How much does camping cost at Peterson Bridge?

Camping fees at Peterson Bridge are $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Peterson Bridge first-come first-served or reservation?

Peterson Bridge accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Peterson Bridge before I book?

Yes! Peterson Bridge has 28 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Peterson Bridge?

Peterson Bridge is open April 25 to October 12. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Peterson Bridge?

Peterson Bridge does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Peterson Bridge have?

Peterson Bridge has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Peterson Bridge?

Yes, pets are allowed at Peterson Bridge. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Peterson Bridge?

Peterson Bridge offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Peterson Bridge

4.41

41 reviews

Highway 3T @ Pine River Bridge, South of Highway 55, Wellston, MI 49689, USA

Top 8% in MIFall

B+Report Card

FishingTent Camping

Featured in:Fishing Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

892 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from April 25, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on American Land and Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

892 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from April 25, ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on American Land and Leisure Official Website

Get Directions

Peterson Bridge

$35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CS-TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $35.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

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I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Highway 3T @ Pine River Bridge, South of Highway 55, Wellston, MI 49689, USA

Peterson Bridge

Highway 3T @ Pine River Bridge, South of Highway 55, Wellston, MI 49689, USA

Nearby places

Baldwin, MI - 21 miles

Wellston, MI - approximately 1.5 miles

Driving directionsFrom Baldwin, MI: Take State Rt. 37 north about 21 miles to the campground sign (just before Pine River bridge). Turn right into the campground. From the north: follow M-37 south 1.5 miles from its junction with M-55. Turn left into the area after crossing the bridge over the Pine River. From the south: follow M-37 north 21.5 miles from Baldwin. Turn right into the area prior to crossing the bridge over the Pine River.

Weather at Peterson Bridge

Best Time to Camp at Peterson Bridge

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of cooler days (typically 40–65°F), dramatic hardwood color along the Pine River, and thinner crowds — perfect for scenic paddling, trout fishing at its peak, and photography. Water levels are usually lower and more predictable than spring runoff, making sections of the river safer for experienced paddlers while still providing exciting current. Weekdays in September and early October feel quiet compared with mid‑summer weekends, but note the campground closes on Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in MI

Overview: 'Best season: fall' for dramatic hardwood color and thinner crowds; reviewers agree.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 25 to October 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 25, 2025, to October 12, 2025, with reservations available starting June 24, 2025.

About Peterson Bridge

Peterson Bridge sits along the Pine River in Huron-Manistee National Forests near Wellston, Michigan, operated by American Land and Leisure. This small seasonal campground serves as a base for paddlers and trout anglers working the Pine River corridor, with spacious sites under hardwood canopy and direct river access. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and helpful hosts, though highway noise carries at night.

Peterson Bridge Campground caters to both tent campers and RV travelers. Tent sites are walk-in only, with some located on the riverbank for direct water access. RV sites offer shade and seclusion. Group sites and cabins are not mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of cooler days (typically 40–65°F), dramatic hardwood color along the Pine River, and thinner crowds — perfect for scenic paddling, trout fishing at its peak, and photography. Water levels are usually lower and more predictable than spring runoff, making sections of the river safer for experienced paddlers while still providing exciting current. Weekdays in September and early October feel quiet compared with mid‑summer weekends, but note the campground closes on Peak months: September, October, August, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation892 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Pine River charges through here with a 7% gradient, the steepest average flow in lower Michigan and part of the National Wild and Scenic River system. Hardwoods and pines line the banks. The river stays visible from many sites, and osprey hunt overhead. In fall, the hardwood corridor lights up in color. The campground sits at 892 feet elevation, with the forest creating natural screening between sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style or alternative lodging accommodations were mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights during a visit
Maximum Stay: 16 nights total within a rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy varies based on site type.

Groups

No group sites were mentioned for this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible pit toilets, flush toilets, and accessible campsite options. Roads within the campground are paved, making the facility more accessible to those with mobility concerns.

Site SizeSites range from standard to tent-only walk-ins. Many sites are described as spacious and well-spread out.

PrivacySites are noted for their privacy and seclusion, with one user stating, 'Very private rustic sites with one flush toilet available.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and proximity to the river, sites such as 03, 15, and 19 are recommended based on user reviews.

Best CampsitesSite 3 gets praise for space and cleanliness. Site 15 offers privacy and scenery. Site 19 is paved, private, and close to the river. Campers suggest choosing sites farther from the main buildings to avoid bright lights at night.

Need help booking Peterson Bridge?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Peterson Bridge Campground provides essential amenities for campers, including accessible pit and flush toilets, drinking water, firewood availability, and picnic areas. RV sites are available with shade and seclusion, while walk-in tent sites on the riverbank can also be accessed from the water. Trash collection and a self-pay station are present on-site.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Peterson Bridge

Peterson Bridge Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities centered around the Pine River. Visitors can engage in floating/boating, trout fishing, camping, and wildlife observation. The area is especially notable for its quick water flow and designation as a National Wild and Scenic River.

Boating4.0/5

Floating the Pine River is a popular activity; canoe/kayak rentals available nearby.

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5River views, fall hardwood color and osprey offer strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Peterson Bridge

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From Booking Sources

4.4

41 reviews

Recommended

Peterson Bridge is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Peterson Bridge Campground receives positive reviews for its cleanliness, friendly and helpful camp hosts, and natural beauty. Certain concerns, such as highway noise and the lack of cell phone service, were raised by users. Many appreciate its location near the Pine River, ideal for kayaking and trout fishing.

Review Summaries

Based on 41 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 41 reviews.

Site 03Loved
Site 03 is repeatedly praised for its cleanliness and spaciousness.
Site 15Loved
Site 15 received mixed reviews, with one user highlighting privacy and another expressing concerns about safety due to lack of communication options.

What Campers Love

Common praise includes the cleanliness of the campground and facilities, helpful camp hosts, and spacious, well-maintained sites. The natural beauty of the Pine River and the campground’s secluded...

Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

Some common complaints include highway noise during the night, limited cell phone service, and a lack of clear site mapping for reservations. One reviewer noted, 'Noise from highway annoying at...

Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend reserving campsites that are further from the main buildings to avoid bright lights that detract from the natural environment. Kayaking the Pine River is highly recommended, but...

Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most positively reviewed during the summer and fall seasons, with visitors appreciating the clean facilities and the opportunity for water-based activities. Winter reviews were not...

Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The bathrooms are super clean and we were close to the main flush toilets which were really nice.' - 'Very private rustic sites with one flush toilet available.' - 'Peterson Bridge is a lovely...

Based on 41 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground includes accessible features, such as paved roads and accessible pit and flush toilets, but no specific feedback from users with disabilities was given.

Based on 41 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at Peterson Bridge Campground, but there was no specific feedback from pet owners regarding their experience.

Based on 41 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Peterson Bridge

$35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CS-TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $35.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

nullHelp.Huron.Manistee@AmericanLL.com

Go if

You want spacious sites near quality trout water and fall color paddling with helpful hosts.

Skip if

You need quiet nights away from highway noise or reliable cell service for emergencies.

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Upper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Upper Manistee River Backcountry Campsites offers 11 primitive tent sites along the Manistee River in Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan. Sites include vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables, with direct access for paddling, fishing, and swimming. Open April 01 to November 30 with a 14-day stay limit.

Peterson Bridge

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Ask Camp Sage about Peterson Bridge

Campground Map

Weather at Peterson Bridge

Best Time to Camp at Peterson Bridge

Planning Tips

About Peterson Bridge

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Peterson Bridge?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Peterson Bridge

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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Best Time to Camp at Peterson Bridge

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Peterson Bridge?

Amenities available

Things to do at Peterson Bridge

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns