How much does camping cost at Claybanks Campground?

Camping fees at Claybanks Campground range from $10-$15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Claybanks Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Claybanks Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Claybanks Campground?

Claybanks Campground is open Not specified.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Claybanks Campground?

Claybanks Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Claybanks Campground?

Fire policies at Claybanks Campground: Not mentioned.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Claybanks Campground have?

Claybanks Campground has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Claybanks Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Claybanks Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Claybanks Campground?

Claybanks Campground offers: Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Claybanks Campground?

Popular activities at Claybanks Campground include Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Claybanks Campground

4.85

17 reviews

650 North Michigan Ave., Baldwin, MI 49304

Featured in:Spring Camping Michigan Forest Camping Michigan Tent Camping Michigan +2 more

Quick Facts

860 ft

Price

$10 - $15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to N...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

860 ft

Price

$10 - $15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to N...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Claybanks Campground

$10.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees per night are $10 for a single site, and day use fees are $5 per vehicle or $15 for a seven-day pass. Payment is accepted in cash or...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

(231) 745-4631

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.85

Top-Rated

Based on 17 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulclean

"User reviews praise the quiet and minimal nature of the campground, emphasizing its suitability for those seeking a connection with nature. Fishing and wildlife viewing are highlighted as enjoyable activities. Some complaints include the lack of potable water and sporadic cell phone service."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

650 North Michigan Ave., Baldwin, MI 49304

Claybanks Campground

650 North Michigan Ave., Baldwin, MI 49304

Nearby places

Baldwin (approximately 1 mile, 5 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies are available at local stores such as Shell and Dollar General in Baldwin. User review highlighted helpful staff at Dollar General.

Best Time to Camp at Claybanks Campground

Summer delivers the best camping conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s and nighttime lows in the 50s. Water levels stay suitable for wading and brown trout fishing. The forest canopy provides shade for tent sites. Peak holiday weekends see moderate crowds, but the campground stays relatively quiet otherwise.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through November; river and forest setting likely very scenic during fall colors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 1 to November 30.
Current Alerts: None specified.

About Claybanks Campground

Claybanks Campground sits along the Pere Marquette National Scenic River in the Huron-Manistee National Forests, offering 30 tent sites at $10-$15 per night. The campground is quiet and minimal, attracting anglers and campers who don't mind steep stairs to the river and no potable water on-site. Cell service is sporadic.

Claybanks Campground focuses on minimalism and outdoor connection, offering tent camping sites for a quiet experience near the river. There is no mention of RV facilities, group camping, cabin lodging, or luxury accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best camping conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s and nighttime lows in the 50s. Water levels stay suitable for wading and brown trout fishing. The forest canopy provides shade for tent sites. Peak holiday weekends see moderate crowds, but the campground stays relatively quiet otherwise.

ElevationPerched above the meandering Pere Marquette River, the campground offers a unique vantage point where the forested highlands meet the river valley below, creating the perfect setting for both riverside activities and elevated forest camping.

Natural Features and SceneryNorthern hardwood and pine forests shade the campground at 860 feet elevation. The Pere Marquette River runs below, accessible by steep stairs that drop to a gravel riverbed. Oak and pine create a mixed canopy overhead. Deer move through the understory regularly. The surrounding forest blends national forest with adjacent private land.

Geological RegionSituated within the remarkable Pere Marquette National Scenic River corridor, Claybanks showcases the region's signature blend of northern hardwood and pine forests. This protected waterway has carved its path through Michigan's landscape, creating a diverse ecosystem where ancient oaks stand sentinel alongside whispering pines, and private lands buffer the wilderness, preserving the natural integrity of this treasured river system.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is not specified.

Check-out

Check-out time is not specified.

Stay Limit

Stay limit is undefined in the source.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not specified in the source.

Groups

No group site details are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe 30 sites accommodate parking but layout details aren't documented. Reviews describe the campground as quiet with clean restroom facilities. Bring your own water. There's no potable source on-site. Watch for ticks.

Reservation PlatformsSites may be reservable, but no platforms are detailed in the source.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot detailed explicitly in the source materials.

Cancellation PolicyPolicies about cancellations are not explicitly stated.

AccessibilityNo accessibility information is provided in the sources.

Site SizeSite size details are not mentioned.

PrivacyThe campground is described as quiet and minimal, suggesting some degree of privacy, but exact details on site arrangements are not provided.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesNone explicitly stated.

Need help booking Claybanks Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers activities centered around nature and the river. Fishing is a popular activity, as the campground lies along a 'flies only, catch and release portion of the river.' Cheryl Allen advises visitors: 'Fishing is catch and release, so bring your own food.' Wildlife viewing is another highlighted activity, with the pine and oak forest described as 'a good area for wildlife watching.' Visitors may spot deer while heading to the river. Hiking opportunities are implied through the mention of steep stairs leading to river access, but no formal trails are specified.

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention ticks are abundant, particularly in spring.

Active AlertsNone specified.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyNot mentioned.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Forest quiet hours apply.

Emergency ServicesBaldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station and District, located at 650 North Michigan Ave., Baldwin, MI 49304. Phone: (231) 745-4631

Trash & RecyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesLocated adjacent to the Pere Marquette River, a gravel-bottom fly-fishing area.

Camp HostNot provided.

Weather at Claybanks Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.9

17 reviews

Top-Rated

Claybanks Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews praise the quiet and minimal nature of the campground, emphasizing its suitability for those seeking a connection with nature. Fishing and wildlife viewing are highlighted as enjoyable activities. Some complaints include the lack of potable water and sporadic cell phone service.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the peaceful environment and the clean restroom facilities. Cheryl Allen described the campground as 'very quiet' and suitable for connecting with nature. Trevor Schewe called it a...

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the absence of potable water and occasional issues with cell phone reception. Cheryl Allen noted: 'Bring plenty of water because there's no fresh water there.' Wyn Verleger warned...

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring ample water for your stay, as potable water is unavailable. Prepare for steep stairs leading to the river, and be cautious about ticks in the area.

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open from May 1 to November 30. In summer, users enjoy fishing and wildlife watching. Winter use is limited as the site is not maintained, with roads and parking lots unplowed and...

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. Cheryl Allen: 'Very quiet. If you want a place to just connect with nature, as in trees, I would give it a 5.' 2. Trevor Schewe: 'Great place to camp. Very quiet, minimal everything which...

Based on 17 reviews