Being in rural Michigan, this is a great place to camp. The campground was not all that big, which…read moreisn't necessarily a bad thing because you're so close to the small playground, bathrooms/showers (very clean), pool (they said it was heated, but it wasn't really when we went), and the lake. It's not the biggest lake, but definitely serves the purpose of kayaking or canoeing (in a small area) and paddle boats. It was $4 for an hour of paddle boating and not much more for kayaks or canoes. There technically is a "beach," but it's basically a small stretch of sand that serves as canoe/kayak/paddle boats storage. There was a fish cleaning station, so I'm guessing it's good for fishing? It was so convenient that they have propane fill up onsite in addition to being able to buy ice and wood. It's great that they don't overcharge the captive audience, we really do appreciate that. The spots were roomy enough, but certainly could've used another foot or two. Our friends rented the spot next to us and it was a perfect set up. The grounds were clean, the bathrooms/showers were clean, the playground was clean. I think one of the very few things it needs improvement on is the identification of the water/electric stations. It's not that big of a deal, but the camper that arrived before us was using the station that should've belonged to us. Thank goodness our friend had an extension hose and extension cord, otherwise we would've had a hard time reaching the water and electric. Our friends and I had spot 60 and 61. 61 is a corner spot. Even though we were right next to the corner, I never felt like there was too much foot traffic from people walking by. Overall, given the location, it was a great campground and I would go back again.

Great welcoming campground. The private lake has huge fish in and is the perfect size to kayak…read morearound. They rent row boats, paddle boats and kayaks. The pool is very refreshing especially on a hot summer day. They have individual bathrooms and showers which are kept clean. There is a great walking trail across the street. Atv trails are close by so there is something for everyone.

Nice campground w access to the Manistee River and walking trails. Lots are nice and open w fire…read morepits and facilities are well kept. No showers. But do have bathrooms. Has person on site maintaining and also sells fire wood for $7.

Wonderful owners and amenities clean and safe Spacious…read morecampsites and not far from the beach straight shot in M55

Very nice and clean campground. The staff is friendly and extremely accommodating 10/10read more

Went here with my dad a few times in the 70s and 80s. Was back recently for a fall getaway with…read moremy wife. We weren't there to fish, as practically everyone else there was, but we found it a nice base for hiking and color touring. It got a little noisy on Saturday night, when the place was mostly full, but very quiet the next two nights. We were in the section along the river, where most others were tenting like we were, though there were a few RVs there too. The site was level, though the ground was a little stony, which made driving tent stakes a challenge. Lots of shade, though no trees where we could conveniently set up a clothesline. The fire ring is portable, so you can move it to maximize distance from your tent, regardless of what corner of the site you want to pitch it on. The one real inconvenience is that getting to the showerhouse (and the drinking water spigot) from that section of the campground requires a fairly lengthy walk that includes a steep hill climb. But once you're up there, you'll find clean, well-kept facilities. Shower stalls were roomy. There's a small camp store on site that sells some basic gear and groceries, as well as fishing tackles and souveniers. This is a nice, cozy northwoods destination. And one of these days I'll get back to fish!

We recently stayed at Matson's campground and we're extremely pleased with our vacation. The…read moregrounds and bathrooms were very clean and well maintained. We loved the beautiful views from the bluff above the Big Manistee River and the relaxation in the glider chairs and community fire pit provided by the campground. Thank you so much for a wonderful stay Cheryl, Scott and Hank!

Want a peaceful place to stay? This would be it. Granted I was there early through mid-week, not…read morearound a holiday or during one of the major fish runs in the Little Manistee River, but I had the place to myself, heard little vehicle traffic on the nearby roads, or much of anything besides birds during the day and owls and coyotes at night. The sites are well shaded and the ground was free of rocks--I could push in my tent stakes. Most looked reasonably level, and several would hold a medium sized trailer or motorhome easily, if that's how you roll. Water is from a hand pump and was clear and good tasting, not rusty as you often find at primitive campgrounds. It will leave lime on your pots, though. The outhouse was fairly clean, well stocked with TP. The extra long picnic table and lantern hanger at the site proved very handy. There are a couple of group camping areas. Trails lead from some of the sites down to the river, though some are not easy to follow. The best river access is between the group campgrounds. Getting to Bear Track, or from it to other area attractions, can be challenging due to the tangle of dirt roads weaving through the national forest. But the solitude and quiet here make this minor nuisance tolerable.

An ourstanding destination for rustic camping. No showers/electricity, but very quiet with shady…read moresites, miles of trails, and Lake Michigan one dune ridge away. This is the kind of place you could stop at for a few days without having having to leave to have fun. There is the beach of course, but also lots of opportunities for hiking and many other nature activities. I was in the area to fish the nearby Big Sauble river, so I didn't get out to see as much of the Rec Area as I'd have liked, but would love to return some day. The campsites all have a long, level asphalt pad that could easily accommodate a large trailer or motor home. Tenters like me have plenty of open ground behind that to set up on. Most of the sites in my loop looked level, and mine did in the preview at the USFS web site, though when I got there I saw it had a distinct slant. I was able to set up so that I was able to sleep more or less level, but be away that some sites may take creative tent placement to stay comfortable. As I said, the site was very shady, which was nice as I was there on some very hot days. Never wore sunglasses in camp, even at midday. The vault toilet facilities were clean, and water is available at a pressure tap, not a hand pump, as at many national forest campgrounds. Not too many complaints. One, which some other campers I talked to had as well, is that the trail to the beach is long and needed to be better marked. The other is the cost: $40+ per night is a lot compared to other national forest campgrounds. I shelled out since it was convenient to where I wanted to fish and would be cooler than inland campgrounds--I was paying a lake-breeze premium. And on this trip, that was a worthwhile investment. If you're looking for a secluded but convenient campground with lots of recreation close at hand, it still may be a bargain.

I love this area. I try to camp up here every summer. The campground is clean and generally quiet…read moreand just a short hike to the beach, which is never packed like the state parks down the shore. There are several places to watch the sunset and for stargazing. A lot of people hike through the area, too. The only thing I don't like is the hike over the sand dune to get to the beach. It's a smallish hill, but if you have bad knees or you're out of shape, you might not like it. It's definitely not ADA accessible.

When the state campground I planned to stay at was full, I looked for altenatives in between the…read moreseveral spots I wanted to fish while I was up here. Kaleva Park had openings and I was tired of driving, so decided to give it a try. It isn't remote or scenic, but the sites are level, the vault toilets fairly clean, and it was quiet, aside from the road noise. My fellow campers weren't whooping it up. Some sites have electicity, which will set you back $25 a night, as opposed to the $20 I paid for my nonelectrified site. The main inconvenience I found was no picnic table on the sites, which made dining/washing a little more difficult. There is a very nice covered pavilion, which I walked or drove to to make my meals. Water pressure at the faucet near the pavillion was intense! Turn the handle a little and you get a thin jet that I think could break skin. Open it up wide and you get a heavier jet that I think could take out a squirrel, if not something larger. The water is slightly rusty in appearance, but tastes OK. All I really needed was a place to sleep, and this was satisfactory as such.

Staff is super friendly and helpful. Campground is peaceful and close to several ORV trails. I…read morewould stay here again! Cheap firewood on site.

WOW!! Easy access to the RV trails.. Friendly..(Family friendly...Pet friendly, ORV 4-wheeler…read morefriendly, Fisherman friendly) . Need I say more!! Hot showers..Small campground store...Private owned, small..campground that Let's you be you!! Totally AWESOME!!