East Branch Of Fox River State Forest Campground
4.8832 reviewsEast Branch Of Fox River State Forest Campground
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsEast Branch Of Fox River State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Self-registration at a pay station; campers pay on-site at registration. Bring cash (no on-site staff or camp store).
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Michigan
Provider(906) 341-2355
What Campers Say
4.88
Top-Rated
Based on 32 reviews
32 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietpeacefulcleanwater
Some mention
cell service
"Actual reviewer feedback is overwhelmingly positive (majority 5‑star Google reviews). Visitors praise the quiet, scenic river setting, roomy shaded sites, and basic but well‑kept rustic amenities."
Best Time to Camp at East Branch Of Fox River State Forest Campground
While technically open year-round, this campground truly shines from late spring through fall, when seasonal roads are passable and the forest comes alive. Summer visitors should come prepared with bug spray—mosquitoes and black flies consider this their territory too—but the tradeoff is worth it for access to this pristine wilderness. Winter adventurers with 4WD and a pioneering spirit can attempt off-season visits, though unplowed roads make it a true backcountry experience.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open year-round; seasonal roads and the campground are not plowed in winter.
About East Branch Of Fox River State Forest Campground
Escape to this hidden gem tucked along the East Branch of the Fox River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where the gentle sounds of flowing water and rustling leaves replace the noise of everyday life. This intimate, first-come, first-served campground offers shaded sites beneath towering trees, exceptional brook trout fishing just steps away, and the kind of peaceful solitude that makes you forget your phone exists—vault toilets and hand pump water keep things beautifully simple.
A small, rustic state forest campground offering primitive/tent sites and limited vehicle access; no electrical or sewer hookups.
Historical SignificanceThe site occupies land near a former fish hatchery and is managed by the state; proximity to Seney National Wildlife Refuge adds regional natural-history interest.
Weather and SeasonsWhile technically open year-round, this campground truly shines from late spring through fall, when seasonal roads are passable and the forest comes alive. Summer visitors should come prepared with bug spray—mosquitoes and black flies consider this their territory too—but the tradeoff is worth it for access to this pristine wilderness. Winter adventurers with 4WD and a pioneering spirit can attempt off-season visits, though unplowed roads make it a true backcountry experience.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine pitching your tent beneath a cathedral of mature hardwoods and conifers, where dappled sunlight filters through the canopy and the East Branch of the Fox River whispers just beyond your site. Most campsites nestle privately among the trees, while a few occupy sunny grassy clearings near the historic hatchery grounds and tranquil King's Pond. The river itself is a fly fisher's dream—a clear, tea-colored northwoods stream bordered by grassy marshland, teeming with native brook trout. When darkness falls, you'll understand why stargazers make the journey here: the night sky puts on a show that no screen can match.
Geological RegionCentral Upper Peninsula (state forest landscape, mixed hardwoods and conifers)
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Campsite details
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Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; seasonal roads and the campground are not plowed in winter.
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com
Amenities available
Potable water
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
River‑side, low‑amenity campsite for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and quiet nature stays; limited paddling possible. Provides access to nearby state forest lands and is close to Seney National Wildlife Refuge.
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Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsSpotty or weak cell service likely. Mosquitoes and other biting insects in warm months. Wet or soft gravel roads and rutted conditions in bad weather; winter access may be impossible without appropriate vehicle. Typical northwoods wildlife precautions advised (bear-aware food storage).
Weather at East Branch Of Fox River State Forest Campground
22
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 77%
Wind: 13 mph
Overcast
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Good to know
Common complaintsMain negatives noted by reviewers: no electricity/very rustic conditions and little to no cell service. Some reviewers note the loop is tight for large campers.
Campground Map
East Branch Of Fox River State Forest Campground
Driving directionsLocated in Schoolcraft County, approximately eight miles north of Seney via M-77.
Accessible from M-77; campground on seasonal gravel roads that are not plowed in winter and may require high-clearance/4WD in poor conditions.Nearby places
Seney — ~8 miles south
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.9
32 reviews
East Branch Of Fox River State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Actual reviewer feedback is overwhelmingly positive (majority 5‑star Google reviews). Visitors praise the quiet, scenic river setting, roomy shaded sites, and basic but well‑kept rustic amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews
What Campers Love
Common highlights from reviewers: very quiet and peaceful setting, beautiful stream/river access, roomy and private campsites, clean vault toilets/outhouses, flowing artesian/hand‑pump water, and...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring tent‑camping gear or small rigs (loop tight for big campers), pack for a rustic stay (no hookups or showers), do not rely on cell service, and respect the quiet (reviewers request no...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Best $15 you'll ever spend!"; "zero cell service"; "Heaven on earth. My new favorite campground."; "No electricity... Best for tents. Please Do Not bring generator!"
Based on 32 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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