Bear Track Campground
4.5017 reviews1170 Nursery Road, Wellston, MI 49689
Bear Track Campground
$30.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$40.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees are $30 per night for single campsites and $40 per night for walk-in riverside sites. Day use fee per vehicle is $10. Payments must be made in cash or check. Extra vehicles cost $10 per night.
About this campground
Nestled on a scenic bluff overlooking the Little Manistee River, Bear Track Campground invites you to experience pure wilderness camping at its finest. This intimate retreat features 16 thoughtfully placed rustic campsites along a single peaceful loop, where the gentle sounds of the river below create nature's perfect soundtrack. Whether you're casting a line for prized trout and steelhead, embarking on an adventure along the legendary North Country National Scenic Trail, or paddling the pristine waters in your canoe, Bear Track delivers authentic outdoor experiences. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident beaver colony that regularly delights visitors with their industrious antics.
Bear Track Campground is a small, primitive campground designed primarily for tent camping. It offers a rustic and secluded experience with no RV accommodations.
Historical SignificanceThis campground carries its name with pride, commemorating the discovery of an actual bear track during its original construction—a reminder that you're camping in authentic wildlife territory. As a gateway to the legendary North Country National Scenic Trail, Bear Track connects modern adventurers to one of America's longest and most storied footpaths, where countless hikers have traced paths through Michigan's wilderness heritage.
Weather and SeasonsBear Track Campground transforms with Michigan's seasons, offering year-round beauty from crisp 20°F winter mornings perfect for frost-kissed hikes to balmy 80°F summer days ideal for river adventures. While warm weather typically brings mosquitoes to northern Michigan, many visitors are pleasantly surprised to find these pesky insects remarkably absent during their stays, making evening campfires and stargazing all the more enjoyable.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 680 feet above sea level, Bear Track Campground commands an enviable position atop a natural bluff. This elevated vantage point not only provides campers with refreshing breezes and stunning forest views but also offers easy access down to the Little Manistee River below, creating the perfect balance between riverside recreation and hilltop tranquility.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your shaded campsite beneath a canopy of mature trees, Bear Track reveals the raw beauty of Michigan's North Woods. The campground's bluff-top setting provides mesmerizing views of the Little Manistee River winding through the valley below, while the surrounding Huron-Manistee National Forest creates an emerald embrace of dense woodland. This pristine ecosystem supports abundant wildlife, from the industrious beaver families that have made the river their home to the trophy trout and seasonal steelhead runs that draw anglers from across the region.
Geological RegionBear Track Campground showcases the dramatic topography of the Huron-Manistee National Forest, where ancient glacial forces carved the Little Manistee River valley and created the distinctive bluff that now hosts this secluded campground. This elevated natural platform offers campers a unique perspective on the region's geological story, from the river-carved channels below to the rolling forest landscape that stretches to the horizon.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere are no mentions of specific accessibility features to accommodate people with disabilities.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious, accommodating both vehicles and multiple tents. "Sites are very good size," one reviewer noted.
Sites PrivacyMultiple reviews highlight the privacy and seclusion of the campsites. Users described the campground as "secluded" and "quiet," ideal for those seeking solitude.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with river views for scenic enjoyment. Sites are generally spacious, accommodating tents and pop-ups.
Best CampsitesSites overlooking the river are popular according to user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites can accommodate multiple tents and vehicles, including pop-ups.
Groups
There is a designated group site area available for family reunions or other gatherings. Specific capacity limits are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle-loop campground layout.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 7 to September 11.
Reservation PlatformsNot reservable online. Sites may be reservable by contacting the Cadillac/Manistee Ranger Station.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability. Based on user reviews, it is quiet with typically low occupancy during weekdays even in peak season.
Cancellation PolicyNo explicit cancellation policy noted.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bear Track Campground offers a blend of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating. Access to the North Country National Scenic Trail is a highlight, and the Little Manistee River offers excellent fishing and canoeing opportunities.
Hiking
The campground features direct access to a 1.5-mile spur trail that connects to the North Country National Scenic Trail. Backpacking and day hikes are popular activities.Fishing
Fishing is a major draw, with the nearby Little Manistee River offering trout and steelhead fishing. User reviews frequently praised the fishing opportunities.Boating
Non-motorized boating like canoeing is popular, with a kayak/canoe launch located near the campsites. A sturdy rope swing by the river adds an adventurous touch.Winter Activities
The campground is closed during the winter months and does not support winter recreation.Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking are the primary water sports available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire pits with cooking grates are provided at each campsite.
- Quiet hours are Quiet and peaceful atmosphere noted by multiple user reviews. No explicit quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes noted in warmer months, though some reviews reported low mosquito activity. Vault toilets and lack of potable water may pose challenges.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Cadillac/Manistee Ranger Station and District, Address: 1170 Nursery Road, Wellston, Michigan 49689, Phone: (231) 848-7090, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 7 - September 11.
Trash and recyclingNo specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned. Users should plan to pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresClose to the Little Manistee River, which offers fishing and canoeing opportunities.
Common complaintsMultiple user reviews highlight the lack of potable water and pump issues. Mosquitoes are a common concern in warmer months.
HostNo campground host on site; federal staff occasionally visit.
Campground Map
1170 Nursery Road, Wellston, MI 49689
Driving directionsFrom Wellston, MI, take Seaman Rd. south 3.9 miles through Dublin, MI. Just beyond grocery store, turn right staying on Seaman Rd., and go 3 miles to the town of Irons, MI. and 10-1/2 Mile Rd. Turn right onto 10-1/2 Mile Rd. and go 2.5 miles to Bass Lake Rd. Turn right onto Bass Lake Rd. and go 0.9 miles to an intersection. Continue straight onto 11-Mile Road (a 'Bear Track Recreation Area' sign is provided.) Following the signs, go 2.5 miles and turn right onto Riverside Drive, then right again at the campground sign.
The campground is accessible via paved and gravel roads. Grass and gravel parking aprons are provided. Challenges may arise during heavy weather as some roads are rural.Nearby places
Wellston: approximately 3 miles
Manistee: 14 miles east.
Nearby supplies
Grocery store in Dublin, MI (3.9 miles from Wellston). Canoe rentals available in Manistee, Irons, and Wellston.
Camper Reviews
4.5
17 reviews
Bear Track Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Bear Track Campground are predominantly positive, highlighting its seclusion, natural beauty, and cleanliness. Campers appreciate the site's simplicity and proximity to the Little Manistee River.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Users consistently praise the spacious campsites, clean vault toilets, and the peaceful, secluded atmosphere. The rope swing by the river and the lack of mosquitoes were also noted as positive...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users noted the lack of potable water and showers as drawbacks. One reviewer mentioned that the water pump was out of order at the time of their visit, and another commented on the high number...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing your own potable water and being prepared for primitive camping without modern amenities. Arriving early is advisable to secure a site.
Based on 17 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is busiest during summer weekends, but it remains quiet and peaceful overall. The absence of mosquitoes during some visits was highlighted, though their presence...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- "Lovely, secluded campground. However, this area seems to have more mosquitoes than other places...quite buggy."
- "Excellent fishing for trout and steelhead in the nearby Little Manistee."
- "Very...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
There are no comprehensive site-specific reviews, but users generally mention that all sites are spacious and well-maintained. Group sites are also available.
Based on 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews were found. The campground is described as rustic, which may indicate limited accessibility.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no reviews explicitly mentioning pets or pet policies.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025