Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground

Star4.73
66 reviews
Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan DNR site

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Pinney 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
(231) 582-7523

What Campers Say

4.73

Top-Rated

Based on 66 reviews

66 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanwatersites

"Visitors consistently rate Pinney Bridge highly for its quiet, well-maintained, private backcountry feel. Reviews praise privacy, spacing of sites, fire pits and picnic tables at each site, and availability of hand-pump potable water and vault toilets. The small (15-site) campground is first-come, first-served and often fills early."

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About Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground

Escape to Pinney Bridge, where 15 intimate tent sites await just a short walk from the parking area along the pristine Jordan River. This rustic hike-in campground offers the perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion, with basic amenities including vault toilets and hand-pumped potable water—all available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A rustic, primitive, hike-in tent campground with 15 walk-in tent sites along the Jordan River. Sites are tent-only, first-come, first-served (no reservations).
Historical SignificanceLocated on the Jordan River, which is Michigan’s first designated scenic river.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled within the lush corridor of Michigan's first designated scenic river, Pinney Bridge immerses you in the tranquil beauty of the Jordan River Valley. Towering hardwoods and fragrant conifers create a cathedral-like canopy above your campsite, while the gentle sounds of flowing water provide nature's soundtrack. The surrounding hills and forests beckon outdoor enthusiasts with exceptional trout fishing, peaceful paddling routes, and scenic hiking trails that wind through this unspoiled wilderness.
Geological RegionJordan River Valley in northern Michigan — hilly, forested state forest land along the Jordan River corridor.
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Campsite details

Total Campsites15 campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
15-day maximum stay
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (note: Pinney Bridge is first-come, first-served; no reservations offered)

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Backcountry-style tent camping with strong emphasis on hiking, fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing. The site sits on the Jordan River and provides access to multiple regional trails.
Hiking
Access to Jordan Valley Pathway (about 3 miles east, ~18-mile loop), Warner Creek Pathway (~3.75-mile loop), and the North Country Trail (about 2 miles southeast). Popular as a waypoint on multi-day hikes.
Fishing
Jordan River adjacent to the campground; reviewers and sources note trout fishing and presence of brown and rainbow trout, steelhead and salmon in the river.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Visitor reports indicate each site has a fire pit; no official site-specific fire policy provided in sources.

Hazards

General hazardsHike-in access requires carrying gear from the parking area; some reviewers report an elevation gain of roughly 50 feet and longer carry distances. Surrounding state land is open to hunting during seasons. River users should plan for potential portages on the Jordan River.

Weather at Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground

25
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 82%
Wind: 10.7 mph
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Good to know

Common complaintsCarry distance from the parking area (reviews report a short walk—state says about 200 yards; some reviewers report longer walks up to ~0.5 mile or more with elevation gain), occasional issues priming the water pump, lack of local firewood, and the basic/rustic nature of facilities (pit toilets) which may not suit campers expecting modern amenities. Insect issues (deer flies) and ticks have been mentioned.

Campground Map

Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground
Driving directionsLocated about 5.5 miles northwest of Alba via Alba Highway, M-66 and Pinney Bridge Road.
Access via Alba Highway (Alba Hwy), M-66 and Pinney Bridge Road; short walk from parking to campsites.
Nearby places
Alba — ~5.5 miles

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.7
66 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors consistently rate Pinney Bridge highly for its quiet, well-maintained, private backcountry feel. Reviews praise privacy, spacing of sites, fire pits and picnic tables at each site, and availability of hand-pump potable water and vault toilets. The small (15-site) campground is first-come, first-served and often fills early.
Review Summaries
Based on 66 reviews

What Campers Love

Private, well-spaced tent sites; each site reported to have a fire pit and picnic table; clean vault/pit toilets and a hand-pump potable water source; strong trail access (Jordan Valley Pathway,...
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Based on 66 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Pack light and plan to carry gear to sites; arrive early (several reviewers note sites can fill by late afternoon/around 5pm) as all sites are first-come, first-served; bring your own firewood or...
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Based on 66 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Very beautiful campground! The tent spots were very private and well maintained.”; “Each site has a fire pit and picnic table.”; “Sites are first come first serve and were filled up by 5pm, so plan...
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Based on 66 reviews

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Last updated December 13, 2025
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