Is Pigeon River State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pigeon River State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pigeon River State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Pigeon River State Forest Campground has 15 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Pigeon River State Forest Campground?

Pigeon River State Forest Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Pigeon River State Forest Campground?

Fire policies at Pigeon River State Forest Campground: Sites have fire rings; visitors should bring or obtain their own firewood (no nearby firewood sales reported). Specific fire restrictions not provided.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Pigeon River State Forest Campground have?

Pigeon River State Forest Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Pigeon River State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Pigeon River State Forest Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Pigeon River State Forest Campground?

Pigeon River State Forest Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pigeon River State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Pigeon River State Forest Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pigeon River State Forest Campground

4.06

34 reviews

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

906 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

906 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan DNR

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

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Michigan

Provider

(989) 732-5485

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What Campers Say

4.06

Satisfactory

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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Pigeon River State Forest Campground

45.1765, -84.4291

Nearby places

Vanderbilt — 13.5 miles

Best Time to Camp at Pigeon River State Forest Campground

Fall delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs run 45–60°F, nights drop into the 30s and 40s, and the hardwoods put on a color show along the river. Bug pressure drops off, fishing stays productive as water temps cool, and the campground sees fewer visitors than summer weekends. Bring a warm sleeping bag and check deer hunting dates in late October. Spring and summer mean ticks and bugs, especially in grassy areas and on less-traveled trails. Reviews mention tick checks for both people and pets. Summer brings warmer temps and busier use, though 14 sites keeps crowds manageable.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in MI

Overview: Fall delivers best conditions—color show, lower bugs, productive fishing called out.

Planning Tips

About Pigeon River State Forest Campground

Pigeon River State Forest Campground sits along the Pigeon River in Michigan's Pigeon River Country State Forest, about 14 miles northeast of Vanderbilt. The campground has 14 first-come, first-served sites with vault toilets, hand-pump well water, and not much else. Managed by Otsego Lake State Park with a 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.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs run 45–60°F, nights drop into the 30s and 40s, and the hardwoods put on a color show along the river. Bug pressure drops off, fishing stays productive as water temps cool, and the campground sees fewer visitors than summer weekends. Bring a warm sleeping bag and check deer hunting dates in late October. Spring and summer mean ticks and bugs, especially in grassy areas and on less-traveled trails. Reviews mention tick checks for both people and pets. Summer brings warmer temps and busier use, though 14 sites keeps crowds manageable.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Pigeon River runs along one edge of the campground, close enough to hear from most sites. Mature hardwoods and conifers provide overhead cover, with some sites directly on the riverbank and others set back in the woods. In fall, the hardwoods turn color and the river draws anglers targeting trout. The Shingle Mill Pathway and other forest trails start nearby, winding through heavily forested country that's home to elk and deer. At 906 feet elevation, the terrain is rolling rather than flat, and the surrounding forest feels vast and unbroken.

Geological RegionPigeon River Country State Forest (Otsego County)

Scenic ViewsRiverfront views at several sites and wooded, private sites inland; remote setting yields dark night skies and good star visibility (as reported by visitors).

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com; campground is first-come, first-serve and does not accept reservations.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Best CampsitesRiverfront sites get recommended for direct water access, river sound, and open views. Wooded sites farther back offer more privacy and less noise, both from the water and the nearby county road that some campers mention.

Amenities available

Rustic campground: vault toilets (outhouses), potable water from a hand‑pump well, picnic tables and fire rings; no electricity, no showers, no dump station or camp store.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

RV details

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

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Weather at Pigeon River State Forest Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.1

34 reviews

Satisfactory

Pigeon River State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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...

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...

Based on 34 reviews

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Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground

Elk Hill Group Equestrian Campground sits deep in Pigeon River Country State Forest, Michigan's largest state forest tract and the heart of the state's elk range. The campground accommodates organized riding groups with tie-up areas, manure bunkers, loading ramps, and river access for watering stock. A covered pavilion anchors the camping area. Access roads are rough gravel, and facilities are primitive. Vault toilets and a hand pump that may require a generator.