Pigeon River State Forest Campground

Star4.35
31 reviews
Pigeon River State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

167,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Michigan
Provider
(989) 732-5485

What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 31 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."

Read all reviews



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.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the Pigeon River flowing just steps from your tent, surrounded by towering hardwoods and fragrant conifers. Your campsite might perch right on the riverbank or tuck away in a private grove of mature forest, offering the perfect balance of waterfront access and woodland seclusion. The campground serves as your gateway to adventure, with the scenic Shingle Mill Pathway and numerous forest trails winding through this vast, heavily forested wilderness—ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, and losing yourself in nature's quiet beauty.
Geological RegionPigeon River Country State Forest (Otsego County)
Advertisement

Campsite details

Total Campsites14 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; campground is first-come, first-serve and does not accept reservations.

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.
Hiking
Shingle Mill Pathway runs through the campground and the Pigeon River Country State Forest provides an extensive trail network for day hikes and loop hikes.
Fishing
Pigeon River supports brown, brook and rainbow trout; fishing from riverbanks and nearby lakes (Pickerel Lake about 4 miles west).
Advertisement

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Sites have fire rings; visitors should bring or obtain their own firewood (no nearby firewood sales reported). Specific fire restrictions not provided.

Hazards

General hazardsPigeon 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.

Weather at Pigeon River State Forest Campground

24
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 87%
Wind: 11.8 mph
Overcast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsTicks/bug issues in spring and on less-traveled grassy sections; lack of amenities (no electric hookups, no showers); occasional road noise from a nearby county road and some reports of nighttime campground noise; no nearby firewood sales.

Campground Map

Pigeon River State Forest Campground
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

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.4
31 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 31 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...
Show more
Based on 31 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...
Show more
Based on 31 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 31 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Magnifying Glass
No reviews availableLeave a review to get started

Last updated December 13, 2025
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Michigan

Campgrounds
Pigeon River State Forest Campground