Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp

Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground

Friday night in the middle of August isn’t always the best time to approach a campground without a reservation, unless you know where to look. Pigeon Bridge State Forest campground was off the beaten track enough that there was only one other camper in the park.  

  

Situated along the Shingle Mill Pathway and High Country Pathway, a popular backpacking route, this campground offers a great basecamp for backpackers to start or end their hike. With a large parking lot across the road, it’s a perfect place to leave a car for your hiker shuttle. The campsites are sizeable enough for a small group of tenters or small trailer, with enough space in between that you don’t feel jammed next to your neighbors. There is a clean pit-toilet and a year-round water well hand pump for drinking water. 

  

The network of trails offer lots of options for hiking and biking, and the creek looks like a perfect trout stream, and also offers a great summertime float trip. The town of Vanderbilt is about 10 miles away and offers a gas station and a small convenience store to pick up a few essentials.