Tippy Dam Campground-MDNR

78 reviews

River Rd, Brethren, MI 49619, USA
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Tippy Dam Campground-MDNR Introduce

Tippy Dam Campground-MDNR is a hidden gem nestled along the picturesque River Rd in Brethren, MI, offering a unique camping experience in a natural and serene environment. This Michigan state campground provides a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and peaceful relaxation, making it a favorite destination for campers, anglers, and nature lovers alike.

Set against the backdrop of Tippy Dam Pond, the campground offers a quiet retreat where visitors can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The pond's shoreline is not dominated by private property, allowing for expansive views and unrestricted access to the water. Whether you're fishing, paddling, or simply enjoying the beauty of the lake, Tippy Dam Campground-MDNR provides a truly special setting for outdoor activities.

The campground itself is relatively small but well-maintained, featuring 19 sites that cater to both tent campers and small RVs. Each site comes with a table and fire pit, while the nearby outhouses are clean and well-kept. For those seeking a more rustic experience, there's also a charming cabin available for rent, complete with bunk beds, a gas heater, and solar lighting. The lack of power hookups at the campground adds to its primitive charm, attracting campers who appreciate the simplicity of nature.

Tippy Dam Campground-MDNR is particularly popular among anglers due to its prime location on Tippy Dam Pond. The pond is known for its peaceful atmosphere, with minimal boat traffic and a focus on fishing rather than high-speed recreational activities. Kayakers, paddle boaters, and swimmers will also find the calm waters ideal for their pursuits.

One of the standout features of this campground is its proximity to trails that lead down to the water's edge. These trails are a favorite among families, as they provide opportunities for exploration and adventure. The campground's dock offers additional access for fishing or launching small boats, making it a well-rounded destination for water-based activities.

Customer feedback highlights the campground's charm and natural beauty, with many visitors praising the tranquility of the pond and the lack of crowds. One reviewer described Tippy Dam as "one of my happy places," emphasizing its untouched natural appeal. Another visitor appreciated the rustic nature of the cabin and the absence of power hookups, which contributes to the primitive camping experience.

While the campground is generally well-maintained and offers a peaceful environment, there have been occasional reports of noise issues during peak seasons, particularly around holidays. However, these instances are rare and do not overshadow the overall positive experiences reported by most guests.

Tippy Dam Campground-MDNR is ideal for those seeking an authentic outdoor experience in Michigan's natural beauty. Whether you're a family looking to create lasting memories or a solo camper seeking solitude, this campground offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. With its clean facilities, peaceful surroundings, and access to diverse recreational activities, Tippy Dam Campground-MDNR is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the great outdoors.

Location

Michigan Manistee County Brethren River Road

Customer Reviews

4.0

78 reviews

Lindsey Cousino

Sep 14, 2024

Very nice campsite, clean pit toilets, level sites with plenty of room for a small camper and a tent. My kids loved the trails down the the water. Our only complaint was the lack of quiet time enforcement. The first two nights of Labor Day weekend were great, but Sunday night a huge group of campers arrived and threw an absolute rager of a party at the site across from us. Until 4am! It was so awful for my husband in the tent. We had Site 19.

Steve Adams

Apr 13, 2023

This is one of my happy places. Tippy Dam Pond, besides the occasional boat ramp (or the dam), is mostly left natural. And that really makes this campground special. You won't find sport boats zipping around the lake. You won't see a ton of people out on the water, besides those staying at the campground or national forest campground, and there's beauty around every corner. We go up yearly now for almost a week to hang out and fish the pond. But I can't understate how nice it is to be on a lake where the entire shoreline isn't someone's private property - but - state or national forest. It's just beautiful. The actual campground is fairly small, but well set up. Two sets of outhouses that are fairly well maintained by the staff. Each site has at least a table and fire pit. The cabin, while rustic, is wonderful with 4 bunk beds, gas heater and solar panel for light. The far side of the campground has a really nice set of stairs, and dock, out on the lake to fish from, swim from or launch a small paddle boat from. Because there isn't power at the campground, you don't typically see campers (a lot of tent camping). Which I find nice. Sometimes a person will run a generator but it isn't as common as other sites I've stayed at.

Angamazin m

Jul 20, 2019

Amazing. Magical at night when the lightening bugs are out and the stars are so bright. Huge camping spots. Had a perfect trip there. Will be back. This is for camping not glamping. Very enjoyable.

Mitch T

Jul 25, 2023

Not one of the nicer DNR campgrounds I've been to. No water fill or dump station for campers, little lake access (there's 1 dock), and the bathrooms are extremely smelly. On the plus side, the sites are very large and well separated with vegetation.

Chaun Fluker

May 20, 2022

A great place to take a fishing trip. Clean campgrounds with friendly people. Close enough to lake Michigan to take a day trip. Overall a great place to go.