Bowman Bridge Campground
The section of the river from Gleason's Landing to Bowman Bridge flows through a long stretch of federal ownership. This is one of the most popular stretches of river, and Bowman Bridge River Access can be very busy during summer weekends.
The bottom of the river in this stretch is mostly sand, with a few interspersed gravel beds. The water from Gleason's to Bowman Bridge is up to 5-feet deep in some parts.
Located up the hill from Bowman Bridge Boat Landing, the campground also has a connector trail for the North Country National Scenic Trail. A tornado went through the area several years ago. Visitors to the site can see the beginning stages of natural recovery from the tornado swath. There will be plantings within the campground in the future to facilitate recovery from the tornado.
Active Alerts
Reservations
Make Reservations HereGeneral Information
Nearby Recreation Areas -
County - Lake
Early May - Mid October
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted. Forest quiet hours apply. Watercraft hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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. Rules specific to the Huron-Manistee National Forest are available 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.
Applicable Orders -
- Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02
- Occupancy and Use; R904-18-02
- Pere Marquette National Scenic River Corridor; R904-14-14
Watercraft Permit
- Watercraft Permit required Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend. Permits can be reserved on recreation.gov.
Information about when a Special Use Permit is required can be found on the Permits page.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $30 per night
Double Site: $60 per night
Group Site: $110 per night
Additional Vehicle Fee: $10 per vehicle per night
Day Use:
$10 per vehicle per day
Interagency Senior and Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites only.
*The discount applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fee or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party.*
Canoe Rentals -
- Baldwin
- Baldwin Canoe Rental
Address: 650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Phone: (231) 745-4631
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 43.88777778
Longitude: -85.93333333
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Nearby Trails
Recreation Opportunities
Recreation Groups
In July 1978 the Pere Marquette River and its major tributaries were designated a Michigan Natural River by the State of Michigan.