How much does camping cost at Pine River Campground?

Camping fees at Pine River Campground range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Pine River Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pine River Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All 11 sites are available on a walk-up, first-come-first-serve basis.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pine River Campground before I book?

Yes! Pine River Campground has 26 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 Pine River Campground?

Pine River Campground is open Fishing season is a peak time for visitors.. 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 Pine River Campground?

Pine River Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Pine River Campground?

Fire policies at Pine River Campground: Campfires are allowed, but visitors must adhere to any seasonal fire restrictions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Pine River Campground have?

Pine River Campground has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Pine River Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Pine River Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Pine River Campground?

Pine River Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pine River Campground?

Popular activities at Pine River Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pine River Campground

4.17

49 reviews

South Branch Pine River, Glennie, MI

Featured in:Forest Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

840 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

April 12 - November ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

840 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

April 12 - November ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Pine River Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fee is $10 per night for all sites.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

(989) 739-0728

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Pine River Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

South Branch Pine River, Glennie, MI

Pine River Campground

South Branch Pine River, Glennie, MI

Nearby places

Glennie: 15.8 miles, Oscoda: 24.7 miles

Nearby supplies

The nearest location for groceries and camping supplies is in Oscoda, MI, approximately 24.7 miles away. Fuel is also available in Oscoda.

Weather at Pine River Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pine River Campground

Fall delivers the best combination of scenery and fishing. September highs run 55–70°F, dropping to 40–55°F in October when hardwoods peak against the dark pines. Nights dip near freezing, ideal for campfires. Cooling water temps concentrate trout and tighten feeding windows. Summer offers comfortable 70-degree days and long light, though reviews mention more generator noise and larger groups during peak season. Spring brings returning songbirds and active trout but muddier trails.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted as best combo of scenery and fishing; peak foliage and hunting season bring visitors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Fishing season is a peak time for visitors.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: April 12 - November 30

About Pine River Campground

Pine River Campground sits in Huron National Forest near Glennie, offering 11 rustic sites along the South Branch Pine River. The campground charges $10 per night and operates without reservations or a campground host. A mid-1940s CCC picnic shelter anchors the grounds, and the river draws trout anglers most of the year.

Pine River Campground caters to primitive camping enthusiasts seeking a rustic and remote experience. It accommodates a small number of campers with 11 combined sites, suitable for tents and small RVs without hookups.

Historical Significance

A Civilian Conservation Corps picnic shelter from the mid-1940s still stands at the campground, built during the Depression-era effort to develop public lands. Nearby ruins of a 1930s Rainbow trout hatchery mark earlier conservation work to stock Michigan's rivers.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best combination of scenery and fishing. September highs run 55–70°F, dropping to 40–55°F in October when hardwoods peak against the dark pines. Nights dip near freezing, ideal for campfires. Cooling water temps concentrate trout and tighten feeding windows. Summer offers comfortable 70-degree days and long light, though reviews mention more generator noise and larger groups during peak season. Spring brings returning songbirds and active trout but muddier trails.

ElevationPerched at a modest 840 feet above sea level, Pine River Campground occupies a sweet spot in Michigan's topography where cool air settles into the river valley, creating an ideal microclimate for both campers and trout. This gentle elevation provides relief from summer's heat while maintaining accessibility for visitors of all ages and abilities. The subtle changes in altitude along the river create diverse habitats and picturesque rapids that add music to your camping soundtrack. Here, the elevation works its quiet magic, keeping morning mists lingering over the water and ensuring those coveted cool nights perfect for campfire stories and sound sleep.

Natural Features and SceneryWhite and red pines dominate the canopy at 840 feet elevation, filtering light onto a sandy, well-drained forest floor shaped by glacial deposits. The South Branch Pine River runs clear and cold, fed by underground springs that create oxygen-rich pools and riffles over cobblestone and sand bottoms. The geology here. A mix of ancient lake beds and glacial till. Supports diverse habitat where northern and southern species overlap. Ferns and wildflowers fill the understory in warmer months. The Kirtland's Warbler, a rare species, nests in the surrounding jack pine barrens.

Geological RegionPine River Campground rests within the magnificent Huron National Forest, a 438,000-acre testament to nature's resilience and beauty. This geological wonderland was sculpted by ancient glaciers that left behind sandy, well-drained soils perfect for the towering pines that give the region its character. The South Branch Pine River, fed by underground springs and surface streams, has carved its course through this landscape over millennia, creating the cool, oxygen-rich waters that make it a premier trout fishery. The forest's unique geology—a combination of glacial deposits, ancient lake beds, and river valleys—supports an incredibly diverse ecosystem where northern and southern species meet and thrive. This is quintessential Michigan north woods, where the very ground beneath your feet tells the story of ice ages, forests, and the enduring cycle of wilderness renewal.

Scenic ViewsCampers can enjoy views of the South Branch Pine River and the surrounding tall pines. The CCC picnic shelter adds a touch of historical charm.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or accommodations on-site, as this is a primitive campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground does not appear to offer organized cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe 11 sites spread out with tall pines and mixed trees providing screening between them. Reviews note spacing that accommodates an RV, a truck with trailer, and two tents per site without crowding. The campground lost its water pump in recent years.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 11 sites are available on a walk-up, first-come-first-serve basis.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy is mentioned as reservations are not accepted.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned, and the primitive nature of the campground may pose challenges for those with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are reportedly spacious, with users commenting that they fit an RV, a truck with a trailer, and two tents. However, detailed measurements are not provided.

PrivacyThe campsites offer a moderate level of privacy with screening from tall pines and some trees between sites. 'The sites aren't really close together, with some trees in between for privacy,' a user noted.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are generally spacious and screened with trees for privacy. They can accommodate various setups, including RVs without hookups.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Pine River Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities suited to its rustic setting. Fishing, hunting, and picnicking are popular, along with unique opportunities to gather mushrooms and berries. The Civilian Conservation Corps' historic picnic shelter adds a cultural touch. Hiking is available, though specific trails are not detailed.

Hiking

Fishing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks are reported to be prevalent, so precautions are recommended. The area is remote, so campers should come prepared with all necessities.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets serve as the only restroom option.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, but visitors must adhere to any seasonal fire restrictions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced per Huron National Forest guidelines, but specific times are not listed.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are in Oscoda, MI, approximately 24.7 miles away. This includes hospitals and the Huron Shores Ranger Station.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground operates as 'pack it in, pack it out,' meaning campers must take their trash and recycling with them.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to the South Branch Pine River, which is clear and ideal for trout fishing.

Cell CoverageNo explicit mention of cell phone service availability; the remote location suggests limited or no service.

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 Pine River Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.2

49 reviews

Satisfactory

Pine River Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users appreciate Pine River Campground for its rustic charm, spacious campsites, and remote setting. However, some criticisms include noise issues from generators and large groups, as well as the removal of the water pump. A recurring theme is the peaceful environment disrupted by inconsiderate campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 49 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlighted the spacious and private campsites, the quiet and remote location, and the well-maintained facilities. The CCC picnic shelter and trout fishing were also well-regarded. 'A great...

Based on 49 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include generator noise disrupting the peace, the removal of the water pump, and occasional noise from large groups late at night. Ticks were also cited as an issue by one user.

Based on 49 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites were not highlighted in reviews. However, users generally noted that all sites are spacious and provide some privacy.

Based on 49 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies due to the remote location and lack of potable water. Some suggest avoiding generators to maintain the peaceful environment.

Based on 49 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate the campground is popular during fishing season and hunting season, particularly in the fall. Memorial Day weekend and the opening of bow season are noted as busy times.

Based on 49 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'If you like to getaway from using technology, breaking away from all the other stuff, this would be a great campground,' commented one user. 2. 'The CCC pavilion is really nice with a couple of...

Based on 49 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.

Based on 49 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Trout anglers and tent campers who self-supply everything will find the value hard to beat. Fall is the sweet spot: cooler temps concentrate fish, hardwoods color up against the dark pines, and the larger summer generator crowds thin out.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means hauling everything from Oscoda, 25 miles out. No campground host means generator noise and late-night groups go unchecked, and reviews flag this as a real problem on summer weekends.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.9

(25)

Jewell Lake Campground

Jewell Lake Campground, Barton City, MI, USA

Jewell Lake Campground sits on the eastern shore of a 193-acre glacial lake in Huron National Forest. The 32 sites are spacious and secluded, set beneath aspen groves with a sandy beach and boat launch steps away. Sites cost $15 per night and include picnic tables and fire rings. Even during summer, the campground rarely fills, so you'll likely have plenty of space between neighbors.

Pine River Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Pine River Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Pine River Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pine River Campground

Planning Tips

About Pine River Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Pine River Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pine River Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews