Paint River Forks Campground
05 reviewsE23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
4 campsites
Season
January 1 - December...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
4 campsites
Season
January 1 - December...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsPaint River Forks Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This campground does not require any fees. "No fees. Please be aware that there are no services provided at this location. Please pack in pack out...
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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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USFS
Provider906-358-4551
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 5 reviews
14 Google reviews
Most mentioned
peacefulcleansites
"User reviews emphasize the campground's rustic charm, cleanliness, and proximity to the river. Campers appreciate the well-maintained sites, clean restrooms, and quiet environment. However, some issues include the lack of potable water, paper products in restrooms, and occasional overgrowth in less-used sites."
Fees & Passes at Paint River Forks Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: "Camping stay limits apply." User review confirms a 14-day limit.
Cancellation: null
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Watersmeet/Iron River Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Paint River Forks Campground
Four distinct seasons transform Paint River Forks into a year-round outdoor playground. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures. As spring awakens the forest, crisp mornings give way to warming afternoons perfect for exploring emerging wildflowers. Summer brings idyllic camping weather with comfortable temperatures and predominantly clear skies—ideal for stargazing from your tent. Fall paints the surrounding hardwoods in brilliant golds and crimsons, with cool, refreshing air that makes hiking especially enjoyable.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: January 1 - December 31
- Current Alerts: null
About Paint River Forks Campground
Where two branches of the Paint River converge in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Paint River Forks Campground beckons those seeking authentic wilderness experiences. This intimate riverside retreat offers prime spots along the water's edge, where the gentle sounds of flowing currents provide nature's soundtrack. Paddlers will discover miles of pristine waterways perfect for leisurely canoe trips, while anglers can cast their lines into promising pools where the rivers meet. Far from crowded tourist destinations, this hidden gem delivers the peaceful, back-to-nature camping experience that outdoor enthusiasts crave.
Paint River Forks Campground is designed for primitive camping. It supports tent and small RV camping but does not provide amenities like hookups or developed paths.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsFour distinct seasons transform Paint River Forks into a year-round outdoor playground. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures. As spring awakens the forest, crisp mornings give way to warming afternoons perfect for exploring emerging wildflowers. Summer brings idyllic camping weather with comfortable temperatures and predominantly clear skies—ideal for stargazing from your tent. Fall paints the surrounding hardwoods in brilliant golds and crimsons, with cool, refreshing air that makes hiking especially enjoyable.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryPositioned at the dramatic confluence where the North and South branches of the Paint River unite, this campground showcases nature at its finest. Towering trees frame crystalline waters that dance over ancient rocks, creating a photographer's paradise at every turn. Come mid-July, the surrounding forest floor bursts with wild blueberries, inviting campers to fill their buckets with nature's candy. Morning mists rise from the river junction, while eagles soar overhead and deer emerge from the forest edges at dusk. The interplay of water, forest, and sky creates an ever-changing canvas that captivates visitors throughout their stay.
Geological RegionTucked within the vast expanse of Ottawa National Forest, Paint River Forks occupies a special place where geological forces carved two distinct river channels through ancient bedrock. This unique location at the rivers' confluence has created diverse aquatic habitats and dramatic water features that showcase the raw beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The surrounding national forest provides a protected buffer of old-growth trees and undisturbed wilderness, ensuring this natural sanctuary remains pristine for generations of outdoor adventurers to discover.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information on accessibility features was provided in the official sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeEach of the four campsites appears to be spacious, with some directly located on the riverbank.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are described as relatively secluded, with two sites offering direct river access and others slightly more shielded.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring adequate drinking water and toilet supplies. "Sites looked freshly mowed. Each includes a picnic table and fire ring."
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Check-in
24 hours/day
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
"Camping stay limits apply." User review confirms a 14-day limit.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of four sites, two of which are directly on the riverbank.
Open and Closed SeasonJanuary 1 - December 31
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availability"The sites are first come, first served." User reviews consistently confirm walk-up access for all sites.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Paint River Forks Campground offers activities centered around its picturesque riverside location. Popular activities include canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The surrounding area provides opportunities for non-motorized boating and trout fishing. Wildlife viewing and the rustic environment enhance the outdoor experience.
Fishing
Fishing is a prominent activity at this campground. The Golden Creek merges with the North Branch of the Paint River nearby, offering habitats for brook trout. Fishing is accessible by bank, wade, or float methods. However, anglers should note that there are no cleaning stations or platforms available.Boating
Non-motorized boating is supported on the North Branch Paint River, with 12.5 miles of floatable sections. Canoeists and kayakers may encounter easy to moderately difficult conditions, including possible portages around beaver dams. There are no formal launch ramps or trailer parking areas.Wildlife viewing
The rustic and undisturbed environment is conducive to wildlife viewing, though specific species are not mentioned in the sources.Winter Activities
No specific details about winter recreation were mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and kayaking are popular at the campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Each site includes a fire ring.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include thunderstorms as noted in user reviews: "I draw the line when thunder strikes up." Beaver dams may require portaging for canoeists.
Active alertsnull
Weather at Paint River Forks Campground
13
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 74%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 9.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Watersmeet/Iron River Ranger District (Address: E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969, Phone: 906-358-4551, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CT).
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not provided. Campers are required to pack out all trash and supplies.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located at the fork of the South and North Branch of the Paint River, with opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Common complaints"No garbage facilities," "No potable water," and occasional lack of toilet paper in the pit toilet were cited in user reviews.
Hostnull
Campground Map
E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969
Driving directionsFrom Iron River, Mi., travel west on US 2, turn right (north) on CR 657, travel approximately 9 miles north, turn left to continue following CR 657, travel approximately 1 1/2 miles west to campground on right.
Though this place feels off the beaten path, it’s just a mile from the paved highway. The gravel road from there is well-maintained. One shouldn’t run into any issues getting here in a smaller car.Nearby places
Iron River, Michigan is approximately 10 miles to the southeast.
Nearby supplies
Iron River, approximately 10 miles to the southeast, has groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
5 reviews
Paint River Forks Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the campground's rustic charm, cleanliness, and proximity to the river. Campers appreciate the well-maintained sites, clean restrooms, and quiet environment. However, some issues include the lack of potable water, paper products in restrooms, and occasional overgrowth in less-used sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the campground's cleanliness, well-mowed sites, picnic tables and fire rings at each site, and proximity to the river. Campers also highlight the abundance of blueberries in...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the lack of potable water, no trash facilities, and occasional unavailability of paper products in the vault toilet. Some users also noted limited availability of campsites.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing sufficient drinking water and paper products. One user suggested carrying hand sanitizer and storing paper towels in ziplock bags. Mid-July is highlighted as a great time...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Mid-July receives positive mentions for berry picking. The campground's maintenance seems consistent, but rain and overgrowth have been noted during some visits. Thunderstorms have deterred some...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The pit toilet was relatively clean and was complete with hand sanitizer but was out of paper products." - David S. "Four campsites, two directly on the riverbank. No fees." - Greg Krueger. "Sites...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
There are four campsites available. Two are directly on the riverbank, and the others are more shielded. Reviews suggest these are well-maintained, though one site has been noted as overgrown in the...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressed accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressed pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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