State Forest · Michigan
Rapid River Trail Camp
State Forest · Michigan, United States
- Season
- Year-round
- Cost
- Group rates apply; a Recreation Passport is required on the vehicle
- Group sites
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Showers
- No
- Elevation
- 1,060 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 4
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile good · AT&T good · Verizon good (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Phone
- 231-922-5270
Site map
The imagery of the campground. Press and hold the map to drop your own pins and notes; the operator publishes no site points here. Your ratings, notes, pins and photos are kept with the campground on your Saved list, the same list the camping map and the drive page keep.
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About
Designed for equestrian campers, this spacious and sunny group campground, shaded by majestic oaks and pines, offers direct access to the renowned Shore-to-Shore Trail. Riders can explore 420 miles of scenic routes, including the beautiful 19.2-mile stretch to Schecks Trail Camp along a picturesque river (be aware of sandy sections). Accommodating up to 200 people, the campground features a submersible pump for water, requiring a 5,000-watt generator.
If the group will utilize multiple campgrounds along the trail, please contact the Cadillac Operations Service Center at 231-775-9727, ext. 6006. This campground is maintained with the help of the Michigan Trail Riders Association.
The campground is located 3 miles north of Kalkaska via Metzgar Road.
A group camp (equestrian - group); group rates apply. Open all year; the road may not be plowed in winter. First come, first served; register at the campground kiosk on the day you arrive. Vault toilets and a hand-pump well for drinking water; no electricity or hookups. One camping unit and six people per site, 15 nights at most. Managed from Traverse City State Park (231-922-5270).
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26° | 15° | -14° | 43° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 27° | 13° | -9° | 47° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 38° | 22° | 7° | 65° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 51° | 34° | 9° | 80° | 9 of 11 |
| May | 65° | 44° | 27° | 80° | 2 of 11 |
| June | 71° | 52° | 42° | 91° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 79° | 61° | 53° | 89° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 76° | 61° | 53° | 86° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 72° | 55° | 42° | 84° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 54° | 43° | 33° | 72° | 0 of 10 |
| November | 40° | 32° | 10° | 60° | 9 of 10 |
| December | 32° | 21° | 3° | 59° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground · State Forest · 7 mi · 35 sites
- Whitewater Township Park Campground · City, County & Regional Parks · 11 mi · 55 sites
- Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground · State Forest · 11 mi · 13 sites
- Forks State Forest Campground · State Forest · 12 mi · 9 sites
- CCC Bridge State Forest Campground · State Forest · 14 mi · 31 sites
All public campgrounds in Michigan · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-09-17. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.