Welcome to Northern Exposure Campground, Michigan’s premiere “Up-North” Camping Experience. The campground is located in Mesick, MI on 300 wooded acres, including 2.5 miles of coastline on the Hodenpyle Pond.

In the 1920’s, Consumer’s Energy constructed a dam across the Manistee River to accommodate the growing electric needs of a blossoming community. The Hodenpyle Dam flooded Fletcher Valley, creating a “pond” that is currently 8 miles long and up to 1.5 miles wide. The Federal Government (Federal Electric Regulatory Commission, or FERC) mandated that the land surrounding the new pond be used for public recreation. Northern Exposure was born! To this day, we remain as the only [human] inhabitants on this great expanse of water.

In an effort to bring tourism to the Mesick area, we started leasing the land from Consumer’s Energy as a non-profit organization in the late 1950’s. Our Board of Director’s consists of volunteers, some of whom have served for over 30 years.

Over the past 10 years there have been countless improvements to the campground, including 3.5 miles of paved roads, water to each campsite, 50-amp and pull-through sites have been added, and 2/3 of the campground has been redesigned to widen and lengthen sites. The North County Trail is extending their hiking trail 13 miles along Hodenpyle Pond and through the park. All to bring you a more enjoyable camping experience.

At Northern Exposure, we do not pack campers in like sardines. Every site is spacious, offering panoramic views of an amazing lake with a backdrop of rolling hills.

Even with all of these amenities we have managed to keep our rental fees affordable because every penny we make goes right back into the park. Each time you stay with us, you help to improve the campground for your next visit. It is our customers who have built one of the best campgrounds in Northern Michigan, and we thank you for that.

– Charlie Maidens, Park Director