Pigeon River State Forest spans over 100,000 acres of northern Michigan wilderness, featuring rolling hills, dense forests and diverse wetlands approximately 20 miles northeast of Gaylord. The region contains the largest free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi River. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F while summer camping season brings daytime highs in the 70-80°F range with cool evenings.
What to do
Trail riding on horseback: Equestrian enthusiasts can access miles of designated trails directly from horse-friendly sites at Big Oaks Equestrian State Campground, which offers rustic camping with lots of trees. Sites 1-8 are reserved for non-horse campers, while the remaining sites cater to equestrians with direct trail access.
Explore sinkhole geology: Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground provides access to unique natural formations. According to visitor Vaughn S., "Sinkhole trails within walking distance, beautiful lake with some nice fish. I believe it is a no wake lake so it doesn't get too wild."
Kayaking local waters: The area offers several paddling opportunities within a short drive. One camper noted about Sturgeon Valley Campground: "Judy is lovely. River access great. My favorite place to camp and kayak."
What campers like
Peaceful seclusion: The Pigeon River area offers true wilderness camping experiences. According to one visitor at Pigeon River State Forest Campground, "I love coming to Pigeon River not only because it is secluded and peaceful, but because there are so many things to do in the area." Campers often mention the lack of cell service as a positive feature for disconnecting.
Spacious sites: Visitors appreciate the room to spread out at many campgrounds. At Gaylord KOA, campers find "big, flat, level sites with fire pit and full hook up. Nice pine trees and plenty of space for kids to play."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to observe wild elk and other animals in their natural habitat. One camper reports, "Lots of awesome sink holes to swim in, and even elk sightings. If you can manage to find this place, you will love it!"
What you should know
Limited facilities at equestrian sites: Horse campgrounds near Gaylord, Michigan primarily offer basic amenities. At Walsh Road Equestrian State Forest Campground, a visitor noted: "It was logged off and is essentially destroyed. I think there's 6 'sites' and an open field for equestrian activities. Very secluded."
Water access varies: Not all waterfront campgrounds offer direct water access from individual sites. Nicole V. observed at Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground: "You can launch your boat and beach it near the campground and your campsite but no direct access that we saw."
Ticks can be problematic: Be prepared for insects, especially when hiking. One backpacker at Pigeon River State Forest shared: "The shingle mill pathway in Pigeon River State Forest was a nice, quiet trail. Went on a Thursday in June and saw 1 other person over 2 days. The only problem with this hike was the insane amount of ticks."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety awareness: While riverside camping is popular, parents should evaluate site-specific conditions. At Pigeon River State Forest Campground, Paul C. warns: "Me and my son picked one of a few spots on the pigeon river. The river ran along the edge of our site. Highly recommend, but the current is strong so beware if you have little ones. I wouldn't recommend for 6 and under."
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some private campgrounds offer more structured activities for children. Holly K. says of Chandler Hill Campground: "We've camped here for two years in a row and we LOVE it! Everyone is so friendly. Camp sites are nicely spread out and our 4 kids have a ball. They just updated their playground area as well!"
Pack supplies before arrival: Remote locations mean limited access to stores. Aaron T. advises: "Make sure you have all of your supplies before you arrive as the nearest town is 20+ minutes away. Bring a map/gps because there is not cell service."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Several equestrian campgrounds can accommodate larger vehicles despite their rustic setting. One camper notes: "I've seen people tenting and I've seen people with large fifth wheels. Some sites are only big enough for tents but most sites can fit large RVs."
Electrical considerations: Pay attention to available amperage when booking. Gordon B. shared about Oscoda County Park: "At the moment they have 50 or 20 amp power, so you will need a 15 or 50 adapter to use 30 amp service. No water at camp sites, but they have a water fill station."
Satellite connectivity challenges: Heavily wooded equestrian campgrounds may limit technology access. Ray & Terri F. report: "The CG is pretty heavily wooded, so access to satellite TV and/or Starlink is highly dependent on location. We had marginal views of the southern and northern skies."
Traveler
