Vanderbilt sits within Michigan's northern forest region with easy access to the Pigeon River Country State Forest, a 105,000-acre wilderness area known for Michigan's elk herd. Winter temperatures typically range from 10-25°F with summer averages between 65-80°F. This area offers numerous rustic camping options with minimal amenities where cell service can be spotty to non-existent in many locations.
What to Do
Kayaking or fishing on local rivers: Sturgeon Valley Campground provides direct river access for paddlers. "Judy is lovely. River access great. My favorite place to camp and kayak," notes camper Sue R.
Mountain biking on Shingle Mill Pathway: This 10-mile loop trail runs through Pigeon River State Forest Campground. "The Shingle Mill Pathway runs through the campground. Each site comes with fire pit and picnic table," reports Lydia T.
Elk viewing excursions: The Pigeon River area hosts Michigan's only free-ranging elk herd. Kate K. mentions, "There are a few rustic campgrounds, but we usually just stay at one of the dispersed sites because most of them have a sweet set up. Lots of awesome sink holes to swim in, and even elk sightings."
What Campers Like
Secluded riverfront sites: Many campers value riverside camping spots. Paul C. shares about Pigeon River State Forest Campground: "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."
Peaceful equestrian facilities: Big Oaks Equestrian State Campground offers dedicated horse camping. "A horse campground located directly on trails. Rustic campground with lots of trees. Non horse campers stay in lots 1-8," notes Lydia T.
Swimming in unique sinkholes: The region features unusual natural swimming spots. "Lots of awesome sink holes to swim in, and even elk sightings. If you can manage to find this place, you will love it!" shares Kate K. about the Pigeon River area.
What You Should Know
Limited cell service: Prepare for disconnection. Aaron T. warns about Pigeon River: "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."
Insect preparation: Bug protection is essential in this area. Halie C. cautions about Pigeon River State Forest Campground: "The best place to camp is right on the river which is lovely to fall asleep to at night. Beware of the bugs! Also, there is no cell service."
Varied site sizes at equestrian campgrounds: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. Walsh Road Equestrian Campground has approximately six rustic sites in an open field setting, while Dj W. notes it was "logged off and is essentially destroyed. I think there's 6 'sites' and an open field for equestrian activities."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground availability: Gaylord KOA offers family-friendly amenities. Lindsey S. mentions: "Large sites, amazing hosts, does charge for a band for kids to do activities like jumping pad etc. this includes a bike rental and golf but was an added charge."
River safety considerations: Monitor children near water. Paul C. cautions: "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."
Activity options for different ages: Some campgrounds offer organized events. Amanda C. shares about Gaylord KOA: "Stayed for 6 days. Staff was awesome. Sites were neat. Park was clean. Lots to do for kids. Loved it here."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare leveling equipment. Ray & Terri F. note about Gaylord KOA: "Our site had a fair bit of slope side to side, which I mentioned to the person that led us to our site. He said they'd look into it."
Variable site sizes at horse campgrounds near Vanderbilt: Lydia T. observes about Pigeon River State Forest Campground: "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."
Road conditions: Many access roads are unpaved. Neil mentions about Gaylord KOA: "Sites not paved and entrance roads not paved!!!" This is common for most equestrian campgrounds in the region.
Scout
