Between Grand Rapids And Traverse City Is A Park Beauty For Camping, Water Fun, And Scenic Trails

Tippy Dam Recreation Area is a park in Northern Michigan that borders Tippy Dam Pond and the Manistee River and offers many opportunities for land and water fun. The tailwaters below the dam are among the best salmon fishing spots in the state, and are also a base camp for rustic camping, hiking, boating, and paddling. Tippy Dam Recreation Area is located two hours north of Grand Rapids, an hour south of Traverse City, and 45 minutes west of Cadillac.

While the average visitor comes here for the recreation, this hydroelectric dam is the second-largest in the state, churning out power to serve 6,500 customers. What most visitors won't notice — but might like to know — is that the dam spillways are also home to about 24,000 bats.

The Tippy Dam Recreation Area is surrounded by almost 1 million acres of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, one of the Midwest's most beautiful forests. The recreation area encompasses 117 acres — its boundaries hug the north and west sides of Tippy Dam Pond while also riding the east bank of the Manistee River, which flows uninterrupted all the way to Lake Michigan. North of the site, the national forest includes the Manistee River Trail, one of Michigan's top backpacking adventures.

Shoreline access to Tippy Dam Pond is made easy at the recreation area. A trail winds around the edge, with stairs leading to the riverbanks where anglers can wade in the water. Two boat launch areas, a fishing pier, and a fish cleaning station are right by the parking area. Primitive restrooms are also on site.

The backwaters at Tippy Dam Pond bring in enthusiasts year-round for fish including bass, walleye, trout, and pike. However, it's the fall salmon run in the tailwaters that really draws in the anglers. Spring brings the best time of year for steelhead, with trout making summer headlines. Winter anglers can expect salmon and steelhead and much less crowded riverbanks. A fishing license is required for everyone 17 years and older, and that's valid from March 1 of the current year until March 31 of the next year. It's worth noting that this waterway is a Type 3 Trout Stream. Don't worry about being an expert angler; options like Rippin Drag and ChromeSeekers offer guided fishing trips down the river. 

Paddlers can dump in on the west side of Tippy Dam Recreation Area, with an option to ride the National Recreation River as far as they want. High Bridge is a popular destination, about 6 miles down the river. That's also a way to connect with the North Country National Scenic Trail. Local vendors should be available at Tippy Dam Recreation Area for those who need rental gear.

Tucked into the woods on the north side of Tippy Dam Pond is a collection of 40 rustic campsites and one cabin big enough to fit six people. Each site is surrounded by trees, and some on the south side have water views. Campsites have fire pits, picnic tables, and are pet-friendly. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance. If the state campsites are full, try the Upper Manistee River backcountry campsites through the U.S. Forest Service.

A 2-mile trail connects the campsites, boat launches, fishing piers, and viewpoints. Hikers can enjoy the fall foliage, winter cross-country skiing, spring blooms, and summer shade while exploring the Tippy Dam Recreation Area. Follow the river all the way down to Lake Michigan and visit Manistee, a cozy city on a stretch of shoreline that's an underrated charmer.