Bowman Bridge
Bowman Bridge Campground is perfect for true nature immersion. Campers come here for easy access to the Pere Marquette National Scenic River and for the delightful views of the great outdoors.
More like this: reservable in Michigan · big rigs in Michigan · pets allowed in Michigan · group sites in Michigan
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 13 |
| Group tent areas | 4 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 50 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
17 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | People / vehicles | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Standard | Back-in | 50 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 002 | Standard | Back-in | 50 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 003 | Standard | Back-in | 50 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 004 | Standard | Back-in | 50 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 005 | Standard | Back-in | 50 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 006 | Standard | Back-in | 50 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 007 | Standard | Back-in | 50 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 012 | Standard | Back-in | 50 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 013 | Standard | Back-in | 50 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes |
| 014 | Standard | Back-in | 50 | Paved | Partial | 8 / 2 | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 1:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 50 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
Campsites are in a wooded setting, but due to a tornado that passed through in 2005, tall trees and shade are less dense than in neighboring campgrounds. The campground has a single loop 16 paved family campsites. There are also 4 walk-in family campsites and 4 tent-only group sites that can accommodate up to 20 people each.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Closed for the season. Forest Service sites close for the season; check the official page for the reopening date. |
| Season | May 3 to October 10 |
| Forest | Huron-Manistee National Forests |
| Fees | Camping (per night) Single Site: $30.00. Double Site: $60.00. Group Site: $110.00. Day Use (per vehicle) Per Day: $7.00. Extra Vehicle: $10.00 |
| Rules | As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. |
Weather by month
Getting there
From Baldwin, turn west on 7th Street, then left onto Cherry Street. Take the first right, W 52nd Street, and drive 5 miles. Look for signs into the campground.
| Coordinates | 43.8883° N, 85.9422° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- PrescribedSer 439 South Rx
29 mi from the campground · 43 acres
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 19.9 mi |
| RV sales & service | Silver Lake RV Rental ↗ | 30.7 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Outdoor gear ↗ | 31.3 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
I went camping for the FIRST time! Bowman Bridge Campgrounds Vlog
Trails nearby
- 0.2 miNct Bowman Campground Spur ↗0.4 mi trail · hiking, bike · national_scenic_or_historic
- 1.2 miNct Bowman Lake Spur ↗0.1 mi trail · hiking, bike · national_scenic_or_historic
- 1.3 miBowman Lake1.9 mi trail · hiking, bike
- 3.2 miMcCt - Little O Spur ↗17.4 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, e-bike
- 3.2 miNct 76th St. Trailhead Spur ↗0.05 mi trail · hiking · national_scenic_or_historic
- 4.2 miMcCt - Big O Spur ↗13.5 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 1 more
Trailheads within three miles
- 1.3 miBowman Lake Trailhead ↗Huron-Manistee National Forests · Season May 1 to October 31
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Other campgrounds nearby
Natural features
The campground is situated along the Pere Marquette National Scenic River, a 66-mile stretch of clear, unspoiled waters within the Huron-Manistee National Forests in Michigan. Large blocks of public land offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, photography, and hunting can be found in the surrounding area.
Recreation
The top three activities for campers at Bowman Bridge are canoeing, fishing and hiking. Anglers cast for brown trout, salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout. Watercraft rentals are available at two nearby liveries in Baldwin. A permit is required to float the river from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through Monday of Labor Day weekend. Watercraft hours during the permit season are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hikers can head up the campground's connector trail to the North Country National Scenic Trail. This "north country" trail weaves through many scenic, historic and cultural areas across seven states, measuring 4,600 miles end-to-end.
Nearby
Visitors enjoy exploring the extent of the Pere Marquette National Scenic River. Other nearby attractions include the Bowman Lake Foot Travel Area and the historic community of Idlewild.
Guidebooks for Michigan
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Bowman Bridge?
Sites at Bowman Bridge are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Bowman Bridge?
Camping (per night) Single Site: $30.00. Double Site: $60.00. Group Site: $110.00.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Bowman Bridge?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 1:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Bowman Bridge open right now?
Closed for the season as of Oct 16, 2026. Season May 3 to October 10.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Bowman Bridge have?
17 sites, including 13 standard sites without power and 4 group tent areas.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Bowman Bridge?
The longest site here provides 50 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are pets allowed at Bowman Bridge?
Yes, pets are allowed at Bowman Bridge. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Bowman Bridge?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there is 1 active fire within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one. As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors.
Source: Fire nearby
What is there to do at Bowman Bridge?
The top three activities for campers at Bowman Bridge are canoeing, fishing and hiking. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What if Bowman Bridge is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Bowman Lake Campground (1.3 mi, first-come), Gleasons Landing (1.6 mi), and Claybanks Campground (3.2 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby