We are Northland Outfitters Campground and Canoe/Kayak Livery. Nestled comfortably in a hug from the Manistique River, you will effortlessly feel at ease in your natural abode. With mature trees and water in every direction, our campground is something that only the hands of time and nature can create. Let us help you discover the Upper Peninsula by boat. Whether you are just wanting to get your toes wet, or seeking to dive right in for an extended venture through the Seney Wildlife Refuge, we are here to help gear you up for the perfect trip.

Dreaming of being nestled in the trees, with a flowing river curling around your campsite? We've got just that. Bring your RV or tent to camp in one of our beautiful, large sites - some located right on the Manistique River! Or, enjoy sleeping in one of our cozy camping cabins.

At Northland Outfitters people of all ages (pets too!) will enjoy a relaxing trip in a canoe or kayak down one of our beautiful rivers. Choose from day trips as short as 1 hour to overnight trips from 2 to 7 days. These canoe and kayak trips down the Fox or Manistique Rivers are perfect for those wishing to get away from it all.

2 1/2 Hour Manistique River - Ten Curves Trip. This river trip, covering a beautiful secluded 10 mile stretch of the Manistique River, is a favorite of both fishermen and recreational paddlers. Pike, Small Mouth Bass, Perch, Walleye, and even an occasional Brook Trout are among the species in these waters, which drain from Big Manistique Lake. Wildlife await the keen eyed and quiet paddler. Sandy strethes along the way make great spots for a picnic or a swim on a hot day. Early on this trip you will come to a very small dam, which requires you to portage around. This is a favorite place for young kids to play and chase after crayfish. We coin this trip the “Troll Stroll” where boaters float past Benny the Beard Fisher, and see his impressive form from the river.

There is also a 1 Hour Manistique River - Parkside Trip available from Northland Outfitters. Our shortest river trip is a good option for those who have limited time, limited experience, or may be introducing youngsters to kayaking. You get the beauty and seclusion of the Manistique River without having to paddle too far.

The river and settlement of Manistique was originally named Monistique, derived from Onamanitikong, a Native American word meaning “vermilion” that was applied to the river on account of the reddish hue of its water. Native Americans have lived in the forests and along the shores of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for thousands of years. The Anishinaabe — meaning “Original People” — migrated from west to east across North America to the Great Lakes. Today, they are known as the Ojibwa/Chippewa, Ottawa and Potawatomi. Their deep respect for the land and water still shapes the U.P. For centuries, they lived a subsistence lifestyle — farming, hunting, fishing and moving with the seasons. While their language, faith and traditions have evolved since Europeans arrived in the 1600s, the spirit of the First People endures.

Located in Germfask, Michigan, along the river near Northland Outfitters Campground, you'll find Benny The Beard Fisher, a remarkable creation by Thomas Dambo, a renowned "Recycle Art Activist" from Denmark. Benny, Michigan's first troll, is a unique gem crafted from recycled materials, such as pallets and tree branches. Dambo's trolls have attracted global attention, and now, Michiganders have the opportunity to meet one of these incredible creatures right in their state. For just $10, you can visit Benny, chat with him, capture stunning photos, and soak in the beautiful surroundings. It's a perfect day trip offering a chance to witness Dambo's artistic brilliance up close in a serene Northern Michigan setting.

From Thomas Dambo's website: Benny’s beard can reach across the pond and through the river. Long and strong the beard will wrap around you like a twister. Trolls can grow a beard both as a baby, miss, and mister. But any troll will envy that on Benny the Beard Fisher.