Farquar-Metsa Tourist Park
Campground
4.5 (138)
150 W Iron St, Gwinn, MI 49841
Picnic tablesPublic restroom
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Township River Park And Booked CampgroundMI
Farquar-Metsa Park
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Farquar-Metsa Park: Escanaba River Swimming and Campground Rules. Confirm the exact entrance, manager rules, fees and services before travel.
Swimming restriction
Manager-listed swimming, fishing, hiking, canoeing, bicycling and picnicking; confirm intended authorized swimming bank and current conditions. Manager publishes park closure 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.; confirm seasonal campsite and swimming availability with host.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Township River Park And Booked Campground
Access
Informal
Fee
Consult the township's linked current tourist-park rates. Swimming/day-use registration terms require host confirmation; no universal free-access amount assumed.
Best season
Manager publishes park closure 10 p.m. to 7 a.m
Nearby towns
Marquette, Gwinn
Water body
Escanaba River
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Marquette, Gwinn
Access location not verified
GWINN, MI
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Farquar-Metsa Park
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
A township park with real swimming and camping services
Farquar-Metsa Tourist Park in Gwinn is a Forsyth Township destination on the Escanaba River. The current township page explicitly includes swimming among its amenities, alongside fishing, hiking, canoeing and day-use picnic space. Its campground is a separate booked stay, not evidence that every river reach is a beach.
Use the township's current address and contact
The manager lists 150 W Iron Street, Gwinn, and reservations/information at 906-250-1081. Confirm the day-use swimming approach and any registration or fee requirement with the host; do not guess that campground booking is mandatory for every daytime visit.
Choose the campsite type before reserving
The township lists 20 full-hookup sites, two electric-only sites and 13 primitive tent sites, with reservations required. Hot showers, restrooms, Wi-Fi and a dump station are campground services. Confirm how day visitors may use them rather than promising unrestricted pool-side amenities.
Check actual rules and river conditions
The manager says the park is closed from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., with 3 p.m. check-in and 1 p.m. checkout for camping. Its current page links a rules document labelled 2023, so ask the host about current pet/visitor restrictions and rates. Swimming is supported, but no lifeguard service, inspected jumping ledge or current water-quality clearance is advertised.
Check the destination information
A wooded river view in the gallery
The historical photograph shows moving water, exposed rock ledges and a wooded bank. It adds river-setting context, not a surveyed bathing approach or permission to jump from the rocks. The township's swimming activity listing remains separate from the condition of this pictured reach. Ask about current access and conditions, and do not infer water depth, a clear landing or campground availability from the photograph.
Getting There
Use the current township address 150 W Iron Street, Gwinn, and ask the campground host for day-use water access. Do not replace this park with a similarly spelled or differently located record.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Use the current township address 150 W Iron Street, Gwinn, and ask the campground host for day-use water access. Do not replace this park with a similarly spelled or differently located record.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Manager-listed swimming, fishing, hiking, canoeing, bicycling and picnicking; confirm intended authorized swimming bank and current conditions. Manager publishes park closure 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.; confirm seasonal campsite and swimming availability with host. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
First Falls
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Natural Resources Department, Gwinn Field Office
Government office
4.1 (7)
410 W State Highway, M-35, Gwinn, MI 49841
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Parking lot
257 M-35, Gwinn, MI 49841
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Restroom
Public bathroom
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Frequently Asked Questions About Farquar-Metsa Park
Does Farquar-Metsa officially offer swimming?
Yes. Forsyth Township lists swimming on the Escanaba River among park amenities. Confirm the intended bank, current flow and any posted restrictions.
Must day visitors reserve a campsite to swim?
The current page requires camping reservations but does not resolve every day-use swimming registration term. Ask the host rather than assuming a campsite is necessary.
What address should we use?
The township lists 150 W Iron Street, Gwinn. The published reservations and information number is 906-250-1081.
What campsites are available?
The manager lists 20 full-hookup sites, two electric-only sites and 13 primitive tent sites, with reservations required.
Are showers and restrooms available?
The campground advertises hot showers and restrooms. Confirm whether day visitors may use campground services; they should not be assigned to every riverbank.
What are the park's nighttime and camping times?
The township says the park is closed from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Camping check-in is 3 p.m. and checkout 1 p.m.; confirm arrangements with the host.
Highlights
Clear river swimming
Picturesque wooded surroundings
RV-friendly campground
Seasonal wildlife sightings
Nearby historical attractions
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid jumping, diving, natural slides and high or rising flow
- A recreation listing or clear appearance is not a water-quality or depth guarantee
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Historical directions are retained separately; use current manager instructions for travel.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
The reviewed historical gallery shows a wooded river setting and exposed ledges. It does not establish a designated entry, clear landing, campsite availability or today's river conditions.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow current manager routes and fire restrictions, respect private parcels and pack out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Manager publishes park closure 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.; confirm seasonal campsite and swimming availability with host.
Difficulty Level
Use the intended legal route and confirm mobility needs; no surveyed accessible bathing entry established.
Fee
Consult the township's linked current tourist-park rates. Swimming/day-use registration terms require host confirmation; no universal free-access amount assumed.
Facilities
Township lists picnic tables and pavilion, plus campground hot showers/restrooms, Wi-Fi and dump station. Confirm day-visitor access to campground facilities. No lifeguard service advertised.
Activities
Manager-listed swimming, fishing, hiking, canoeing, bicycling and picnicking; confirm intended authorized swimming bank and current conditions.
Phone
906-250-1081
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Reservations required: 20 full-hookup sites, two electric-only sites, 13 primitive tent sites. Published check-in 3 p.m., checkout 1 p.m.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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