Tent campsites scatter the forests and lakeshores surrounding Gaylord, Michigan, with options ranging from established campgrounds to more primitive backcountry sites. The Pigeon River State Forest offers dispersed tent camping for those seeking seclusion, while Pinney Bridge State Forest Campground provides designated walk-in tent sites. Sturgeon Valley Campground near Wolverine accommodates tent campers with more developed facilities approximately 15 miles northeast of Gaylord.
Most tent campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter access in certain areas. The state forest campgrounds typically provide basic amenities including vault toilets, trash collection, and fire rings, though not all sites have potable water available. At Pinney Bridge, campers must hike approximately 700 yards from the parking area to reach the tent sites, which sit 50 feet higher in elevation. Primitive tent camping in Pigeon River State Forest requires campers to bring all necessary supplies, as these dispersed sites offer no facilities. Sites are typically located on natural, ungraded surfaces with varying levels of shade and privacy.
Tent campers frequently choose this region for its proximity to water features and trail networks. Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground provides direct river access, making it popular among paddlers and anglers seeking tent sites near water. The area offers relative seclusion compared to more developed camping regions in Michigan, with many campers reporting peaceful experiences even during peak season. Wakeley Lake Campground requires a half-mile hike to reach the lakeside tent sites but rewards visitors with exceptional fishing and wildlife viewing. A visitor commented, "We hauled our canoe loaded with our tent and amenities on a dolly the half mile or so back to the camp sites. Some of the best catch and release artificial lure only fishing."
"Island lake/Huron River Hudson Mills, Sturgeon River, Pine River MI. Also, Hiawasse River, TN"
$15 / night
"This campground is hike in/walk in only. The closest parking space is 700 yards and 50 feet in elevation lower than the campground."
"Manuer bunkers and solid poles for highline tying. Some cell phone reception but spotty."
"You get the best of both worlds here, camping on the river but close to Grayling. The campsites are fairly secluded and shaded."
"Short backpacking walk to this no-reservations rustic campsite. You need a backcountry permit and there’s usually a small fee. Lovely forested secluded tent sites."
"After a short mile or so hike over a mostly level sandy trail you'll reach to the campground. It's located in a part of the forest with lots of ridges."
"Very near a handful of private residences. Can hear the state route from the site but it was low volume traffic. Didn't see anyone else during the stay."
"If you like to rough it, but be able to drive to your campground, this is your place. Get back to nature here with no running water or electric."
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.
TravelerThere are 2 sections of Schecks Place. One is a campground with picnic tables and site numbers.
The other is the trail camp. You drop your money in the box pick a spot of as much space as you want (there is hardly ever a lot of people).
The last 2 times we went there was maybe one or two people with their horses or just passing thru.
There are bathrooms and a well for water. No showers No electric.
The river runs by and is awesome to go tubing down.
There are trails that go through so if you are an equestrian this spot is perfect.
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.
GuideIt’s never busy here. I don’t have horses but I’ve seen people stay with horse trailers with their tie outs to the poles that are designed for it. There’s trails in the surrounding areas. Also water pump and vault toilets. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided as well.
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.
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.
LegendRustic campground on Jackson lake. Very close to clear lake state park down the road. Vault toilets and each site comes with picnic table and fire ring.
LegendNice large state forest campground with plenty of space and sites. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Shared rustic toilets and hand pump for water are also available. The sites are large but only a few are close to the lake and even those require taking a trail down to the water. The lake is beautiful and clear, perfect for a paddle or morning swim.
The Pigeon River State Forest offers dispersed tent camping options near Gaylord, Michigan, where campers find secluded sites within the northern Michigan woodlands. Sturgeon Valley Campground provides established tent sites with river access, while Elk Hill Equestrian River Trail Campground offers more remote tent camping experiences. Several State Forest Campgrounds including Pinney Bridge and Rainbow Bend provide rustic tent sites with minimal amenities throughout the region.
Tent campers should note that most state forest campgrounds near Gaylord feature basic amenities such as vault toilets and fire rings, but many lack potable water or electrical hookups. Pinney Bridge requires a 700-yard walk from the nearest parking area to reach the tent sites, making it exclusively walk-in camping. Most tent sites are situated on natural, ungraded surfaces with varying levels of shade and privacy. During spring months, ticks are prevalent in the area, particularly at riverside campsites. Fire restrictions may apply during dry summer periods, and campers should bring sufficient water supplies as many sites lack reliable water sources.
The region's tent campgrounds provide excellent access to outdoor activities, particularly paddling and fishing. Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground offers tent sites directly on the AuSable River, making it ideal for canoe and kayak camping trips. De Cheau Lake provides more remote tent camping with minimal facilities but rewards campers with peaceful lake views and wildlife opportunities. A visitor at Rainbow Bend commented that it offers "great, quiet, cozy place to take kids or anyone for that matter. Right on the river and clean, flat lots." Many tent campers report having entire campgrounds to themselves during weekday visits, particularly at more remote sites like Keystone Landing, where the proximity to trout fishing waters makes it popular with anglers seeking a primitive camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gaylord, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gaylord, MI is Sturgeon Valley Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Gaylord, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Gaylord, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
