miles. Turn left and travel north on High Bridge Rd. for 2 miles. Turn left and travel west on Chicago Ave. for 1 mile. Turn right and travel north for .5 miles to the site entrance.
About This Location
Blacksmith Bayou Access Campground in Wellston, MI, is tucked away in a peaceful patch of forest, with water all around. This paid site gives you easy access for camping, canoeing, and kayaking—ideal for anyone itching to get outside and just be in nature. Expect simple amenities: picnic tables, fire rings, pit toilets. Nothing fancy, but it’s all you really need.
You’ll pump your own well water here, which honestly adds some charm. Being in the Manistee National Forest, you’re surrounded by trees and wildlife, and it just feels quiet and a little wild. Whether you’re just chilling by the fire or heading out for a paddle, there’s something here for you.
Key Takeways
- The campground charges a fee and keeps things basic but useful.
- It sits in a beautiful natural area with easy water access.
- Great for low-key camping and paddling trips.
Blacksmith Bayou Access Campground In Wellston, MI
Blacksmith Bayou Access Campground is a small, easy-to-find spot in Wellston, Michigan. It’s part of Manistee County and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, so you’re right in the thick of the Huron-Manistee National Forests.
There are just six single campsites—no reservations, just show up and claim a spot. That first-come, first-served thing is actually pretty handy if you’re making last-minute plans.
You can walk right to the river for canoeing or kayaking. The campground gives you pit toilets and clear, cold well water you pump yourself. It actually tastes pretty good after a day outside.
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, so you’re set for campfires. They’ll even give you free firewood for your first fire, and you can buy more on site if you need it.
You can camp here weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but the place closes on federal holidays. If you’re craving outdoor activities and want quiet access to nature, it’s a solid pick.
Things To Do
Blacksmith Bayou Access Campground gives you plenty of ways to get outside. Grab a seat at one of the picnic tables and just hang out for a bit. Sometimes that’s all you need.
If you’ve got a boat, the boat launch makes it a breeze to get on the water. You can check out the streams and ponds nearby, including the pretty chill Tippy Dam Pond—nice for paddling or fishing.
Fishing’s a big deal here, especially if you’re after steelhead. The Manistee River and the waters around it offer a decent challenge, whether you’re a pro or just trying your luck.
You can hike, spot wildlife, or just wander through the woods and breathe for a while. The quiet here really does something for your head.
Whether you want to fill your day with adventure or just take it slow, you’ve got options. There’s fresh air, trees, and water—what else do you need?
Directions
To reach Blacksmith Bayou Access Campground, start by heading east on M-55 for about 15 miles. That’s your main road toward Wellston, MI.
Turn left onto High Bridge Road and go north for 2 miles—this stretch is quieter and gets you closer.
Take another left, this time onto Chicago Road heading west. The entrance is only about half a mile up.
If you’re using Google Maps, just punch in “Blacksmith Bayou Access Site” or use the coordinates 44.25698051 N. That’ll point you right to it.
The area’s pretty forested, so the roads get a bit tight. Honestly, driving through all that green is part of the fun.
Check your route ahead of time and make sure your car’s ready for a few rural bumps. Follow these steps and you’ll find the place just fine.
Vehicle Access
We found the parking at Blacksmith Bayou Access Campground pretty generous—space for up to 24 vehicles, so you’re unlikely to get boxed out.
Each campsite lets you bring one or two vehicles. Got more than two adults in your crew? You’ll want to snag an extra spot.
Launching boats is easy with the paved boat ramp. If you’re into canoeing or kayaking, this is a huge plus.
Day use parking costs $5 per vehicle, or you can grab a weekly pass for $15. Just pay when you get there.
If you’re bringing a bigger rig or a trailer, the asphalt ramp and lot make life easier. Everything’s in good shape.
Vehicle access here is simple and works for most campers. Just remember the daily fee and the vehicle limit.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
You’ve got two main sites for RVs and camping trailers at Blacksmith Bayou Access Campground. One’s a pull-in with a gravel pad and a big grassy area next to it—plenty of space to spread out.
The other’s a grassy back-in spot, which feels more natural if that’s your style. Both sites are level, so setup isn’t a hassle.
No hookups here—no water or electricity. Bring what you need or use the campground’s pump well. The water’s good, and you get to feel a little old-school pumping it yourself.
Parking’s designed for bigger rigs, but if your trailer is extra long, check the site rules before you go.
Key RV & Trailer Info:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Sites | 2 |
| Site Types | Pull-in gravel and grassy back-in |
| Utilities | No hookups (water well available) |
| Surface | Gravel pad and grassy terrain |
| Parking Ease | Level sites for easy setup |
You can reserve your spot ahead of time, which takes a lot of stress out of planning. That way, your camping experience is just easier and more relaxed.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At Blacksmith Bayou Access Campground, most small groups don’t need a special permit. If our group’s got fewer than 75 people, we can just show up and camp—no extra paperwork.
But if we’re thinking about a big event or we somehow gather 75 people or more, then yeah, we’ll need a permit. That’s just how they keep things running smoothly for everyone else.
The campground offers paid spots, including two roomy areas for RVs and tents. One’s a pull-in site on gravel, the other’s a grassy back-in spot. Both get regular upkeep.
We pay for campsite access since the campground sits on forest land that charges fees. Those fees go right back into maintaining the place and keeping it tidy.
If we need permits or passes for a bigger group or event, we can just head over to the official forest service website. The forms and instructions are easy enough to find—no digging required.
Here’s a quick look at the rules:
| Group Size | Permit Needed | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Under 75 people | No permit | Paid campsites |
| 75 people or more | Permit required | Paid campsites |
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Electricity Fire Ring |
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