Tent camping opportunities abound within a 30-mile radius of Brutus, Michigan, where the landscape features rolling forested hills between 700-1,200 feet elevation. Several rustic state forest campgrounds provide access to the Pigeon River Country State Forest, home to Michigan's only free-ranging elk herd. Camping season typically runs April through November, though some areas allow winter camping when temperatures frequently drop below 20°F.
What to do
Explore river swimming spots: Sturgeon Valley Campground provides direct access to the Sturgeon River for kayaking and swimming. Camper Sue R. notes, "River access great. My favorite place to camp and kayak."
Visit Michigan's only handicap-accessible waterfall: Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground offers a unique attraction across from the campground. According to Joshua M., "The camp is semi-isolated. There is adequate space between sites and ample shade, but you can still certainly tell if you have neighbors."
Hike forest trail systems: The best tent camping near Brutus, Michigan includes access to multiple hiking trails. At Stoney Creek Trail Camp, Christopher P. reports, "Nice little metro park for tent camping. Most sites are dispersed. You can pull your car up to the site for unpacking."
What campers like
Private water access: Many campsites feature direct river or stream access. Sarah B. at Ocqueoc Falls notes, "Lots of space and wooded areas around you, good spots for hanging out in the hammocks, a private swimming hole in the river."
Rustic amenities: Elk Hill Equestrian River Trail Campground provides basic facilities for equestrian campers. Devora D. shares, "Pump water and river for horses. Manuer bunkers and solid poles for highline tying. Some cell phone reception but spotty."
Fall colors: Autumn brings spectacular foliage to the area. Dan N. reports about Ocqueoc Falls, "In autumn the ice and leaves are amazing. We've only camped here in fall, when not many people were around. Sites are wooded, some within earshot of the streams."
What you should know
Parking logistics for walk-in sites: Pinney Bridge requires significant hiking from vehicle to campsite. Doug B. explains, "This campground is hike in/walk in only. The closest parking space is 700 yards and 50 feet in elevation lower than the campground."
Site registration systems: Most campgrounds use self-registration with payment envelopes. Laura notes about Ocqueoc Falls, "First come first serve sites, a well with pump for water and clean vault toilets."
Seasonal accessibility: While most campgrounds close by late October, C3 Farm Trust and Elk Hill remain open year-round. Water sources typically shut off after first frost, usually by mid-October.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming-friendly locations: For tent camping with children, Ocqueoc Falls provides safe water play areas. Amber A. mentions, "Multilevel falls where you can swim. Many places to walk/hike, picnic, and enjoy the views."
Safety awareness: Watch for poison ivy at some sites. Rachel K. explains about Ocqueoc Falls, "It's not a bad site, rather small, kinda felt crowded even when it wasn't, not much for trails or lakes. It is right across the street from the falls."
Amenities for convenience: Look for campgrounds with basic facilities. Jayne W. notes about Ocqueoc Falls, "campground is rustic with outhouses and hand pump for water, the falls area has picnic tables and is very pretty."
Tips from RVers
Small trailer access: C3 farm trust accommodates small trailers despite being primarily tent-focused. Small teardrop trailers under 16 feet can access most sites.
Leveling challenges: Many rustic sites require significant leveling. Joshua M. notes about Ocqueoc Falls, "We fit our small travel trailer easily into a fairly level lot. The lack of big rigs makes for a generally laid back and quiet atmosphere."
Limited hookups: No electrical connections exist at state forest campgrounds. Most restrict generator use to limited hours or prohibit them entirely, making solar setups essential for extended stays.
