Pines Point Campground (Mi)
4.6438 reviews168TH AVENUE
Pines Point Campground (Mi)
$30.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates include $30 per night for standard non-electric sites and $100 per night for group, non-electric sites.
About this campground
Nestled along the meandering White River, Pines Point Campground offers an authentic escape into Michigan's pristine wilderness. This hidden gem features 27 intimate family campsites and five spacious group areas, each thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and traditional lantern posts that harken back to simpler times. While modern amenities like drinking water and flush toilets ensure comfort, the absence of electric hookups preserves the campground's rustic charm, inviting you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's rhythms.
Pines Point Campground accommodates various camping styles, including group camping and family camping. It offers rustic sites without electricity or water hookups, focusing on connecting visitors with nature.
Historical SignificancePines Point Campground serves as your gateway to the magnificent Huron-Manistee National Forests, a sprawling wilderness sanctuary encompassing nearly one million acres of protected land. Within this vast ecosystem, almost 6,000 acres of vital wetlands create a mosaic of habitats that sustain diverse fish populations and wildlife communities. Here, you're camping in a living testament to conservation success, where generations of careful stewardship have preserved these forests for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and cherish.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Michigan's seasons at Pines Point, where warm summer days averaging 80°F create perfect conditions for river adventures and starlit evenings around the campfire. As autumn paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, crisp air signals the transition to peaceful winters, when light snowfall transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland. Our weather patterns reveal coveted windows of dry, temperate days with crystal-clear skies—those magical weeks when camping conditions reach their peak perfection.
ElevationThe gentle topography of Pines Point creates an accessible camping experience perfect for families and adventurers of all abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering white pines stand as ancient sentinels throughout Pines Point, their majestic canopies creating a natural cathedral that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The landscape unfolds in gentle rolling hills that guide your gaze toward the sparkling White River, whose waters whisper stories as they flow past your campsite. This enchanting backdrop sets the stage for memorable adventures—from lazy afternoon tubing excursions to early morning fishing expeditions when mist rises from the river like nature's own curtain call.
Geological RegionPerched on the banks of the White River in Michigan's scenic Lower Peninsula, Pines Point Campground showcases the region's distinctive geological character. The surrounding terrain of softly rolling hills, sculpted by ancient glaciers, creates intimate valleys and ridges now cloaked in magnificent stands of white pine. As part of the greater Huron-Manistee National Forests ecosystem, this landscape tells the story of Michigan's natural heritage—from its glacial past to its forested present, offering campers a chance to immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of the Great Lakes region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details are limited, but some reviews suggest that most campsites are level and maintained. One review mentioned, "Most sites are level and shaded, variety of sites and sizes for all types of camping."
Sites SizeSites vary in size, accommodating different camping setups, from tents to trailers. Reviews indicate spacious sites, with campers mentioning, "Site #2 had a private cul-de-sac with 5 campsites that were very secluded."
Sites PrivacyThe campground emphasizes privacy with secluded sites and well-spaced group areas. User reviews frequently highlight this aspect, such as, "Reserved spaces are partially secluded from each other, it was nice to have a little privacy."
Total Campsites32 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #2 offers privacy but can be tight for larger campers. Review by Jacob L: 'Was a little tight getting a 26' camper in there but worked out fine.'
Best CampsitesGroup sites are recommended for privacy. Family sites near the river are popular for tubing access. Review by Kendra Hancotte: 'The sites on the right when you drive in are a short walk down a hill to the river.'
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Family sites allow up to 8 guests per site
- group sites accommodate 20 guests.
Groups
Group sites can accommodate up to 20 guests per site, with five total group sites available. They are described as "separate from the camp," offering privacy and easy river access.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 27 family sites and 5 group sites, with reserved spaces offering partial seclusion.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 9 - October 12 (reservable dates start June 25).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available; reserved spaces are separate.
Cancellation PolicyReservations canceled before the check-in date incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (after midnight the day prior to check-in) also forfeit the first night's fees.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Pines Point Campground offers a range of recreational activities centered around its natural features and the White River. Activities include hiking, fishing, tubing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The serene environment makes it ideal for relaxation and exploring nature.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available near the campground, though some reviews noted they are not frequently used and may be difficult to follow. One user mentioned, "Cute little hiking trail along the river, however it seems that they are not used very often as the path is hard to follow at times."Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Pines Point, with opportunities to catch trout, salmon, and sucker. Reviews emphasize the strong salmon run, as noted by Becky: "River is beautiful and has a strong salmon run that makes it worth most drives to get there."Biking
Biking is mentioned in reviews, although limited details are available. One review noted some campers biking through sites, causing minor disruptions.Boating
Boating is supported with activities like canoeing and kayaking. The canoe landing is walk-in, and users find tubing a major attraction. A user review highlighted, "The river is pure magic. The trip around to the landing is less than an hour at a leisurely pace."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities include birds, turtles, and snakes, as shared by Diane L: "The river was clean and beautiful, and the kids loved rafting in it and seeing snakes, birds, and turtles."Winter Activities
Winter recreation activities are not specified, as the campground operates seasonally, closing mid-October.Water Sports
Tubing and kayaking are prominent water sports at Pines Point Campground. Reviews praise the river's serene experience: "It’s spectacular that this campground is placed near a unique bend in the river that allows for about a 30-minute float."Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated rings. Firewood must be locally sourced.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include gypsy moth season, as noted by Bianca, and fallen trees obstructing the river, mentioned by Katrina F.
Active alertsNo current alerts.
Weather forecast
51
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are located in Hesperia, which is approximately 7 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 9 - October 12.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site, though one review noted, "The dumpsters were nearly full and need something to prevent raccoons from strewing trash around." Recycling facilities were not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated alongside the White River, with easy access for kayaking and tubing.
Common complaintsComplaints include strict enforcement of quiet hours (reviews by TheMrSheamus and Sara) and amenities perceived as expensive compared to other campgrounds.
HostHosts Ed and Denise are praised for their friendliness and campground upkeep. Review by Michael Veldkamp: 'The campground hosts, Ed and Denise, do an excellent job at keeping this park looking amazing.'
Campground Map
168TH AVENUE
Driving directionsFrom Hesperia, go west on M-20 for 2 miles to 192nd Avenue. Turn south for 1 mile to Garfield Road. Turn west on Garfield Road for 3 miles. Turn left and travel south on 168th Ave for 1.5 miles. 168th Ave turns into Forest Road 5637; continue on FR 5637 to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but there have been reports of GPS directions leading to forest service roads. Review by Dan Barney highlights: 'You'll want to take 168th Ave off Garfield Rd and follow the signs.'Nearby places
Hesperia is closest, approximately 7 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Hesperia, 7 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
38 reviews
Pines Point Campground (Mi) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Pines Point Campground paint a picture of a serene, clean, and well-maintained campground with excellent hosts. The campground is praised for its rustic charm and proximity to the White River, but some complaints about noise enforcement and dumpster maintenance were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 38 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and attentive hosts. Other positives include serene surroundings, proximity to the river, and opportunities for tubing and...
Based on 38 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include strict enforcement of quiet hours, lack of showers, and issues with dumpster maintenance preventing raccoons. Some campers also faced challenges with directions and noise...
Based on 38 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend downloading maps ahead of time due to poor cell service and bringing additional toilet paper. Visitors suggest checking with hosts for RV size compatibility and preparing for gypsy...
Based on 38 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and early fall appear popular due to moderate weather and the salmon fishing season. Summer reviews emphasize tubing and rafting, while late fall brings challenges such as fallen trees in the...
Based on 38 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Hosts were great - friendly, available without being intrusive." (Kathy T)
2. "The river runs along one side of the campground but no sites are near the water." (Day Tripper)
3. "Clean bathrooms,...
Based on 38 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Users frequently mention secluded sites and proximity to the river. Site #2 is noted for being private but tricky for large RVs. Group sites are described as separate and convenient for river access...
Based on 38 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are limited, but most sites are said to be level and shaded, suitable for various camping setups.
Based on 38 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 38 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025