Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground

Star4.31
34 reviews
Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

948 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
Get Directions
Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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

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Michigan
Provider
(989) 732-5485
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What Campers Say

4.31

Recommended

Based on 34 reviews

31 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikingsites

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"Overall highly regarded by visitors for its peaceful, rustic character, riverfront setting, good trout fishing, and extensive trails. Reviews consistently praise the dark night skies and basic, well-maintained primitive facilities while noting the campground is intentionally low‑amenity."

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Campground Map

Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground

Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground

45.1572, -84.4647

Driving directionsLocated 10.5 miles east of Vanderbilt via Sturgeon Valley Road; campground sits along the Pigeon River across from the Shingle Mill Pathway trailhead.
Accessible via Sturgeon Valley Road (county road); drive-in access to sites.
Nearby places
Vanderbilt — 10.5 miles (nearest town for supplies)
Nearby supplies
Vanderbilt (approximately 10.5 miles)

Best Time to Camp at Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground

The campground operates seasonally with dates published annually by the Michigan DNR. Check their website for current year opening and closing dates to plan your wilderness getaway.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Best for fishing, hiking, riverfront camping and stargazing in summer months.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Northern hardwoods and scenic trails make fall foliage and hiking strong season draws.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers trout fishing and trails but opening dates vary and conditions can be muddy.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground operates seasonally per Michigan DNR; winter camping likely not available (check DNR).

Planning Tips

    About Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground

    Escape to Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground, where ten intimate campsites nestle along the pristine Pigeon River in the heart of Michigan's legendary Pigeon River Country State Forest. This rustic retreat offers the essentials—vault toilets and hand-pumped potable water—while putting you steps away from exceptional trout fishing and miles of scenic trails, all available on a first-come, first-serve basis for stays up to 15 days.
    Rustic state forest campground for tent campers and small trailers; 10 first-come, first-served sites with a 15-day maximum stay and no reservations.
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    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    15-day maximum stay

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Outdoor-focused, low‑amenity campground centered on the Pigeon River with trail access and hunting/fishing opportunities. Popular for fishing, hiking, mountain biking and snowshoeing.
    HikingTrail access includes the Shingle Mill Pathway trailhead located across the road and nearby High Country Pathway; trails provide multi-loop hiking opportunities.
    FishingFishing on the Pigeon River; trout species reported include brown, brook and rainbow trout.
    Biking
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsBe mindful of high-water conditions on the river. Reports of ticks in the area; wildlife can take unattended food. Limited or no reliable cell coverage in the immediate area.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground

    Reviews

    4.3
    34 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Overall highly regarded by visitors for its peaceful, rustic character, riverfront setting, good trout fishing, and extensive trails. Reviews consistently praise the dark night skies and basic, well-maintained primitive facilities while noting the campground is intentionally low‑amenity.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 34 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Rustic, serene atmosphere; strong trail network (Shingle Mill Pathway/High Country Pathway) for hiking and biking; good trout fishing on the Pigeon River; several riverfront sites with excellent...
    Show more
    Based on 34 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Arrive early if you want a riverfront site; bring your own supplies and firewood (no on-site firewood sales); bring insect repellent and check for ticks after hikes; be self-sufficient due to the...
    Show more
    Based on 34 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "The best place to truly rustic camp. Only wells, outhouses, and mother nature."; "Great spaces for laying down a tent and setting up a cozy place for the weekend."
    Based on 34 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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