Paint River Forks Campground

Star3.93
20 reviews
E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969

Quick Facts

1,480 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

January 1 - December...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Watersmeet/Iron River Ranger District site

Official Website
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Paint 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

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Provider
906-358-4551
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What Campers Say

3.93

Mixed Reviews

Based on 20 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."

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Campground Map

E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969

Paint River Forks Campground

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.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Mid-July berry picking, boating and fishing are strong in summer; positive seasonal mentions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall foliage likely attractive though few specific mentions in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring rains and occasional overgrowth noted by reviewers; recreational access present.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; snow permits cross-country skiing and snowshoeing but limited amenities.

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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
24 hours/day
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
"Camping stay limits apply." User review confirms a 14-day limit.

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.
FishingFishing 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.
BoatingNon-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 viewingThe rustic and undisturbed environment is conducive to wildlife viewing, though specific species are not mentioned in the sources.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential 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
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Paint River Forks Campground

Reviews

3.9
20 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Paint River Forks Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 20 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...
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Based on 20 reviews

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 20 reviews

Pro 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...
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Based on 20 reviews

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...
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Based on 20 reviews

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...
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Based on 20 reviews

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...
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Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressed accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressed pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 20 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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