Red Bridge River Access

red bridge manistee river trail

Are you a Michigander who lives for the thrill of the trail, the tranquility of a river float, or the challenge of world-class fishing? Then Red Bridge River Access in Harrietta, Michigan, is a name you need to know. More than just a campground, this site serves as a vital gateway to some of our state's most cherished natural resources, offering an authentic and unforgettable outdoor experience in the heart of the Huron-Manistee National Forests.

Red Bridge River Access is renowned among locals as a primary launch point for adventures along the magnificent Manistee River and the extensive Manistee River Trail. It's a place where seasoned backpackers find their challenge and paddlers begin their scenic journeys. While it offers a rustic camping experience, its strategic location and the sheer beauty of the surrounding landscape make it a highly sought-after destination for those who truly appreciate Michigan's wild side.

Visitors consistently praise the incredible views and the accessibility of this site. Whether you're dropping in kayaks for a leisurely float, embarking on a multi-day backpacking trip, or simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere, Red Bridge provides the perfect starting point. The dedication of the managing authorities, as suggested by "very well maintained even with the cuts in hours and pay," ensures that even in its rustic form, the access point remains a high-quality resource for public enjoyment.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Red Bridge River Access, specifically tailored for Michigan residents. We’ll delve into its vital location, the essential services it provides, its unique features and highlights, and ultimately, why it remains an indispensable hub for countless outdoor enthusiasts across our beautiful state.

Location and Accessibility

Red Bridge River Access is strategically located on N Coates Hwy, Harrietta, MI 49638, USA. This places it deep within the expansive Huron-Manistee National Forests, a vast area renowned for its dense woodlands, pristine waterways, and abundant wildlife. Harrietta is a small community in Wexford County, perfectly positioned to serve as a base for exploring this incredible natural region.

For Michigan locals, reaching Red Bridge River Access is a relatively straightforward drive. The site is accessible via well-maintained state and county roads, transitioning into forest roads as you approach. While it offers a feeling of being remote and immersed in nature, it's not so isolated as to be difficult to find or reach for those traveling from various parts of the state. Directions typically involve traveling east on M-55, then north on High Bridge Rd, and finally east on Coates Hwy, leading directly to the site.

The primary highlight of its location is its direct interface with the Manistee River and the Manistee River Trail. This immediate access makes it an ideal launch point for a variety of water activities, from kayaking and canoeing to world-class fishing. The site also serves as a crucial access point for the 23-mile Manistee River Trail, which forms a loop with a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail, offering some of Michigan's most breathtaking hiking and backpacking experiences.

Ample parking options are available, including a dedicated parking lot shared as a boat launch, and additional roadside parking, making it convenient for those with trailers or multiple vehicles. This ease of access, combined with its profound natural setting, establishes Red Bridge River Access as a prime hub for outdoor adventure in Northern Michigan.

Services Offered

Red Bridge River Access provides essential services and facilities focused on supporting river-based recreation and rustic camping within the Huron-Manistee National Forests:

• Designated Campsites: The site includes approximately 4 free, single campsites, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. These are simple, rustic spots suitable for tent camping and offer a direct connection to nature.
• Boat Launch: A concrete boat ramp is available, allowing for easy launching of motorized and non-motorized crafts up to 25 feet, including fishing boats, bass boats, dinghies, electric boats, flat boats, Jon boats, canoes, and kayaks.
• Ample Parking: There is designated parking for vehicles with boat trailers, with a capacity for about 25 vehicles, and additional roadside parking options available for hikers and paddlers.
• Vault Toilets: The site is equipped with vault toilets, providing basic restroom facilities. These are noted to be well-maintained.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available at the site, an essential service for campers and day-users.
• Picnic Area: While specific picnic tables per site might be limited, the area often includes spots suitable for picnicking, with some sources indicating 4 picnic sites (first-come, first-served).
• River Access: Beyond the boat launch, there are easy access points to the Manistee River for pick-up/drop-off for kayak rentals or simply wading into the river.
• Trail Access: The site provides direct access to the Manistee River Trail and connects to the broader North Country National Scenic Trail, offering extensive hiking and backpacking opportunities.
• No Fees for Camping/Day Use: A significant advantage for locals, camping and day-use at Red Bridge River Access are generally free, making it a highly affordable outdoor option.

Features / Highlights

Red Bridge River Access is celebrated for several key features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Michigan locals:

• Premier Manistee River Access: Its primary highlight is its direct and easy access to the Manistee River, a nationally designated National Recreation River. This provides superb opportunities for freshwater fishing (salmon, steelhead, various trout, walleye), as well as boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
• Gateway to Manistee River Trail: The site is a crucial trailhead for the Manistee River Trail, which forms a challenging and rewarding 23-mile loop with a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail. This makes it ideal for day hiking and multi-day backpacking trips, offering some of "the most beautiful views in Michigan!"
• Rustic and Authentic Camping: With only 4 designated primitive campsites, Red Bridge offers a true rustic camping experience. It's not about luxury, but about immersing oneself in nature, which appeals to experienced backpackers and those seeking a quiet, no-frills stay.
• Exceptional Natural Beauty: Surrounded by the vast Huron-Manistee National Forests, visitors are treated to stunning scenic views, particularly along the river and trails. The mention of "beautiful views" by a returning backpacker underscores its aesthetic appeal.
• Free Usage: The absence of fees for camping and day use makes Red Bridge an incredibly accessible and valuable resource for all Michiganders, offering high-quality outdoor recreation at no cost.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite being a rustic site, reviews indicate that the facilities, including vault toilets, are "very well maintained," suggesting a high standard of care from the managing rangers.
• Easy River Exit Point: For those floating the Manistee River, Red Bridge is noted as "Super easy to identify as your exit from the river," providing a clear and convenient take-out point for various float durations.
• Backpacking Challenge (and Reward): As one reviewer highlighted, while not "entry level," the backpacking opportunities offer an "awesome trip" with rewarding views, appealing to seasoned adventurers looking for a challenge.

Contact Information

Red Bridge River Access is managed by the Huron-Manistee National Forests. For information regarding current conditions, regulations, or general inquiries about the site and surrounding forest, you can contact the managing ranger district:

Address: N Coates Hwy, Harrietta, MI 49638, USA

Phone: (231) 723-2211

Mobile Phone: +1 231-723-2211

It's important to note that while this phone number connects you to the forest service, specific campsite reservations for Red Bridge are typically handled through the Recreation.gov system, or, in the case of its few rustic sites, they may operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The information from the Huron-Manistee National Forests' official page confirms that its single campsites (4 of them) are often first-come, first-served, and have "No Fee." However, larger "Upper Manistee River Backwater Sites" which are sometimes associated with this area, can be reserved via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-6777. Given that it's a popular access point, calling ahead to confirm any specific closures, alerts, or changes in access is always a good idea, especially during peak seasons or before embarking on a long backpacking trip.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

Red Bridge River Access in Harrietta, MI, is an exceptionally suitable and highly valued destination for Michigan locals, embodying the adventurous spirit and natural beauty that defines our state's outdoor offerings. Its unique combination of direct river and trail access, rustic charm, and affordability makes it a premier choice for a wide range of outdoor activities.

For Michiganders, the site’s unparalleled access to the Manistee River is a major draw. Whether you're an avid angler seeking salmon and steelhead, a family planning a leisurely kayak trip, or a group organizing a multi-hour float, Red Bridge provides the ideal entry and exit points. This direct connection to one of Michigan's most celebrated rivers means more time enjoying the water and less time on logistics, a key benefit for local recreationalists.

Furthermore, Red Bridge serves as a vital trailhead for the Manistee River Trail, offering some of the most challenging and rewarding backpacking experiences in Michigan. As noted by a returning backpacker, the "most beautiful views in Michigan" found along this trail are a testament to the area’s stunning natural beauty, appealing deeply to those who seek an immersive wilderness experience. Even for day hikers, the accessibility to this extensive trail system is a significant advantage.

The rustic nature of the camping spots, combined with the fact that they are free and well-maintained, aligns perfectly with the preferences of many Michiganders who seek authentic, no-frills outdoor adventures. It’s a place that prioritizes direct engagement with nature over commercial amenities, fostering a sense of peace and genuine escape.

In essence, Red Bridge River Access is more than just a roadside stop; it’s a vital hub for adventure, a testament to the beauty of Michigan's public lands, and a testament to the quality of a well-maintained rustic site. For any Michigander looking to hike, paddle, fish, or simply immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, Red Bridge River Access is an indispensable and highly recommended starting point.

Red Bridge River Access

N Coates Hwy, Harrietta, MI 49638, USA