Kohart Campground

Hey there, Michigan explorers! Are you yearning for a true escape into the heart of our state's magnificent forests, where the call of the wild is the dominant sound and outdoor adventures are just outside your tent flap? Then let us introduce you to Kohart Campground, a hidden gem nestled within the vast and beautiful Manistee National Forest near Bitely. This rustic campground offers an authentic wilderness experience, making it an ideal spot for Michiganders who truly want to unplug, enjoy nature's serenity, and explore the diverse landscapes that define our state.

Kohart Campground is particularly cherished for its prime location along the Manistee River, part of the National Wild and Scenic River system, making it a dream destination for paddlers, anglers, and anyone who loves the calming presence of flowing water. Beyond the river, the surrounding Manistee National Forest provides an extensive playground for hikers, hunters, and especially off-road vehicle (ORV) enthusiasts, with direct access to designated trails. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in Michigan's natural splendor without the crowds often found in more developed campgrounds.

In this article, we'll delve into what makes Kohart Campground a compelling choice for your next outdoor excursion. We'll explore its secluded yet accessible location, the essential rustic services it provides for a genuine outdoor adventure, its unique features and highlights, and how to plan your visit to this tranquil Michigan haven. Our aim is to provide a clear, factual, and engaging overview to help you decide if Kohart Campground is the perfect setting for your next Pure Michigan wilderness experience.

Kohart Campground is located within the Manistee National Forest, near Bitely, MI 49309, USA. This placement puts it squarely in West Central Michigan, offering a truly immersive forest experience while remaining accessible for residents across the Lower Peninsula. Bitely itself is a small community known for its strong connection to outdoor recreation, serving as a gateway to the surrounding national forest lands.

The campground's specific charm lies in its setting along the Manistee River, shaded by a stand of red pines. While it offers a rustic feel, it is generally reachable via established forest roads. For those planning to visit, it's wise to consult a detailed map of the Manistee National Forest, as exact driving directions to specific rustic campgrounds can sometimes involve navigating gravel or unpaved roads. The remoteness contributes to its peaceful atmosphere, ensuring a genuine escape. Despite its quiet seclusion, Kohart Campground provides excellent access to nearby recreational opportunities. Notably, ORV trails, including the Kalkaska Route, pass near the campground entrance, making it a convenient base for off-road adventures without needing to trailer your vehicles far. Its location makes it an ideal central point for exploring the vast Manistee National Forest, from fishing in the Manistee River to hitting miles of hiking trails. For Michiganders seeking a genuine "Up North" experience without excessive travel to the Upper Peninsula, Kohart Campground offers a wonderfully convenient and authentic forest retreat.

Kohart Campground offers a quintessential rustic camping experience, providing essential amenities that support a back-to-nature approach. It's designed for campers who are comfortable with fewer modern conveniences and prefer a more primitive setting.

• Rustic Campsites: The campground provides 31 tent and small trailer sites. These are considered rustic, meaning they do not have individual electric hookups at each site. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires.
• Vault Toilets: Restroom facilities consist of vault toilets (outhouses). These are basic but functional, aligning with the rustic nature of a national forest campground.
• Potable Water from Hand-Pump Well: Drinking water is available from a communal hand-pump well. Campers should be prepared to fill their own containers for use at their individual sites.
• River Access: The campground boasts excellent direct water access to the Manistee River, making it convenient for launching canoes, kayaks, and tubes directly from the site.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: Sites at Kohart Campground are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are generally not accepted. Visitors should be prepared to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.
• Fee-Based Camping: There is an overnight fee for camping, which is usually posted at an information kiosk at the campground entrance. A Recreation Passport (Michigan State Park and Forest campground pass) is also required for vehicle entry.
• Limited Stay: Camping is limited to a maximum stay of 15 days, ensuring equitable access for all visitors.
• Site Capacity: Each campsite is limited to one camping unit (e.g., one tent or one small trailer) and a maximum of six people.

Kohart Campground is celebrated for its natural setting and the authentic outdoor experiences it provides, making it a favorite among those who seek tranquility and adventure in Michigan's forests.

• Manistee River Access: A premier highlight is its location directly on the Manistee River, which is part of the National Wild and Scenic River system. This provides unparalleled access for "kayaking, canoeing, tubing and excellent fishing," especially for trout.
• Rustic and Secluded Atmosphere: Shaded by a stand of red pines, the campground offers a "heavily wooded" environment that truly feels like a rustic area, providing a peaceful and serene escape from urban noise and light pollution.
• Direct ORV Trail Access: For off-road vehicle enthusiasts, a significant draw is the direct access to an abundance of nearby ORV trails and routes, including the Kalkaska Route. The operation of ORVs and snowmobiles between the campground and nearby trails is allowed, opening up miles of exploration.
• Fishing Opportunities: The 190-mile-long Manistee River is renowned for its excellent trout fishing, making Kohart a prime spot for anglers.
• Hunting Access: The campground provides direct access to state land that is open to hunting (with adherence to safety regulations regarding occupied dwellings).
• Paddle-in Campsite Accessibility: For river adventurers, the campground is also accessible from the Manistee River, making it suitable for canoe/kayak camping, offering a unique arrival experience.
• First-Come, First-Served Availability: While requiring early arrival during busy times, the first-come, first-served system means spontaneous trips are possible without prior reservation hassles.
• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: The Manistee National Forest provides a rich habitat for wildlife viewing and offers stunning natural scenery throughout the seasons, from lush summer greens to vibrant fall colors.

For more specific and up-to-date information regarding Kohart Campground, as it is part of the Manistee National Forest (managed by the USDA Forest Service), direct phone contact for the specific campground is not always available. However, you can contact the broader Huron-Manistee National Forests office for general inquiries or information regarding forest campgrounds.

Address: Manistee National Forest, Bitely, MI 49309, USA (This indicates its general location within the forest.)

While no specific phone number for Kohart Campground was provided, the general contact for the Huron-Manistee National Forests, or the district office that manages this area, is typically available on the USDA Forest Service website. For state forest campgrounds in Michigan, you might also find general information through the Michigan DNR website.

General inquiries for Huron-Manistee National Forests: (231) 775-5211 (This number is for the Cadillac-Manistee Ranger District, which oversees areas including Bitely.)

It is always recommended to check the official USDA Forest Service or Michigan DNR websites for the most current information, operating dates, fee structures, and any alerts regarding forest conditions or fire bans, as this is a rustic, federally managed site.

For residents of Michigan, Kohart Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing choice for their next outdoor adventure, particularly for those who truly embrace the wild side of our state. Its allure for locals lies in its genuine rustic charm and its direct connection to some of Michigan's most cherished natural resources and recreational opportunities.

Firstly, its location within the vast Manistee National Forest immediately provides that quintessential "Up North" feeling without requiring a lengthy journey to the Upper Peninsula for many Michiganders. Being nestled by the Manistee River, a designated National Wild and Scenic River, offers unparalleled access for paddling, tubing, and especially excellent trout fishing right from your campsite. This makes it a dream destination for local anglers and water enthusiasts who value prime river access.

Secondly, Kohart Campground caters to those who prefer an authentic, less-developed camping experience. The "rustic" designation means you won't find bustling crowds or extensive modern amenities like individual electric hookups, which is precisely what many true outdoor lovers seek. The availability of vault toilets and potable water from a hand pump provides essential comforts while maintaining a close-to-nature feel. This simplicity allows for a deeper connection with the serene, heavily wooded environment, where the sounds of birds and the rustling pines replace urban noise.

Furthermore, for adventurous Michiganders, the direct access to extensive ORV trails from the campground is a significant highlight. This convenience allows for seamless transitions from campsite relaxation to thrilling off-road exploration across state land. This unique combination of river access, forest immersion, and ORV trail connectivity makes Kohart an incredibly versatile and suitable base for a variety of outdoor pursuits. The first-come, first-served system also appeals to spontaneous adventurers who prefer not to plan too far in advance, offering a sense of freedom for last-minute getaways.

In conclusion, for Michigan locals seeking a genuine, rustic, and activity-rich outdoor experience surrounded by the beauty of the Manistee National Forest, Kohart Campground is an ideal destination. It's a place where you can truly disconnect, embrace the wilderness, and create unforgettable memories, whether you're paddling the river, hitting the trails, or simply relaxing by a crackling campfire under the starry Michigan sky.

Kohart Campground

Manistee National Forest, Bitely, MI 49309, USA