How much does camping cost at Pine Grove State Forest Campground?

Camping fees at Pine Grove State Forest Campground range from $13/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Pine Grove State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pine Grove 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 Pine Grove State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Pine Grove State Forest Campground has 11 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 Pine Grove State Forest Campground?

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

How many campsites does Pine Grove State Forest Campground have?

Pine Grove State Forest Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Pine Grove State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Pine Grove 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 Pine Grove State Forest Campground?

Pine Grove 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 Pine Grove State Forest Campground?

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

Pine Grove State Forest Campground

3.18

17 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

860 ft

Price

$13/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

860 ft

Price

$13/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR Official Website

Get Directions

Pine Grove State Forest Campground

$13.00 - $13.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Reported single overnight fee for primitive sites (visitor report). No hookups.

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

3.18

Mixed Reviews

Based on 17 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleansites

"Reviewers praise the campground's quiet, riverfront, off‑the‑beaten‑path character, artesian spring water, and solitude. Common criticisms include very limited capacity (six sites), rough access roads, occasional trash issues, and minimal facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Pine Grove State Forest Campground

45.2446, -84.4460

Nearby places

Wolverine — approx. 12 miles (west)

Nearby supplies

Wolverine (basic services and supplies

~12 miles)

Best Time to Camp at Pine Grove State Forest Campground

Spring is the sweet spot here. Mid-April through May brings daytime highs in the mid-40s to mid-60s, nights near freezing to the low 40s, and high river flows for fishing. Trails are muddy but lush, migrating birds are active, and you'll have better odds at snagging one of the six sites than in summer. Pack layers, waterproof boots, and rain gear. Northern Michigan weather shifts fast even in shoulder season.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 6% in MI

Described as the 'sweet spot'—lush, high river flows and positive spring review mentions.

Planning Tips

About Pine Grove State Forest Campground

Pine Grove sits along the Pigeon River in the Pigeon River Country State Forest, about 6 primitive tent sites scattered through heavy woods at 860 feet elevation. It's first-come, first-served at $13 per night with vault toilets and an artesian spring. Cell service is weak to nonexistent, and the access road is rough.

Small, rustic state forest campground with six primitive campsites intended for tent campers and small trailers; first‑come, first‑serve with a 15‑day maximum stay.

Weather and SeasonsSpring is the sweet spot here. Mid-April through May brings daytime highs in the mid-40s to mid-60s, nights near freezing to the low 40s, and high river flows for fishing. Trails are muddy but lush, migrating birds are active, and you'll have better odds at snagging one of the six sites than in summer. Pack layers, waterproof boots, and rain gear. Northern Michigan weather shifts fast even in shoulder season.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a wooded riverbank where tall pines and mixed hardwoods create deep shade and a sense of remoteness. Sites sit close enough to the Pigeon River for direct fishing and paddling access. The forest floor is typical northwoods understory, and the surrounding Pigeon River Country State Forest stretches unbroken in every direction. With only six sites total, the place feels genuinely secluded. Elevation is 860 feet.

Geological RegionPigeon River Country State Forest (Cheboygan County)

Scenic ViewsWooded riverfront setting with close, often-shaded views of the river corridor and surrounding pine forest.

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 not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (no reservations; sites are first-come, first-served)

Total Campsites6 campsites

Best CampsitesReviewers report all six sites are well-spaced and wooded with good privacy, but no specific numbers stand out. Arrive early or have a backup plan. Six sites fill quickly on weekends.

Amenities available

Small, rustic state forest campground with minimal facilities: vault toilets and a free‑flowing artesian potable water source. First‑come, first‑serve; no reservations, no hookups, no showers, and no on‑site lodging.

Potable water

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Rustic riverfront campground offering opportunities for hiking, paddling, fishing, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking on nearby trails and two‑track roads within Pigeon River Country State Forest.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRiver-related hazards (high water and swift current), rough/poor road access, remote location with likely weak or spotty cell coverage, and presence of wildlife including elk and black bear in the broader area.

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 Pine Grove 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

3.2

17 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Pine Grove State Forest Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers praise the campground's quiet, riverfront, off‑the‑beaten‑path character, artesian spring water, and solitude. Common criticisms include very limited capacity (six sites), rough access roads, occasional trash issues, and minimal facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded, wooded sites along the Pigeon River; direct river access for fishing and paddling; clean vault toilets and a free‑flowing artesian well noted by multiple visitors; excellent for solitude...

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early (sites are first‑come, first‑serve) and have a backup campsite plan. Bring all supplies, insect protection, warm layers, and be self‑sufficient. Pack out trash and be prepared for rough...

Based on 17 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.