Cedar River flows through Menominee County and empties into Green Bay on Lake Michigan at the community of Cedar River along M-35. The state harbor at the mouth provides direct access to Lake Michigan, while the upper river is navigable by kayak and canoe through heavily wooded state forest land.
Where is Cedar River in Michigan?
Is there a boat launch on Cedar River?
Can you kayak on Cedar River?
Are there campgrounds on Cedar River?
How do I get to the Cedar River State Forest Campground?
What is the Cedar River State Harbor like?
Are there beaches near Cedar River?
Are bugs bad at Cedar River?
Is Cedar River quiet for camping?
Cedar River is a river in Menominee County that flows into Lake Michigan — not a traditional inland lake, but a significant waterway with two launches, a state harbor, and a loyal following among UP campers and anglers. The river itself is moderate-sized, not too fast or deep, and winds through heavily wooded terrain before meeting Green Bay at the small community of Cedar River along M-35. Smallmouth bass fishing is good around the campground area, with decent trout fishing reported further upriver.
The real draw here is the Cedar River State Harbor at the mouth, which serves as both a Lake Michigan launch and a gateway to exploring the river by kayak or dinghy. The harbor is well-equipped — electricity, water, showers, laundry, and courtesy bicycles — and can handle boats up to 24 feet. Upstream, the Cedar River North State Forest Campground is the opposite experience: deeply rustic, pit toilets, pump water, and so quiet you might have the whole place to yourself. J.W. Wells State Park is nearby for beach access on Lake Michigan. Fair warning: bugs can be brutal in early summer — ticks, horse flies, and mosquitoes are no joke here — and do NOT trust Google Maps to route you to the campground. Take M-35 to 551 and follow the signs.