Blacksmith Bayou Access
USFS · Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Campground
- Hours
- Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted.
- Reservations
- fs.usda.gov
- Coordinates
- 44.2586, -86.0331
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
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.
From the USFS.
Is Blacksmith Bayou Access free?
No. Blacksmith Bayou Access charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through fs.usda.gov.
How do I get to Blacksmith Bayou Access?
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.
Nearby
- Sawdust Hole Angler Access4.1 mi
- Pine Lake Recreation Area Campground4.5 mi
- Marzinski Horse Campground6.8 mi
- Government Landing Access7.4 mi
- Bear Track Campground7.7 mi
- Sand Lake Recreation Area7.9 mi
- SAND LAKE CAMPGROUND8.1 mi
- Upper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites8.7 mi
No other services within 50 mi on the record.
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
