PIGEON RIVER STATE FOREST
PIGEON RIVER STATE FOREST
19 sites for tent and small trailer use secluded in scenic woodland along the Pigeon River. Water access, and hiking pathway at campground. Rustic campground includes vault toilets and potable water from well hand pump. Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations. Check with State Forest Campground Manager for seasonal availability.
Pigeon River State Forest, located in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Here is an overview of its history:
1. Native American Settlements: For centuries, this area was inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Ottawa and the Ojibwe (Chippewa) people. They utilized the land for hunting, fishing, and gathering.
2. European Settlement: In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in northern Michigan. The first permanent settlement in the region was established in 1839 near the present-day town of Vanderbilt. These settlers engaged in logging and farming activities.
3. Logging Era: With the discovery of vast pine forests in the area, the logging industry boomed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Pigeon River area was extensively logged, and the river itself was used to transport logs downstream. The large-scale logging operations caused deforestation and degradation of the natural habitat.
4. Conservation Efforts: As concerns grew about the destruction of the forests, conservation efforts emerged in the early 20th century. The Michigan Department of Conservation (now known as the Department of Natural Resources) acquired land in the Pigeon River area in 1919. The initial goal was to establish a game refuge to protect the elk population, which was on the verge of extinction in Michigan.
5. Elk Restoration: In the late 1910s and early 1920s, a number of elk were brought to the Pigeon River area from the western United States. These efforts were successful, and the elk population gradually increased. Currently, Pigeon River State Forest is home to one of the largest free-ranging elk herds east of the Mississippi River.
6. Forest Management: Over the years, the management of Pigeon River State Forest has focused on restoring the natural habitat, reforestation, and wildlife conservation, with an emphasis on protecting the elk population. Sustainable logging practices are also implemented to maintain a healthy forest ecosystem.
7. Recreational Opportunities: Today, Pigeon River State Forest offers various recreational opportunities for visitors, including hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing, camping, and snowmobiling. The forest covers about 105,000 acres, making it one of Michigan's largest state forests.
Pigeon River State Forest has transformed from a heavily logged area to a designated state forest with a focus on wildlife conservation and sustainable forest management. It preserves the natural heritage of Michigan while providing recreational activities for residents and visitors.
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the
MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
1. Pigeon River State Forest Campground: This campground offers 19 sites for tent and small trailer use, all of which are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. It provides vault toilets and potable water from well hand pump.
2. Round Lake State Forest Campground: Located within the Pigeon River Country Ecosystem, this campsite has 8 rustic campsites with fire rings/grills and picnic tables suitable for tents or trailers up to 40 feet long.
3. Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground: A larger site offering over two dozen camping spots along with fishing opportunities in nearby lakes.
4. Elk Hill Trailcamp & Horseback Riding Staging Area - Group Use Area (GUA): The GUA is designed specifically for equestrian users who wish to stay overnight at their staging area while enjoying horse riding trails throughout the forest.
5. Webb Road Dispersed Camping Site: For those looking more solitude experience can opt dispersed camping where you set your own camp away from developed facilities.
6. Kleinke Park Primitive Camping Sites: These primitive sites offer minimal amenities but maximum nature exposure ideal for backpackers.
7. Shingle Mill Pathway Backcountry Camping Sites: these remote backcountry campsites provide an opportunity to enjoy Michigan's wilderness areas without any modern conveniences like electricity or running water.