18 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
State forest campgrounds surrounding Brutus, Michigan provide several options for tent camping in northern Michigan's wooded landscapes. Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground, located 30 miles northeast of Brutus near Millersburg, offers 14 rustic tent campsites along the Ocqueoc River. Pigeon River State Forest, approximately 15 miles southeast of Brutus, provides dispersed tent camping opportunities with walk-in access. Stoney Creek Trail Camp in Onaway features tent-only sites with both drive-in and walk-in options, operating from April through October.
Most tent campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration systems. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets and hand-pump wells for drinking water. Ocqueoc Falls campsites cost approximately $20 per night on the honor system. Campers should note that cell service is limited throughout the area, with Verizon offering occasional coverage at some locations. Michigan Recreation Passports are required for entry to state forest campgrounds. The camping season generally runs April through October, though some areas remain accessible year-round for winter tent camping.
Walk-in tent sites provide greater seclusion than roadside alternatives. At Pinney Bridge, campers must hike approximately 700 yards from the parking area to reach the tent camping area. According to reviews, Ocqueoc Falls offers particularly appealing tent campsites with river access. One camper noted, "We had our own private path to the river behind our tent," highlighting the intimate connection with nature possible at these primitive tent campgrounds. The area's natural features enhance the backcountry tent camping experience, with Ocqueoc Falls providing swimming opportunities during summer months and hiking trails that follow the river. Fall visitors experience fewer crowds and colorful foliage, making it an ideal season for tent-only camping in the region.
"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
"Nice little metro park for tent camping. Most sites are dispersed. You can pull your car up to the site for unpacking. Modern bathrooms and a snack shop on site."
"First come first serve sites, a well with pump for water and clean vault toilets."
"Lots of space and wooded areas around you, good spots for hanging out in the hammocks, a private swimming hole in the river. I could have used this as a base of operations for a week."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
Check Availability"Manuer bunkers and solid poles for highline tying. Some cell phone reception but spotty."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Check them out and make sure to share your experience on the Dyrt."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"This campground is hike in/walk in only. The closest parking space is 700 yards and 50 feet in elevation lower than the campground."
from $15 / night
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ScoutNo hookups, No problem! Very quiet campground on the Shores of Lake Michigan. Sites are large and private with large fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets only but they are kept very clean.
LegendSeems much larger than most state forest campgrounds in Michigan. There are 6 loops here with numerous sites on each loop. And yet, you don't feel crowded in and there's decent privacy in many of the sites. Jones Lake is peaceful and offers some great sunsets. Dirt road leading in is in decent shape and navigable by any size rig. Some of the sites may require some tight maneuvering for larger rigs but site size is good overall. Trees offer good shade cover at different times of the day depending on site location.
Rustic campground, so no water or electric are available, but there are vault toilets, as well as trash and recycling receptacles.
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring.
We had a very pleasant stay.
Deecnt cell coverage -- 2 bars LTE on Verizon, 2-3 bars LTE on Google Fi.
GuideGreat state forest campground. $15 per night can’t be beat. Sites are great for tents and RVs but no electricity. Hand pump wells for drinking water and vault toilets that are well kept. About 40 spots. All with picnic table and fire ring. Some are closer to the lake than others but good trails to get to the lake. Lake is perfect for swimming.
GuideWe stayed 8-3 to 8-7, only issue was the weather. Didn’t rain, but was hit with a cold front 😳. This was a great SP, no issues fitting our 36’ TT with 2 slides in our pull through site. We were nestled in the back of the park. Electrical box did have both 30 and 60 amp service. Our site was gravel and pretty much level. Large cemented fire ring and site was spaced great (especially for a SP). No water hookups but we try to reserve next to a water spigot. Lots of trails all around the park for walking and bike riding. To get to the beach you had to take one of the beach trails which is roughly 50-75 yards off the campground road. We went nearing dusk and it was so beautiful. Since we were in the back of the park we decided to leave the park the following day about half mile to the East to a roadside pull off to watch the sunset (I wasn’t about to lug 4 large camping chairs across the campground, lol). This was unknown to us at the time but we ended up seeing a blood moon rise and on such a clear night that you can see all the stars and constellations. I would seriously recommend this campground to everyone (just pack warm clothes). There are some other great attractions in roger city like the quary, 40 mile lighthouse, and a small waterfall just outside of town. We will definitely be back.
TravelerStayed here in early June and had the pleasure of having the whole campground to ourselves. Sites are close to one another and has vaulted toilets. This is a beautiful campground with access to the water via boat launch but not easy access from a few sites. Most sites are wooded and provide great shade and wind protection. Can be quite buggy. We kayaked and enjoyed beautiful sunrises and sunsets to escape the bugs. I did come back later in the season, early August, and sites were packed with multiple tents per site, and kids were riding their bikes around the loop all evening. I like to camp more secluded and this was just too busy and loud for my liking. I ended up leaving and staying at hog island state forest campground that trip.
RangerWe camped here two nights in July. The campground is very easy to find and is an incredible location if you want to ferry over to Mackinac Island. It is convenient to groceries, restaurants and other amenities if interested. The park appears well maintained with three separate camping areas. We tent camp, and had one of the best sites in the park (in my opinion). Site 1A is in the lower East section of the campground. The site is only a tent site & it is HUGE! It was much more private than the other sites, located on the shore of Lake Huron & has a fantastic view of the Mackinac Bridge. There is a small beach area within the park, a one mile trail to a viewing platform of the bridge, and a playground. The bathrooms were clean. Our campsite had a standard picnic table and fire ring. Campsites were moderately priced, but a Michigan Recreation Pass is also required, as in all MI state parks, so it gets a little more pricey. If I was returning to the area, I would camp here again.
LegendThis place was really nice and not very busy. It’s on a beautiful lake that is great for swimming and boating. It has a few walk in sites that have beach access. All sites include picnic table and fire pit. Shared rustic vault toilets available. There is a nice boat launch located within the campground as well.
TravelerGot here the weekend it was closing for the season and aside from the beginning of duck season and the firing of lots of shotguns on my next to last morning here, it was a really peaceful place. Best sites 17, 26, 27 otherwise somebody will set up a tent right next to your van or tent. Good artesian well and very clean vault toilets in this small family campground. They sell firewood and have nice moveable picnic tables and lots of trash receptacles sprinkled about. Lovely sunrise views of Lake Huron. $15/night without electrical
GuideSecond time camping here. Last time was Labor Day weekend 2020. Approx 50 sites. With just shy of 1/2 waterfront. We had a water front site. Came in mid day on the 1 st. Stayed for the weekend. No electric. No shower house. Vault toilets available. Spring water available. Perfect for tents, truck campers, and smaller campers. 1 pull through site. A few sites are available for slightly larger units. Sandy beach and picnic area. One of our favorite boondocks camp sites.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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."
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Brutus, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Brutus, MI is Pigeon Bay Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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