Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground
4.3531 reviewsPigeon Bridge State Forest Campground
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsPigeon 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Michigan
Provider(989) 732-5485
What Campers Say
4.35
Recommended
Based on 31 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."
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
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
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.
Weather and SeasonsThe 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.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the sound of the clear, fast-moving Pigeon River rushing past your tent. Here in this heavily forested sanctuary, towering northern hardwoods mingle with fragrant conifers to create a cathedral-like canopy overhead. Several campsites perch right along the riverbank, offering front-row seats to the water's endless performance. As evening falls, the remote location reveals its greatest gift: a sky unmarred by light pollution, where stars emerge in breathtaking abundance.
Geological RegionPigeon River Country State Forest
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Campsite details
Total Campsites10 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
15-day maximum stay
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (note: this campground is first-come, first-serve; no reservations accepted)
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.
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Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings present at some sites (visitors report); no on-site firewood sales noted. Follow Michigan DNR fire regulations and any posted restrictions.
Hazards
General hazardsBe 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.
Weather at Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground
26
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 69%
Wind: 11.9 mph
Overcast
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Good to know
Common complaintsLimited modern amenities (no hookups, no showers, no firewood sales nearby); ticks reported by multiple visitors (notably in spring/early summer); some sites are next to a county road and can experience occasional road noise; river noise may be loud at night for light sleepers.
Campground Map
Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground
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)
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.4
31 reviews
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 31 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...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
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 31 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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