Sturgeon River Campground, near Watton, Michigan, is a peaceful spot that offers a rustic camping experience right by the river. With nine wooded sites, it’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of busier campgrounds and enjoy some tranquility in nature.

This campground is all about simplicity—there are no frills, just a fire ring and a picnic table at each site. Visitors rave about the soothing sounds of the Sturgeon River nearby, making it a great place to unwind after a day of hiking or exploring the surrounding wilderness. As one camper put it, “We found our Peace!” 

The access road is a bit bumpy, but it’s manageable for most vehicles. Once you arrive, you’ll find ample space between sites, allowing for a sense of privacy. Just remember to pack out your trash, as there are no trash services here. Campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere, with many noting the lovely views and the chance to spot wildlife in the area.

If you’re up for a little adventure, there’s a trailhead nearby for hiking. Just be sure to leave no trace and respect the natural beauty around you. Sturgeon River Campground is a fantastic choice for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors without the distractions of modern amenities.

Sturgeon River Campground

Are you in need of a campground near Watton, MI? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Watton is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Watton camping trip.

Watton

The Best Camping Near Watton, Michigan

In the middle of the forest, big private sites, no drinking water but a pit toilet. 9 sites only! Free for 14 days. Quiet, peaceful. 6 miles off route M 28 on gravel road.

Peaceful forest

This campground is located just off the Sturgeon River in the Ottawa National Forest and is first come first serve with no reservations. From speaking with a local who frequents the campground, it is usually quiet with few sites actually in use at a time; it seems this year (2020) there have been more people out camping, though, so getting there earlier is better to ensure finding a site. 

  

It is rustic -- there is no water pump, but there are pit toilets in the center of the site. If you don't bring enough water the river next to most sites can provide drinking water with the proper filtration. The national park website says there are 9 sites, but only 7 are actually available. My best guess is the MIA sites existed in the central part at one time. 

  

Two sites can fit a camper, but they also happen to be the sites with the best view of the river. The remaining sites are tent-only due to a set of rocks blocking off the sites so vehicles do not drive in. From what I could tell with observations, 4 or 5 sites are either right on the river or have a short trail to get to the river.

  

The locations are sparse enough that the only thing really heard from other campers is the occasional shutting of a car door. The soft sound of the river drowns most noises out. Each site has a fire ring, most have a grate on the ring, a lantern hook, and a picnic table.

Great Rustic Campground

Beautiful, peaceful little campground. Pit toilet, reasonably private camp sites. I camped close to the water and could hear it running all night. An absolutely lovely night on a cross country trip. 

Beautiful and serene 

I stayed in Site 3.

The 9 campsites were spread out pretty well. You wont know what is happening at the sites around you unless you looking for something to find. Campsites were large, but many you could not drive all the way through due to the rocks they have in  the way. However, there is ample room for parking. 

River is very close, about a stones throw away. You can hear it at night. 

Camping is free and first come first serve. The place was full by the evening both nights I stayed in October. Its about a 6 mile and 15 minute drive down windy dirt road to get to the sites. Really any kind of vehicle can make it, but there are some large potholes that snuck up on me. 

Please be prepared to bring you garbage out of the campsite. There is no amenities available here. The campsite next to me had left a full garbage bag behind which is less than disrespectful.

Great Stop

Quiet, peaceful national forest campground. Free. 9 wooded sites. Near the river; nice to hear at night. Good spacing between sites. Some are level. Mens/womens vault toilets. No water. No trash; need to pack it out. Basic T-Mobile service is very sporadic. Would stay here again.

Can hear the Sturgeon River

The Sturgeon River is wide and beautiful. Just imagine sitting next to the rippling water. The road there is down some dirt roads with some bumps but it’s drivable. 

The small rustic campground doesn’t have all the frills so this is for the rustic campers. The sites vary but there is shade to be found. We enjoyed the seclusion of this forest campground. 

On the way to camp you pass a trailhead. Head back for a hike. This is in the Sturgeon River wilderness so take care to leave no trace that you were here. 

Remote and beautiful 

This campground was an unexpected awesome surprise! After spending a busy week coming across the UP, and enjoying the "tourist sites" and experiencing the crowded, extremely busy State Park Campgrounds, we found this wonderfully, quiet, absolutely beautiful campground. Away from crowds, away from traffic, away from the hustle bustle of cities ... we found our Peace! Plus it's free!!! Dispersed camping, just a fire ring and a picnic table, plus the view and the sounds of the river as it passes by us just a few feet away. What more could we ask?

Photos of Sturgeon River Campground

Real photos from real campers