Minnie Pond Campground
4.3226 reviews650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Minnie Pond Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Camping fee per night is $10. No additional costs or discounts mentioned.
About this campground
Nestled alongside the tranquil waters of Minnie Pond, this intimate campground offers a genuine back-to-nature experience with just eight thoughtfully placed campsites. Each site comes equipped with its own fire pit and picnic table, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Several prime spots offer breathtaking views of both Minnie Pond and the gently flowing Mena Creek, where morning mist often dances across the water's surface. This rustic retreat provides the perfect escape for those seeking simplicity and serenity in Michigan's beautiful outdoors.
Minnie Pond Campground offers primitive, tent, and group camping in a rustic setting. There are no provisions for RV camping with hookups, but the sites are large enough for some RVs. "Nice little USDA forest service campground. Primitive rustic sites."
Historical SignificanceStep into living history among the towering Red pines that have stood sentinel here since the 1930s, when young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps planted these trees during America's Great Depression. Their legacy lives on in every straight trunk and spreading canopy overhead. A decade later, in the 1940s, conservationists constructed a cement dam that gave birth to Minnie Pond, transforming the landscape into a 'Green Tree Reservoir Area' – a pioneering effort to create vital habitat for waterfowl. Today, this careful balance of human intervention and natural beauty continues to provide sanctuary for both wildlife and weary travelers.
Weather and SeasonsOpen from the first blooms of May through the golden days of October, Minnie Pond Campground welcomes visitors during Michigan's most inviting months. Spring arrives with wildflowers and migrating birds, while summer brings warm days perfect for pond-side relaxation and cool, comfortable nights ideal for campfire stories. Fall transforms the landscape into a tapestry of colors as the surrounding forest prepares for winter. During the colder months, when snow blankets the area and makes access impossible, the campground rests quietly, gathering stories for the next season's adventurers.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 650 feet above sea level, the campground enjoys a gentle elevation that provides excellent drainage and pleasant breezes, creating an ideal microclimate for camping throughout the warmer months.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering Red pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their straight trunks rising like columns from a soft carpet of copper-colored pine needles that cushion every footstep. Planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps nearly a century ago, this magnificent forest has matured into a peaceful sanctuary where sunlight filters through the canopy in golden streams. The centerpiece of the landscape is Minnie Pond itself, a shimmering jewel created by a 1940s dam project that transformed Mena Creek into a thriving wetland ecosystem. While the thick pine needle understory creates an open, park-like atmosphere with modest privacy between sites, the overall effect is one of communal harmony with nature, where the sounds of water, wind, and wildlife create a natural symphony.
Geological RegionSituated in the heart of Newaygo County, this campground occupies a unique ecological niche where human conservation efforts have enhanced the natural landscape. The mature Red pine plantation, established by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, represents one of Michigan's many successful reforestation projects. The interplay between Minnie Pond's still waters and Mena Creek's gentle flow creates diverse aquatic habitats, while the surrounding pine forest provides a stunning backdrop that changes with the seasons. This harmonious blend of water and woodland exemplifies the region's commitment to conservation and outdoor recreation.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information provided about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe sites are described as large enough to accommodate larger RVs, though this may vary by campsite. "Sites looked level and large enough to accommodate larger RV's."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between the campsites is limited due to the lack of understory vegetation. "The mature Red pine woods limit the understory to fallen pine needles...providing little privacy between sites."
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended sites are those overlooking Minnie Pond and Mena Creek for views. Sites further from the pond may offer more shade and privacy.
Best CampsitesSites adjacent to Minnie Pond and Mena Creek are considered the best for views and proximity to water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly mentioned.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per single site.
Groups
The group site allows a maximum of 16 people and two camping vehicles per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 11 combined sites, laid out near Minnie Pond and Mena Creek.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 1 through October 31. Not gated during offseason but not maintained in winter.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations available; campground operates on a walk-up basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservation required.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy explicitly mentioned.
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
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers limited recreational activities, with an emphasis on enjoying the natural surroundings. Activities include fishing, non-motorized and electric-motor boating, hunting, and picnicking. Swimming facilities are not explicitly mentioned, and hiking opportunities are not listed. "Great for small game camps, but have to shoot 200 yards off the campsite."
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available, with species such as bass, bluegill, and northern pike in Minnie Pond and brown trout in Mena Creek. However, reviews suggest mixed success in fishing here, with some campers experiencing difficulty due to weeds and low fish activity.Boating
Boating is allowed, with a focus on non-motorized and electric-motor vessels. A carry-in boat launch is located in the picnic area.Wildlife viewing
The area supports diverse wildlife, including ducks, geese, and herons. "A lifetime of memories. Good stream for catching a lot of different fish or just playing with the crawfish."Winter Activities
The campground is not maintained in winter. The access road and parking lot are not plowed, and no toilet facilities are available.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are feasible, though they are not explicitly promoted in the campground description.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include broken glass reported at some campsites, dense weeds in Minnie Pond affecting water activities, and limited fish availability.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 49%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
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Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station, Address: 650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304. Phone: (231) 745-4631. Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (Closed on federal holidays).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 through October 31.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available on-site. Campers must pack out all their waste.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Minnie Pond and Mena Creek. Boating and fishing are popular activities.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include trash left by previous campers, broken glass at campsites, dense weeds in Minnie Pond affecting swimming and fishing, and poor fish quality.
HostNo host information available.
Campground Map
650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Driving directionsFrom White Cloud - Travel north on M-37 for 1 mile. Turn left and travel west on M-20 for 7.5 miles. Turn right and travel north on Luce Ave. for 3 miles. Turn right and travel east on 4 Mile Rd. for .5 miles. Turn left and travel north on Alger Ave. for 1 mile. Continue on Alger Rd. to the campground entrance located on the right.
All roads off state routes are two-lane and gravel.Nearby places
White Cloud, MI approximately 12 miles.
Nearby supplies
Firewood and other supplies can be purchased approximately five miles away from the campground. A specific location mentioned is directly across the street from Lincoln Cemetery 3113W3 E 3 Mile Rd White Cloud, MI 49349.
Camper Reviews
4.3
26 reviews
Minnie Pond Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's rustic charm and serene environment, but common complaints include cleanliness issues and limited amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the peaceful setting, affordable price, and natural beauty. "This place was perfect. Back off the beaten path ... very quiet, no road noise, no trains."
Based on 26 reviewsCommon Concerns
Key complaints include trash left by previous visitors, broken glass in campsites, and limited fishing success. "The site we got was trashed—fire pit full of plastic and trash. There was broken glass...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own firewood, drinking water, and supplies as there are no stores nearby. Consider exploring nearby Robinson Lake for better fishing opportunities.
Based on 26 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Peak season reviews (May to October) note the campground's scenic beauty and tranquility, while off-season accessibility issues are mentioned due to unmaintained roads and lack of plowing.
Based on 26 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great primitive camping, $10 a night. 8 campsites, each with a fire pit and a picnic table." "Lots of broken glass, the fish was okay, but the lake was choked out with weeds." "Good place for family...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback is mixed, with some users finding their sites clean and level, while others experienced trash and debris. "Sites looked level and large enough to accommodate larger RVs."
Based on 26 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 26 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 26 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025