Betsie River in Benzie & Manistee County
Betsie River
Meandering throughout Benzie & Manistee County
Betsie River has a steady, swift current to keep you moving. It is a very crooked river with many overhanging trees. There is one designated portage (about 200 feet long) which is Homestead Falls. The Betsie River is a state designated wild and scenic natural river. From Thompsonville down to Fred’s Landing the water depth averages 2-3 feet. This same stretch of river is bordered by hardwood-covered hills which drop off to the river bottom of conifers. The river drops down into Manistee County for a few miles, then enters Benzie county again at County Line Road #602.
Many small streams run into the river where the trout like to feed, and hide in the log jams from the old logging days. Trout are easily fished by canoe or from shore. From Fred’s Landing to Homestead Dam (now known as Homestead Falls) the river has been altered from floodwaters of the past hydro elastic dam and some sand bars may occur. The river from Homestead Falls to the second bridge on River Road becomes deeper and wider. This section is the easiest to canoe. From second bridge on River Road to Frankfort the river passes through a wildlife sanctuary and some open marsh to the mouth of the river.
Betsie Lake Access
Site Amenities: – Parking Fee: Yes – Parking Area – Fishing Platform – Information station – Paved boat launch – Drinking Water Available GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE
Betsie Valley Access
Site Amenities: – Parking Fee: Yes – Parking Area – Fishing Platform – Information station – Parking Area GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE
River Road Access
Site Amenities: – Parking Fee: Yes – Parking Area – Toilets – Paved Boat Launch – Parking Area GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE
Grace Road Access
Site Amenities: – Parking Fee: Yes – Parking Area – Toilets – Paved Boat Launch – Parking Area GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE
Homestead Dam
Site Amenities: – Parking Fee: Yes – Information Station – Toilets – Paved Boat Launch – Parking Area – Camping Available – Drinking Water Available GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE
Fred's Landing
Site Amenities: – Parking Fee: Yes – Parking Area – Toilets – Boat Launch – Parking Area GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE
County Line Road
Site Amenities: – Parking Fee: No – Parking Area GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE
Dzubanek/Kurick Road
Site Amenities: – Parking Fee: No – Parking Area GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE
Haze Road
Site Amenities: – Parking Fee: Yes – Parking Area (fee applies) – Rentals Available (Tubes, Kayaks, Canoes, Rafts) – Shuttle Service Available (fee) – River Guide/Information – Picnic Area (for customer use) – General Store GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE
Wolf Road
Site Amenities: – Parking Fee: No – Parking Area – Paved boat launch GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE
Long/Meadow Road
Site Amenities: – Parking Fee: No – Parking Area GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE
Grass Lake Forest Campground
Site Amenities: – Parking Fee: No – Parking Area – Toilets – Information Station GET DIRECTIONS TO THIS SITE
