Robbins Pond Campground

Star4.38
11 reviews
Robbins Pond Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

No fee required for camping at Robbins Pond Campground.
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USFSProvider
906-358-4551

About this campground

Tucked away in Michigan's pristine wilderness, Robbins Pond Campground offers an authentic escape into nature with just three intimate campsites. This hidden gem beckons adventurers who crave solitude beside crystal-clear waters, where the only sounds are rustling leaves and jumping trout breaking the surface. Here, modern distractions fade away, replaced by the simple pleasures of campfire conversations and star-filled nights.
The campground features three dispersed campsites next to Robbins Pond. "Great little (3 sites) dispersed camping area." (User Review)
Weather and SeasonsExperience the campground's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. Winter blankets the forest in pristine snow, creating a serene wonderland for hardy cold-weather campers. As spring awakens the woods, mild temperatures invite exploration without summer's humidity. Summer brings warm days perfect for fishing, though wise campers come prepared for nature's smaller residents—the mosquitoes. Fall paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, offering perhaps the most comfortable camping conditions with crisp air and fewer bugs.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering trees create a natural cathedral around your campsite. The crown jewel of this wilderness retreat is Robbins Pond itself—a pristine cold-water sanctuary where native trout thrive in the clear depths. Morning mist rises from the water's surface as the forest awakens, while evenings bring a symphony of wildlife sounds. This untouched pocket of wilderness offers the kind of profound quiet that's increasingly rare in our connected world.
Geological RegionNestled in the northeast corner of the Watersmeet Ranger District within Ottawa National Forest, this campground showcases the region's remarkable cold-water ecosystem. The surrounding landscape tells the story of ancient glaciers that carved out pristine ponds and left behind rich forests. These deep woods harbor a network of spring-fed waters that maintain the perfect temperatures for sustaining healthy trout populations, making this area a treasured destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Campsite details

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious by users. "Great campsite! Very spacious." (User Review)
Sites PrivacyCampsites are secluded, as described by users: "At least it's out of the way and never busy!" (User Review)
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors recommend bringing potable water and proper gear for mosquitoes in the summer months.
Best CampsitesAll three sites are described as spacious and well-kept, but individual site preferences aren't detailed in the sources.

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Camping stay limits apply.
Groups
No group camping site details are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features three dispersed campsites in close proximity to Robbins Pond.
Open and Closed SeasonJanuary 1 - December 31
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-in camping is available year-round, as advance reservations are not needed.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Robbins Pond Campground offers activities tied to its natural setting, including fishing for trout in Robbins Pond and non-motorized boating with canoes, kayaks, or small boats. Wildlife viewing is also possible in the area. "Robbins Pond offers free camping all season long." (User Review)
Fishing
Robbins Pond is noted for trout fishing: "This large pond is ideal for those that want to be out in the deep woods to fish while surrounded by nature." (Authoritative Source) Fishing is conducted via canoe or bank, with cold water temperatures suitable for trout.
Boating
Non-motorized boating is available at Robbins Pond. "Type of Craft: Canoe, Kayak, or Small boat." (Authoritative Source) "Nice trail to walk." (User Review)
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible in the wooded area around Robbins Pond.
Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are noted.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and kayaking are supported at Robbins Pond.

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfire policies were not described but may require adherence to seasonal restrictions.

Hazards

General hazardsMosquitoes are prevalent in the summer months. Visitors have also noted that the pond's smell can be off-putting at times.

Weather forecast

61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 51%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 8.2 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Clear sky
7-Day Forecast

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Daily & Hourly Insights

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Temperature Trends

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Precipitation Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Emergency Services

Watersmeet/Iron River Ranger District Office provides emergency contact. Address: E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969. Phone: 906-358-4551. Office hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Good to know

Trash and recyclingNo mentions of trash or recycling facilities are found.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly adjacent to Robbins Pond, a cold-water trout pond.
Common complaintsCommon issues mentioned include mosquitoes, especially in June, and the lack of potable water and well-maintained restrooms.

Campground Map

Driving directionsFrom Watersmeet, Mi., travel north on US 45 approximately 5 ½ miles, turn left onto Old US 45 and travel approximately ½ mile to FR 5230, turn left onto FR 5230 and travel approximately 4 miles to FR 6964, turn left onto FR 6964 and the campground is on the left. From Bruce Crossing Mi., take US 45 approximately 13 ½ miles south, turn right onto Old US 45 and travel ½ mile to FR 5230, turn left onto FR 5230 and travel approximately 4 miles to FR 6964, turn left onto FR 6964 and the campground is on the left.
Roads to the campground include paved highways and unpaved forest roads. Access might be seasonal as snow can close roads leading to the site.
Nearby places
Watersmeet: ~6 miles
Bruce Crossing: ~13.5 miles.
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies would likely be found in Watersmeet (~6 miles) including groceries, fuel, and basic services.

Camper Reviews

4.4
11 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Robbins Pond Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviews suggest a serene and remote camping experience at Robbins Pond with free camping and vault toilets, but with significant bug activity and lack of potable water. Positive mentions include spacious sites, good maintenance, and proximity to local attractions. "Bond Falls, the Paulding Light, and plenty of other attractions can be found within a fifteen-minute drive." (User Review)
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the free camping, spacious campsites, and well-maintained grounds. "Grounds are very well-kept considering this is a no-fee area." (User Review)
Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include bugs, lack of potable water, and odors from vault toilets. "Bathrooms/outhouses could use some better regular attention." (User Review) "Honestly stinky little pond." (User Review)
Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing water, as no potable water is available. Arrival on Sundays may reduce competition for campsite availability, as noted: "We arrived at the sites at 6 pm on a Sunday night...
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Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Bug activity is significant during June and summer months. "Mosquitoes in June will carry you away, but that's to be expected anywhere." (User Review)
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Vault toilets are available, but bring your own water; there's no well here." "Grounds are very well-kept considering this is a no-fee area." "Robbins Pond offers free camping all season long."...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews highlight Robbins Pond's three dispersed campsites for their spaciousness and tranquility. "We had the place completely to ourselves." "Great little (3 sites) dispersed camping area. In fact,...
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Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility features are reviewed.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews explicitly mention pet policies or related experiences.
Based on 11 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

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Robbins Pond Campground