Pigeon River State Forest Campground

Star4.31
34 reviews
Pigeon River State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

906 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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Pigeon River 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

cleanwatersites

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"Reviews are largely positive: visitors praise the campground's rustic, back-to-nature feel, nearby trails (Shingle Mill Pathway), river fishing, clean vault toilets, and opportunities for elk and wildlife viewing. Many describe it as well-maintained and peaceful."

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Campground Map

Pigeon River State Forest Campground

Pigeon River State Forest Campground

45.1765, -84.4291

Driving directionsLocated 13.5 miles east of Vanderbilt via Sturgeon Valley Road and Twin Lakes Road.
Access via Sturgeon Valley Road and Twin Lakes Road from Vanderbilt.
Nearby places
Vanderbilt — 13.5 miles

Best Time to Camp at Pigeon River State Forest Campground

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers hiking, trout fishing and paddling; reviews praise trails and river access.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Forest setting and elk viewing suggest strong fall foliage and wildlife-season appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring trout fishing and trail use likely strong; campground is rustic but active seasonally.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 4% in MI

Seasonal snowshoeing/winter use noted and at least one positive winter review snippet.

Planning Tips

    About Pigeon River State Forest Campground

    Escape to this hidden gem nestled along the pristine Pigeon River, deep within Michigan's Pigeon River Country State Forest. This intimate rustic campground features 14 first-come, first-served sites perfect for tent camping and small trailers, where you'll find vault toilets and hand-pump well water—just the essentials for an authentic wilderness experience managed by Otsego Lake State Park (15-day maximum stay).
    Rustic, primitive campground with 14 tent and small-trailer sites; drive-in sites with a mix of riverfront and wooded locations.
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    Stay Limit
    15-day maximum stay

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Hiking and mountain biking on the Shingle Mill Pathway and broader trail network, riverbank fishing (trout), paddling/float trips on the Pigeon River, wildlife and elk viewing, and seasonal snowshoeing/winter use. The adjacent state forest is open to hunting.
    HikingShingle Mill Pathway runs through the campground and the Pigeon River Country State Forest provides an extensive trail network for day hikes and loop hikes.
    FishingPigeon River supports brown, brook and rainbow trout; fishing from riverbanks and nearby lakes (Pickerel Lake about 4 miles west).
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsPigeon River can have strong currents in places — exercise water safety and supervise children. Visitors report ticks and typical northwoods wildlife; expect limited or no cell service. Hunting occurs on adjacent state forest lands during season.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Pigeon River State Forest Campground

    Reviews

    4.3
    34 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Pigeon River State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviews are largely positive: visitors praise the campground's rustic, back-to-nature feel, nearby trails (Shingle Mill Pathway), river fishing, clean vault toilets, and opportunities for elk and wildlife viewing. Many describe it as well-maintained and peaceful.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 34 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Shingle Mill Pathway and other trail access; riverfront sites with direct water access; good trout fishing; clean outhouses and functioning hand-pump well; sense of seclusion and good starry night...
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    Based on 34 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring bug spray and check yourself and pets for ticks; pack supplies and firewood (no on-site sales); expect no cell service and download maps offline; choose riverfront sites for views and access or...
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    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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