Twin Oaks Campground

The Great Outdoors

When you search for RV rentals in Manistee County, it's likely because you have fishing, rafting, and hiking in mind. The Big Manistee River has earned a well-deserved reputation for steelhead fishing when the fish swim upstream on their spring run. For trout fishing, the Pine River is hard to beat. Designated as a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream by Michigan's Department of Natural Resources, the Pine River's cold and clear water harbors native brook, brown, and rainbow trout.The Pine River also earns accolades as a National Wild and Scenic River. As one of the fastest rivers in Michigan, it attracts whitewater enthusiasts to sections with Class II rapids. Sharp bends, drops of around ten feet per mile, and short, choppy riffles make navigating it all the more challenging. For a more peaceful float on fast-moving waters in the middle of the wilderness, the Big Manistee River is a more fitting destination.Rent a camper near Twin Oaks Campground, and the nearly one-million-acre Huron-Manistee National Forest is right in your backyard. Recreation opportunities in the forest overflow whatever the season. Hiking trails range from short and easy to backcountry and challenging. One of the in-between trails is the Manistee River Trail, following the east shore of the Manistee River through rolling terrain for close to nine miles. What makes this popular among hikers is the surprise waterfall close to the trail's northern end.Mountain bikers also have several choices ranging in length from less than ten (the multi-use Eagle Run Trail) to longer than 100 miles (the North Country Trail). The sandy base of the forest, its topography, and the combination of both make for some moderate to strenuous rides. If you're into rock and fossil-collecting and even gold-panning, try your hand at areas open to the public, and you just might get lucky.The North Country National Scenic Trail winds through seven states for approximately 4,600 miles. You can pick up the trail in White Cloud or Kalkaska about 90 minutes' drive either way by Wellston camper rental. After that, it's all up to you whether to do a section hike or a thru-hike. Whichever challenge you choose, expect to step into historical sites along the way, spot birds, and marvel at the red and golden colors of fall. In some places, you will find yourself standing on the shores of glacial-carved streams and lakes.

Exploring the Area

Fishing, canoeing, and hiking give you an idea of Wellston's lay of the land, but to introduce you to the history of Manistee County, a self-guided historical tour of the downtown and commercial district of Manistee is in order. Start at the Manistee County Historical Museum on River Street to survey the 27 historic buildings and two bridges that make up the collection. Then complete your journey back in time with a visit to the SS City of Milwaukee, a historic car ferry decommissioned in the 1980s.Other museums in the county include the Bottle House Museum in Kaleva, the Historical Museum of Arcadia, and the Museum and Pioneer Place in Marilla. The first is exactly what it says on the label: a house made of chipped or flawed bottles built in the early 1940s by the owner of the local pop bottling factory. The Arcadia Area Historical Museum is housed in a Victorian home built in the 1880s, with many artifacts and furniture depicting the local history. Marilla celebrates its pioneering traditions built on agriculture and logging.All the walking around could make you thirsty and hungry, so why not round out a busy day of sightseeing with a self-guided brew and spirits tour? Several establishments located throughout the city participate in this program, so you may need to designate a driver and take your rental motorhome for a spin around town.While you're at it, have a go at the wine-growing region in and around Traverse City some 90 minutes' drive north of the campground. Here you'll have a chance to roam the vineyards, contemplate at the lake, and sip sparkling wine. So what are you waiting for? Book an RV rental in Wellston, Michigan today, and give a toast to the good life on the road.