Tubbs Mainland

For Michigan residents yearning for a genuine, unpretentious outdoor experience, Tubbs Mainland Campground in Mecosta offers the perfect rustic retreat. Nestled within the expansive Martiny Flooding Area, this campground is a true gem for those who appreciate simplicity, tranquility, and direct access to some of Michigan's finest fishing and boating opportunities. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the everyday hustle and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our state.

Tubbs Mainland is part of the larger Tubbs Lake Campground, which is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and includes both a mainland and an island section. This particular section, Tubbs Mainland, embodies the spirit of traditional camping. As one delighted camper put it, "Love this place, its rustic but it's very enjoyable, it does have a hand pump for water and vault toilets." Another reviewer echoed the sentiment, calling it the "Best place ever to get some peace and quiet and enjoy the outdoors friendly people." These reviews highlight the core appeal of Tubbs Mainland: a quiet, friendly atmosphere ideal for enjoying Michigan's wilderness.

With 33 rustic sites primarily for tent and small trailer use, Tubbs Mainland is designed for campers who prefer a more primitive setting. This means no electric hookups at individual sites, fostering a truly unplugged experience. The campground's charm lies in its back-to-basics approach, encouraging campers to embrace the sounds of nature, the warmth of a campfire, and the simple joy of outdoor living. It's a testament to Michigan's enduring appeal as a camping destination, offering an authentic escape for those who cherish peace and quiet.

Location and Accessibility

Tubbs Mainland Campground is located at 5310-5398 Birch Haven Dr, Mecosta, MI 49332, USA. This address places it squarely within Mecosta County, a region in Michigan's Lower Peninsula celebrated for its interconnected chain of lakes and vast natural areas. It sits within the DNR-managed Martiny Lake State Game Area, which encompasses 7,660 acres and includes eight interconnected lakes.

The campground's location offers excellent accessibility for Michigan residents, particularly those interested in fishing and boating. It provides direct waterfront rustic camping on the Martiny Chain of Lakes, which is locally famous for its endless opportunities for angling and relaxation. Several boat ramps around the Martiny Chain of Lakes offer convenient access to Tubbs Lake (from both the mainland and island sections), Big Evans Lake, and Lower Evans Lake. Channels connect Big Evans, Saddlebag, Boom, Lost, Tubbs, Dogfish, Bullhead, and Manaka Lakes, making it a boater's paradise (weather and vegetation permitting). The roads leading to Tubbs Mainland are generally navigable for tents and small trailers, ensuring a relatively smooth journey for those seeking this rustic escape.

Services Offered

Tubbs Mainland Campground provides essential services for a rustic camping experience, focusing on connecting campers with nature while offering fundamental conveniences:

• Rustic Campsites: Approximately 33 sites available for tent and small trailer use, offering a natural and unpowered camping experience.
• Vault Toilets: Primitive, non-flush restroom facilities are provided for camper convenience.
• Potable Water from Hand Pump: Drinking water is available from a well hand pump, requiring manual operation. This adds to the rustic charm and self-sufficiency of the camping experience.
• Boat Launch: Direct access to the Martiny Chain of Lakes via a boat launch, ideal for those bringing their own watercraft.
• Fishing Access: Excellent opportunities for fishing directly from the campground or by boat on the interconnected lakes, which are abundant with various fish species like Bass, Bluegill, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Warmouth, Pumpkinseed, Black Crappie, Bullhead, and Dogfish.
• No Reservations: Sites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering spontaneity for Michigan campers.

Features / Highlights

Tubbs Mainland Campground stands out for several features that make it a compelling choice for Michigan outdoor enthusiasts:

• Rustic and Enjoyable Atmosphere: As highlighted by visitors, the campground offers a genuinely rustic feel that many find highly enjoyable, perfect for unplugging and enjoying simple pleasures.
• Peace and Quiet: A major draw for this campground, it's celebrated for providing a serene environment ideal for relaxation and escaping noise.
• Direct Access to Martiny Chain of Lakes: This chain of eight interconnected lakes is a significant highlight, offering extensive opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lakes are renowned for their diverse fish populations, making it a prime spot for anglers.
• Watchable Wildlife: The area is an important nesting ground for wood ducks and bald eagles. Osprey, swans, geese, and other waterfowl also inhabit the flooding, providing fantastic opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
• Unique Wild Rice Stand: Tubbs Lake features a naturally occurring stand of wild rice, which is uncommon in Michigan and provides a unique ecological highlight.
• Friendly People: Reviews note the welcoming and friendly atmosphere created by fellow campers and potentially campground staff, contributing to a positive experience.
• Boat Launch On-Site: Facilitates easy access to the lakes for boating enthusiasts.
• Back-to-Basics Camping: The presence of vault toilets and a hand pump for water reinforces a traditional, more primitive camping style, appealing to those who prefer less developed sites.
• Suitable for Tents and Small Trailers: The site design caters to a specific type of camping, ensuring a harmonious environment for similar-sized setups.

Contact Information

For Michigan residents interested in visiting Tubbs Mainland Campground, direct contact information for this specific site might be managed by the larger DNR unit responsible for the Martiny Lake State Game Area. Based on available public data, the general contact for Tubbs Lake Campground, which includes Tubbs Mainland, is often associated with the Michigan DNR's Cadillac Management Unit.

• Address: 5310-5398 Birch Haven Dr, Mecosta, MI 49332, USA (This is the specific address for Tubbs Mainland).
• While a direct phone number for "Tubbs Mainland" specifically isn't readily available, for general inquiries related to DNR-managed rustic campgrounds in the area, you might contact the Michigan DNR office responsible for this region. (Phone number information was not consistently found for the specific "Tubbs Mainland" entity, but rather for a larger "Tubbs Lake Campground" or DNR region.)

Given that sites are on a first-come, first-served basis, calling ahead for reservations is typically not an option. However, contacting the Michigan DNR (Department of Natural Resources) for the Mecosta County area or checking their website for "Tubbs Lake Campground" can provide the most current information on conditions, availability trends, and general guidelines.

Conclusion: Why Tubbs Mainland is Suitable for Locals

For Michigan locals, Tubbs Mainland Campground offers an authentic and highly desirable rustic camping experience. Its unpowered, back-to-basics approach, complete with vault toilets and a hand pump for water, appeals directly to those who seek genuine outdoor immersion and a break from modern conveniences. This style of camping fosters a deeper connection with nature, encouraging campers to embrace simplicity and self-reliance.

The primary draw for many Michigan residents will undoubtedly be the direct access to the Martiny Chain of Lakes. This vast network of interconnected lakes provides unparalleled opportunities for fishing, boating (especially for smaller, non-motorized crafts or those on no-wake waters), and exceptional wildlife viewing, including bald eagles and various waterfowl. For anglers, the diverse fish populations promise rewarding days on the water. The "peace and quiet" frequently mentioned by visitors is a valuable commodity, making Tubbs Mainland an ideal escape from the noise and stress of daily life.

Choosing Tubbs Mainland means embracing a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere where fellow campers often share a similar appreciation for the outdoors. Its first-come, first-served policy offers flexibility for spontaneous trips, allowing Michiganders to seize the moment and enjoy the natural beauty of their home state whenever the urge strikes. For a truly rustic, peaceful, and fish-rich camping adventure in Michigan, Tubbs Mainland is an excellent and highly recommended local destination.

Tubbs Mainland

5310-5398 Birch Haven Dr, Mecosta, MI 49332, USA