Loomis Landing Campground and Marina

Are you a Michigander with a love for the water, a passion for fishing, or simply a desire to escape to a truly tranquil 'up North' setting? Loomis Landing Campground and Marina in Wellston, Michigan, offers a unique and highly recommended destination that perfectly blends rustic camping with convenient access to one of our state's most celebrated waterways. Known for its exceptional service and a genuine feeling of being at a remote fishing and hunting camp, Loomis Landing is a standout choice for those seeking an authentic Northern Michigan experience.

Nestled on the expansive backwaters of Tippy Dam on the Manistee River, Loomis Landing is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park your RV. It's a comprehensive hub for water-based recreation, offering boat rentals and marina slips alongside its well-kept campsites. The consistent praise from visitors highlights the welcoming and accommodating nature of the owner/operator, Steve, who goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay, from delivering firewood directly to your site to making pontoon rentals a blast for groups.

This destination is particularly appealing to locals who appreciate a clean, well-maintained environment without sacrificing the rustic charm of true wilderness camping. The "gorgeous" water and "sand bar" mentioned by delighted customers point to inviting conditions for swimming and relaxation, adding another layer to its allure. It’s the kind of place where you can spend your days actively enjoying the outdoors and your evenings unwinding by a campfire, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Manistee National Forest.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Loomis Landing Campground and Marina, tailored specifically for Michigan residents. We'll delve into its prime location, the diverse services it offers, its unique features, and ultimately, why it stands as an excellent choice for your next Michigan outdoor adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Loomis Landing Campground and Marina is strategically located at 19522 Husiar Rd, Wellston, MI 49689, USA. This prime address places it directly on the vast backwaters (approximately 9,000 acres) of Tippy Dam, near the mouth of the Pine River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River System. This is a truly advantageous position for any Michigander passionate about water activities and exploring the natural beauty of the state.

For Michigan locals, accessing Loomis Landing is a manageable and picturesque journey. Wellston is situated in the heart of Northern Michigan, making it an accessible drive from many major cities in the Lower Peninsula. While you'll feel pleasantly secluded upon arrival, the routes to the campground are generally well-maintained, suitable for both standard vehicles and those towing campers or boats. The location is approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes from Grand Rapids and Muskegon, and about 55 minutes from Traverse City, making it a viable option for weekend trips or longer vacations.

The campground and marina are completely surrounded by thousands of acres of Manistee National Forest land. This ensures a breathtaking natural backdrop and offers extensive opportunities for four-season photography, wildlife viewing, and forest exploration beyond the immediate water access. The blend of direct water access and immersive forest surroundings is a significant draw for outdoor enthusiasts.

Its position on the backwaters of Tippy Dam means unparalleled access to exceptional fishing for salmon, steelhead, and various trout species, as well as prime spots for boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Whether you're launching your own vessel from their private on-site launch or renting one of theirs, the entire system of the Manistee River backwaters is readily available for your aquatic adventures.

Services Offered

Loomis Landing Campground and Marina offers a comprehensive suite of services, distinguishing itself as more than just a campground but a full-service outdoor recreation hub:

• Primitive Campsites: The campground features 11 primitive sites, each equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable and authentic outdoor experience. These sites are praised for being "large and very private."
• Water Supply: Two hand pump wells on the property provide easy access to fresh water for campers.
• Diverse Booking Options: Campsites are available for nightly, weekly, group rates, or seasonal bookings, catering to various lengths of stay and group sizes. Group sites, like "site # 11," are notably spacious.
• Pontoon Boat Rentals: A significant highlight, as praised by customers, Loomis Landing offers pontoon boat rentals, perfect for group outings and exploring the vast backwaters of Tippy Dam.
• Fishing Boat Rentals: Rowboat and motorboat rentals are available on an hourly, daily, weekend, or weekly basis. Campers can also bring their own electric or small boat motor (less than 10 h.p.) to use on rental boats.
• Marina Slips: The marina provides slips for pontoon and fishing boats, available for daily, weekend, weekly, monthly, or seasonal rental, offering convenience for boat owners.
• Private Boat Launch: An on-site private boat launch ensures easy access for campers bringing their own watercraft.
• Bait and Tackle Shop: A planned (or potentially already open) bait and tackle shop on-site offers convenience for anglers.
• Cabin Rental: A "small cabin for rent at waters edge" is also mentioned as a future or current offering, providing an alternative to camping.
• Off-site Storage and Shrink Wrapping: At season's end, Loomis Landing offers off-site storage for pontoons, fishing boats, campers, fifth wheels, jet skis, canoes, and kayaks, with shrink wrapping services available.
• Firewood Delivery: Owner/operator Steve is known to be "super helpful and responsive," including dropping firewood off right to your site, enhancing the camping experience.

Features / Highlights

Loomis Landing Campground and Marina is celebrated for several key features and highlights that make it a top choice for Michigan locals:

• Exceptional Customer Service: The owner/operator, Steve, consistently receives high praise for being "friendly and very accommodating," "super helpful and responsive," and going the extra mile, such as delivering firewood to sites. This personalized service significantly enhances the visitor experience.
• Authentic "Up North" Feel: Visitors express that the property gives them "the feeling of being at a remote fish or hunting camp, in the Upper Peninsula," despite being in the Lower Peninsula. This authentic, secluded ambiance is highly valued by Michiganders.
• Direct Access to Tippy Dam Backwaters: Its location directly on the 9,000-acre backwaters of Tippy Dam is a major draw. This provides unparalleled access to world-class fishing (salmon, steelhead, trout) and extensive areas for boating and paddling.
• Gorgeous Water and Sand Bar: Reviews highlight the "gorgeous" water and the fun of hanging out at the "sand bar," suggesting excellent conditions for swimming, wading, and general water enjoyment.
• Spacious and Private Rustic Sites: Campers appreciate the "large and very private sites" that allow for comfortable camping, even for groups, offering a sense of seclusion despite being part of a campground.
• Comprehensive Marina Services: Beyond camping, the ability to rent pontoons and fishing boats, along with marina slips and a private launch, makes it a one-stop-shop for water recreation enthusiasts.
• Surrounded by National Forest: Being encompassed by thousands of acres of Manistee National Forest land provides stunning natural scenery, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to an extensive trail system for hiking and exploring.
• Dog-Friendly (Implicit): While not explicitly stated, the general nature of such a primitive, accommodating campground often means it is dog-friendly, though confirming specific policies is always best.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about boat rentals, or any other information regarding Loomis Landing Campground and Marina, please use the following contact details:

Address: 19522 Husiar Rd, Wellston, MI 49689, USA

Phone: (231) 848-7449

Mobile Phone: +1 231-848-7449

Given that Loomis Landing is described as a "small operation," making reservations in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak season or for specific group sites or boat rentals. Their website also provides additional details regarding camping rates, marina rates, and boat rental options. Direct communication with Steve, the owner/operator, through the provided phone numbers is the best way to get personalized assistance and ensure your trip details are confirmed.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

Loomis Landing Campground and Marina is an exceptional and highly suitable destination for Michigan locals, offering a quintessential 'up North' experience that perfectly blends rustic charm with unparalleled access to water-based recreation. It truly caters to the desires of Michiganders seeking an authentic and memorable outdoor escape.

Firstly, its location on the vast backwaters of Tippy Dam within the Manistee National Forest is a significant draw. For residents, this means direct, easy access to world-class fishing, boating, and paddling on expansive, beautiful waters, all set against a backdrop of pristine forests. This direct connection to Michigan's premier natural resources is a major convenience and highlight for any outdoor enthusiast.

Secondly, the exceptional customer service provided by owner/operator Steve is a recurring theme in positive reviews. His accommodating and helpful nature, from delivering firewood to facilitating pontoon rentals for groups, fosters a welcoming and stress-free environment. This personalized attention elevates the camping experience, making visitors feel truly valued and well-cared for, a quality highly appreciated by locals who value genuine hospitality.

Furthermore, Loomis Landing strikes an ideal balance between rustic camping and practical amenities. The primitive, spacious, and private campsites provide the authentic wilderness feel that many Michiganders crave, while the availability of hand pump wells, boat rentals, marina slips, and even a planned bait shop adds layers of convenience that enhance the overall enjoyment of a trip. The "gorgeous water and sand bar" offer additional opportunities for relaxation and fun directly from the campground.

Finally, the feeling of being at a "remote fish or hunting camp" appeals directly to the deep-seated appreciation for Michigan's outdoor heritage. It's a place where memories are made, whether through a successful fishing trip, a lively pontoon excursion, or simply quiet moments by the campfire. For Michiganders seeking a comprehensive and genuinely enriching outdoor adventure that feels both secluded and well-supported, Loomis Landing Campground and Marina is an undeniable top choice.

Loomis Landing Campground and Marina

19522 Husiar Rd, Wellston, MI 49689, USA