Northern Exposure

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For Michigan residents seeking a comprehensive and engaging outdoor experience, Northern Exposure Campground in Mesick aims to be a top-tier destination. Situated on 300 wooded acres with 2.5 miles of shoreline along Hodenpyl Pond (a backwater of the Manistee River), this expansive campground offers a wide array of amenities and activities designed to cater to various camping styles and family fun. It strives to provide a relaxing yet active environment, inviting Michiganders to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region while enjoying comfortable conveniences.

Northern Exposure Campground prides itself on its commitment to maintaining a clean and well-equipped facility. Visitors frequently highlight the cleanliness of the restrooms and the ease of check-in and booking processes, underscoring a dedication to guest satisfaction. While specific policies regarding personal vehicles like UTVs and ATVs are strictly enforced and should be noted by potential visitors, the campground's overall goal is to offer a memorable and enjoyable stay for campers of all ages, with a focus on providing diverse amenities and a generally peaceful atmosphere during quiet hours.

Northern Exposure Campground is located at 285 Manistee River Rd, Mesick, MI 49668, USA. This location places it within the picturesque landscapes of Wexford County, deep in the heart of Northern Michigan. For Michigan residents, this means a scenic drive that gradually transitions from more populated areas to the tranquil, forested environment that defines this beautiful part of the state. Mesick is a smaller community, offering a genuine escape from urban hustle.

The campground's position on Manistee River Road provides direct access to its expansive grounds. Its proximity to the Manistee River and Hodenpyl Pond offers significant advantages for those interested in water activities. While offering a sense of seclusion and immersion in nature, Northern Exposure is also conveniently located within a reasonable driving distance of larger Northern Michigan hubs. For instance, it's about 35 miles from Traverse City, 25 miles from Cadillac, and 30 miles from Manistee, making it an excellent base for day trips to explore regional attractions, shops, and dining. This balance of secluded natural beauty and regional accessibility makes it a very appealing option for Michigan locals seeking a comprehensive outdoor adventure.

Northern Exposure Campground offers a robust array of services and facilities designed to enhance the camping experience, catering to various needs from basic tenting to full RV hookups and cabin rentals.

• Diverse Campsites: The campground boasts 260 total sites, including 220 with water and electric hookups (30 Amp & 50 Amp service), 100 waterfront sites, and 40 primitive sites (first-come, first-served). They also offer pull-through sites with full water and electric, and spacious back-in sites. Each site generally includes a fire ring and picnic table.
• Cabin Rentals: For those seeking more comfort, cozy cabins are available for rent, though it's important to note that smoking/vaping and pets are not allowed in cabins.
• Clean Restrooms & Hot Showers: Widely praised by guests, the campground provides very clean restrooms with stalls and hot showers featuring good water pressure. These facilities are well-maintained for guest comfort.
• Laundry Facilities: A convenient laundromat is available on-site, a significant benefit for longer stays.
• Pizzeria & Arcade: An on-site pizzeria offers food options, and an arcade provides indoor entertainment, especially for children. The pizzeria typically operates on specific days (Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays during peak season).
• Expanded Camp Store: A well-stocked store is available, offering groceries, camping supplies, firewood, bait, ice, merchandise, and clothing, ensuring guests have access to essentials without leaving the park.
• Sanitary Dump Stations: Three sanitary dump stations are provided for RV waste disposal.
• Double-Sided Boat Launch: Direct access to Hodenpyl Pond via a double-sided boat launch is a significant amenity for boaters and paddlers.
• Water Rentals: Kayak and paddleboat rentals are available for enjoying the lake.
• Paved Roads: The campground features 3.5 miles of paved roads, making navigation easy within the park.
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available, though its reach may be better in certain areas.
• Pet-Friendly (with restrictions): Pets are welcome on campsites but must be kept on a leash, cleaned up after, and are not allowed on the beach or left unattended. They are also prohibited in cabins.

Northern Exposure Campground offers several key features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a dynamic and family-friendly destination in Northern Michigan.

• Extensive Waterfront Access: With 2.5 miles of shoreline on Hodenpyl Pond and 100 waterfront sites, direct access to water for fishing, swimming, and boating is a major highlight. The lake is noted as "beautiful and clean" and suitable for fishing (pike, walleye, bass, panfish) and swimming.
• Spacious Sites with Views: Sites are described as spacious, with many offering "panoramic views of an amazing lake with a backdrop of rolling hills." They aim to not "pack campers in like sardines."
• On-Site Pizzeria and Arcade: The convenience of having a pizzeria and arcade within the campground provides unique entertainment and dining options, especially appealing to families.
• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Consistently praised in reviews, the "very clean restrooms with stalls" and overall park cleanliness are significant features, reflecting the campground's commitment to guest comfort.
• Quiet Time Enforcement: The campground is noted for its strict enforcement of quiet hours (11 PM to 8 AM), ensuring a peaceful environment for all campers, especially after dark.
• Direct Trail Access: The campground has a "nice big trail you can enter from the campground," and is extending a 13-mile hiking trail along Hodenpyl Pond and through the park. It also provides access to the North Country Trail and nearby Manistee National Forest trails for hiking and mountain biking.
• Sports Facilities: Amenities like a full-size basketball court and beach volleyball provide ample opportunities for active recreation. Two playgrounds are also available for children.
• Award-Winning Fishing Area: The area is recognized for its "award-winning fishing," indicating excellent opportunities for anglers.
• Family-Oriented Atmosphere: With children's activities, multiple playgrounds, and a general focus on diverse recreation, the campground fosters a strong family-friendly environment.
• Accessibility for Various Vehicles (with rules): While personal UTVs/ATVs are generally not allowed to be ridden within the park (must be parked outside), the paved roads and diverse site types accommodate a range of RVs and trailers, including older models.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Northern Exposure Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 285 Manistee River Rd, Mesick, MI 49668, USA

Phone: (231) 885-1199

Mobile Phone: +1 231-885-1199

Northern Exposure Campground presents a compelling option for Michigan locals seeking a rich and varied outdoor experience. Its expansive 300-acre property in Mesick, complete with 2.5 miles of Hodenpyl Pond shoreline, offers an immersive natural setting that is both accessible and deeply peaceful. For Michiganders, this means a manageable drive to a true northern escape, providing a convenient way to disconnect and enjoy Michigan's renowned natural beauty.

What makes Northern Exposure particularly suitable for local families and groups is its impressive range of amenities and activities. The consistently clean restrooms and hot showers, alongside the convenience of an on-site pizzeria, arcade, and expanded camp store, elevate the camping experience beyond the basic. While it's crucial for visitors to be aware of and adhere to the specific rules regarding personal vehicles and quiet hours—which are strictly enforced to maintain the park's tranquil atmosphere—the sheer volume of offerings, including excellent fishing, water rentals, miles of hiking trails, and sports facilities, ensures there's something for everyone. This blend of natural beauty, extensive recreation, and comfortable facilities makes Northern Exposure Campground a highly recommended destination for Michigan residents looking to create lasting memories in their home state's beautiful northern region.

Northern Exposure

285 Manistee River Rd, Mesick, MI 49668, USA