Tippy Dam State Recreation Area

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Tippy Dam State Recreation Area World class fishing abounds at Tippy Dam State Recreation Area on the Big Manistee River. Tippy Dam on the Big Manistee River is a world-class fishing hotspot.

It offers year-round fishing opportunities for species such as trout, walleye, steelhead, and salmon. A 38-site rustic campground and one rustic cabin are within walking distance of the river. The campground overlooks the Tippy Dam Backwaters, which offer a variety of recreational activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The Recreation Passport is required for entry in all state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trail heads, and boat access sites. To get your Recreation Passport , Michigan Residents just check "YES" on their license plate renewal form. Non-residents can purchase a Recreation Passport online or at the State Park/Recreation Area. For more information visit:
www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport

**Attention Paddlers**PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY For the remainder of 2026, the logistics for vehicle spotting has changed....
05/27/2026

**Attention Paddlers**
PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY

For the remainder of 2026, the logistics for vehicle spotting has changed. With the downriver High Bridge boat access site being inaccessible from the north due to road washout, you will now be required to spot your vehicle via the following route:

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

05/17/2026

Attention campers, following DNR Parks and Recreation Policy, campsites must be occupied within 24 hours of your arrival date, and if not checked in by 3 PM the next day, your campsite will be automatically moved to “No-show”, canceling your stay.

Please plan accordingly, and make modifications to your booking if you are not able to arrive on your arrival date.

This policy will be enforced consistently across all State Parks.

04/20/2026

Fish on!!

The Rec Area day use is open!

04/19/2026
04/16/2026
04/16/2026

Tippy Dam Rec Area is closed to access until further notice. No conditions have changed, this is out of an excess of caution. Consumers side is also closed.

The campground, and the hiking trails up above, will remain open but access to the river is what is restricted. So as long as you are a registered camper, you are good to access the campground.

04/14/2026

For those of you traveling north to Tippy, High Bridge Rd will be closed for the foreseeable future, as a good portion washed out just north of the bridge.

Off of M55, Warfield to Coates will be your best route of travel.

Address

1500 Dilling Road
Brethren, MI
49619

Telephone

+12318484880

Website

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