Old Grade Campground
4.2417 reviews650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Old Grade Campground
$16.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
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 fees are $30 per night for single sites, and $16 per day based on other sources. Extra vehicles cost $10 per night. Payment must be made with cash or check.
About this campground
Escape to Old Grade Campground, where the whisper of the Little Manistee River and the embrace of towering National Forest create an authentic wilderness retreat. This rustic hideaway invites adventurers seeking solitude and simplicity, with interpretive hiking trails that reveal nature's secrets at every turn. Perfect for tent campers and small RV enthusiasts who prefer the raw beauty of backcountry camping, Old Grade offers a genuine off-the-grid experience—just remember to bring your own water and prepare for vault toilets, as modern amenities take a backseat to pristine nature here.
Old Grade Campground offers a rustic, first-come, first-serve camping experience. It is primarily suited for tent camping and small campers.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Old Grade Campground, where remnants of Michigan's logging era still echo through the forest. The campground takes its name from the historic railroad grade that once carried timber from these ancient forests, a weathered pathway near the entrance that serves as a tangible link to the region's industrious past. Today, where locomotives once rumbled, hikers now tread quietly, discovering how nature has reclaimed what industry once dominated.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Old Grade into a bustling basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts, with comfortable temperatures perfect for riverside relaxation and forest exploration. As seasons shift, so does the campground's character—from vibrant spring awakening to autumn's golden display. Pack your bug spray though, as post-rain periods awaken clouds of mosquitoes eager to join your camping adventure. The shoulder seasons offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds for those seeking deeper solitude.
ElevationPerched at 960 feet above sea level, Old Grade Campground enjoys a naturally air-conditioned environment where cool forest breezes sweep through even on warm summer days. This modest elevation creates the perfect microclimate for the surrounding temperate forest ecosystem, offering refreshing relief from lower-lying areas while providing just enough altitude to enhance those spectacular woodland vistas.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living tapestry where wetlands merge with wildflower meadows, and ancient forests create natural cathedrals of pine, hemlock, and birch. Morning mist rises from the marshlands as deer emerge from forest shadows, while industrious beavers engineer the waterways and songbirds compose the daily soundtrack. The campground's diverse ecosystem supports an impressive cast of wildlife characters, though the mosquitoes—nature's most persistent residents—remind visitors that this is truly their domain, especially after rain transforms the marshy areas into buzzing nurseries.
Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent Huron-Manistee National Forests, Old Grade Campground occupies a unique ecological crossroads where the meandering Little Manistee River has carved its path through diverse terrain. This remarkable landscape showcases nature's artistry through wetland mosaics, open meadows that burst with seasonal wildflowers, and those breathtaking cathedral groves where towering pines, hemlocks, and birches stretch skyward in silent competition for sunlight. The varied topography creates distinct microclimates and habitats, making each campsite feel like its own private wilderness sanctuary.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeCampground has 20 sites, designed for tents and small campers. Parking aprons are grass and gravel.
Sites PrivacySites are reportedly spacious with good separation, offering privacy. However, only two sites are located directly by the water.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers recommend bringing mosquito repellent and choosing sites closer to central facilities to avoid soggy ground.
Best CampsitesSites near the river are most popular, though only two are directly on the water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is available 24/7 due to first-come, first-served policy.
Check-out
Check-out is also available throughout the day.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No specific guest limit mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features a loop with a single spur along the river. Sites are spaced for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from April 29 to September 6 with gated closures outside these dates.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is first-come, first-served, with varying fill patterns depending on the season and host availability.
Cancellation PolicyFirst-come, first-served. As reservations are not accepted, cancellation rules are not applicable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at the Old Grade Campground include hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Blue Diamond Trail offers additional hiking opportunities.
Hiking
The campground features the Old Grade Hiking Trail, a 1.5-mile interpretive trail with footbridges through a hemlock and birch forest. Additionally, the Blue Diamond Trail offers more hiking options.Fishing
The Little Manistee River is a Blue Ribbon trout stream, offering excellent fishing for brown, brook, and rainbow trout as well as spring-run steelhead.Wildlife viewing
The campground is located near wetlands and fields, providing opportunities to see deer, beavers, songbirds, and occasionally bald eagles.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are likely permitted but not specifically detailed.
- Quiet hours are No quiet hours explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are described as horrid, with heavy populations following rain. The marshy terrain near the river can become soggy.
Active alertsNo current advisories noted.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 67%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
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
Closest emergency services are at the Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station at 650 North Michigan Ave., Baldwin, MI 49304, approximately 11 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season corresponds to the open dates from April 29 to September 6.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. Visitors are advised to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the Little Manistee River, which is a Blue Ribbon trout stream. Canoeing is not recommended due to shallow waters.
Common complaintsUser reviews report discrepancies in fees charged by hosts, rudeness of some hosts, and lack of potable water and toilet paper at times. Host reliability varies.
HostReviews on hosts are mixed; some describe hosts as friendly and helpful while others report rudeness and fee inconsistencies.
Campground Map
650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Driving directionsFrom Baldwin, MI, take State Rt. 37 north about 11 miles to Forest Rt. 5190 and campground sign. Turn left onto Rt. 5190 and go 0.1 miles and turn left into campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, though the parking aprons are grass and gravel. The campground entrance is directly off Forest Rt. 5190.Nearby places
Baldwin (11 miles, approximately 15 minutes driving time).
Nearby supplies
Wood and groceries are available approximately 4 miles away towards Baldwin on SR 37.
Camper Reviews
4.2
17 reviews
Old Grade Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Old Grade Campground are mixed, with some visitors praising its natural beauty and seclusion, while others criticize the inconsistent pricing and behavior of the camp host. Many reviewers consider the campground well-maintained and clean.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently commend the campground's quietness, scenic beauty, and well-maintained facilities. The Little Manistee River and interpretive hiking trail are highlighted as key attractions. One...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints focus on issues with the camp host, including unclear pricing and rude behavior. Mosquitoes are noted as a significant nuisance, especially after heavy rains.
Based on 17 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring mosquito repellent as the area can have a 'robust population of mosquitoes.' Carry cash or checks for payment and verify pricing to avoid discrepancies.
Based on 17 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews from summer highlight the beauty of the river and hiking trails, but also note the increase in mosquitoes. Fall is described as quieter and less buggy, making it more enjoyable for camping.
Based on 17 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'If you’re looking for a QUIET, secluded and rustic campground, then look no further.' - Samantha Maiorana
2. 'I’ve camped at 20 different National Forests in eight states during the last year and...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites by the river are highly recommended for their views, but only two sites are directly located on the water. Campsites are noted for being spacious with good separation between them.
Based on 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible. There are no other specific mentions of accessibility features.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pets or pet policies were found.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025