Pigeon River Country State Forest Area, managed by the Michigan DNR Forest Resources Division, is home to this established campground outside Vanderbilt that runs along the Pigeon River from April through October. Sites divide into two distinct zones: riverfront spots where the water runs directly along the edge of the site, and wooded sites set back toward the trees. The campground is small in overall size, which keeps foot traffic low even on weekends.
The Shingle Mill Pathway, a roughly 10-mile loop, passes directly through the campground and connects hikers, mountain bikers, and backpackers to the surrounding forest. The river draws fly anglers and tubers, though reviewers note the current runs strong enough to warrant caution with young children. Cell service is absent here. Bring a map and stock up on supplies before arriving, as the nearest town is more than 20 minutes away.
Amenities include vault toilets, a hand-pump well for drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. RVs up to 20 feet can access most sites, though a few spots are tent-only. Kat S. describes it as "small in overall size for more peaceful, enjoyable quietness." Bugs, particularly ticks, are a consistent concern across reviews, so pack accordingly. Nearby options in the forest include Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground and Round Lake State Forest Campground, both within a few miles to the southwest. Campers who want a riverside site should plan to arrive early.
Description
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
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPigeon River State Forest Campground is located in Michigan near Wolverine
Directions
Located on Ford Lake Road.
Coordinates
45.17664131 N
84.42777336 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 1 hr 52 min from Traverse City, MI
- 2 hrs 19 min from Midland, MI
- 2 hrs 21 min from Bay City, MI
- 2 hrs 31 min from Saginaw, MI
