How much does camping cost at Platte River State Forest Campground?

Camping fees at Platte River State Forest Campground range from $52/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

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

Platte 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 Platte River State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Platte River State Forest Campground has 14 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 Platte River State Forest Campground?

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

How many campsites does Platte River State Forest Campground have?

Platte River State Forest Campground has 26 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Platte River State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Platte 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 Platte River State Forest Campground?

Platte 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 Platte River State Forest Campground?

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

Platte River State Forest Campground

4.54

112 reviews

Top 25% in MIFall

Fishing

Featured in:RV Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

666 ft

Price

$52/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

666 ft

Price

$52/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Platte River State Forest Campground

$52.00 - $52.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly fee: $52 (source provided).

No paid fee categories listed.

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Platte River State Forest Campground

45.4090, -84.9084

Nearby places

Honor, MI (approximately 2.5 miles)

Nearby supplies

Honor, MI (approximately 2.5 miles)

Weather at Platte River State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Platte River State Forest Campground

Fall delivers the best camping window here. Mid-40s to mid-60s during the day, 30s at night, with stable weather and dramatically fewer bugs than summer. The hardwood canopy turns gold and red, and the river runs calm and clear for paddling. Deer and birds are active, and crowds thin out except during peak foliage weekends. Summer brings warmth and good river conditions but also heavy mosquitoes, ticks, and no-see-ums in the swampy areas near the water. Bring serious insect repellent if you visit before September.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in MI

Fall cited as best: stable weather, fewer bugs and standout hardwood color under canopy.

Planning Tips

About Platte River State Forest Campground

Platte River State Forest Campground sits along the Platte River 2.5 miles southeast of Honor, offering 26 first-come, first-served sites in a quiet, heavily wooded setting. The rustic campground provides vault toilets, hand-pump water, and direct river access for paddling and fishing. Sites run $52 per night and accommodate tents, RVs, and primitive camping.

Primarily a rustic state forest campground serving tent and smaller RV use; also includes two mini cabins listed on the DNR page.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best camping window here. Mid-40s to mid-60s during the day, 30s at night, with stable weather and dramatically fewer bugs than summer. The hardwood canopy turns gold and red, and the river runs calm and clear for paddling. Deer and birds are active, and crowds thin out except during peak foliage weekends. Summer brings warmth and good river conditions but also heavy mosquitoes, ticks, and no-see-ums in the swampy areas near the water. Bring serious insect repellent if you visit before September.

Natural Features and SceneryMature hardwoods and conifers form a thick canopy over the campground, creating deep shade and a secluded feel. The Platte River runs along the edge of the sites, providing clear water for kayaking and fishing. At 666 feet elevation in northwestern Michigan's riverine forest, the landscape is classic northern hardwoods with dense understory. The forest buffer blocks road noise and views of neighboring campers. Wildlife is common, especially deer and migratory birds during fall.

Geological RegionPlatte River State Forest, northwestern Michigan (riverine forest setting)

Scenic ViewsRiver views along sections of the campground and enclosed, wooded campsites; no expansive lake views documented.

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 (note: sites are first-come, first-serve; no reservations available)

Total Campsites26 campsites

Best CampsitesReviewers recommend river-adjacent sites for paddlers and anglers who want direct water access. Interior wooded sites offer more privacy and distance from neighbors. Some sites handle trailers, while others are smaller and better suited to tents. No specific site numbers appear in the reviews, but the general pattern is clear: choose based on whether you prioritize river proximity or seclusion.

Amenities available

Rustic state forest campground with vault (pit) toilets, hand-pump potable water, fire pits and picnic tables at sites. Two mini cabins (Trillium and Orchid) are described on the DNR page and have electricity; campground sites are rustic.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

River-front forest campground offering paddling/boating and fishing on the Platte River; access to forest trails and ORV routes; hunting access to surrounding state land.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRiver high-water safety is noted (be mindful of high water). Seasonal insects and ticks have been reported by visitors. No site-specific flood or wildlife hazard advisories are provided in the source material.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

112 reviews

Top-Rated

Platte River State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall reviewer sentiment is strongly positive: campers praise the quiet, shaded, riverside setting and generally clean, well-maintained rustic facilities. Common negatives mentioned are seasonal insects, occasional litter left by other campers, and that some sites are close together.

Review Summaries

Based on 112 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded, wooded campsites on the Platte River; good paddling and fishing access; many reviewers call it a favorite rustic campground and note clean vault toilets and hand-pump water.

Based on 112 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

This campground is first-come, first-served — plan accordingly. Bring insect repellent, supplies (no on-site store documented), and bear-aware food storage. Confirm you are navigating to the state...

Based on 112 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Primitive State Forest campground on the Platte River. Pit toilets, hand pump water."; "This is a pretty spot... it is rustic, but that is part of it's charm."; "Clean facilities. Will be back!"

Based on 112 reviews

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Go if

Paddlers and trout anglers who don't need hookups or showers will find the direct river access and dense forest canopy worth the $52 rustic rate, especially mid-September through October when bugs drop off and crowds ease.

Skip if

First-come-first-served with no reservations means arriving without a backup plan on a fall foliage weekend is a real gamble; add in no showers, no dump station, and serious summer mosquitoes near the water, and comfort-focused campers should look elsewhere.

Nearby Campgrounds

Petoskey Group Camp sits within Petoskey State Park, offering four primitive group sites along Little Traverse Bay. Each site accommodates up to six campers and includes a fire ring and picnic table, with a shared pavilion for gatherings of up to 24 people. The camp has vault toilets and potable water from a hand pump.

Platte River State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Ask Camp Sage about Platte River State Forest Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Platte River State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Platte River State Forest Campground

Planning Tips

About Platte River State Forest Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Ask Camp Sage about Platte River State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Platte River State Forest Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love