How much does camping cost at Sturgeon River Campground?

Camping fees at Sturgeon River Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Sturgeon River Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sturgeon River Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are walk-up/first-come, first-served. The campground tends to fill by Friday evening during peak season.

What is the best time to visit Sturgeon River Campground?

Sturgeon River Campground is open Mid-May to October due to maintenance and favorable weather conditions.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Sturgeon River Campground?

Sturgeon River Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Sturgeon River Campground?

Fire policies at Sturgeon River Campground: Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Sturgeon River Campground have?

Sturgeon River Campground has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Sturgeon River Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sturgeon River Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Sturgeon River Campground?

Sturgeon River Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sturgeon River Campground?

Popular activities at Sturgeon River Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sturgeon River Campground

4.48

62 reviews

4810 E. M28 Kenton, MI 49967

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

1,070 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open all year, but m...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,070 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open all year, but m...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Sturgeon River Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping at Sturgeon River Campground is free of charge as stated in multiple user reviews.

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

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USFS

Provider

906-852-3500

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What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 62 reviews

52 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioushiking

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Sturgeon River Campground is consistently appreciated for its peaceful, secluded atmosphere and proximity to nature. The rustic setup and riverside location are highlights of many reviews, while the lack of potable water and occasional bugs were noted as drawbacks."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4810 E. M28 Kenton, MI 49967

Sturgeon River Campground

4810 E. M28 Kenton, MI 49967

Nearby places

Sidnaw, MI - approximately 5 miles / Kenton, MI - approximately 10 miles

Nearby supplies

Sidnaw, MI offers basic supplies and a breakfast spot. Watton, MI, located nearby, has a larger grocery store and a gas station.

Best Time to Camp at Sturgeon River Campground

Summer is the most reliable window, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to upper-70s and nights dropping into the 40s and 50s. The river is warm enough for swimming in deeper pools, and hiking the gorge trails under full canopy is best then. Weekends get busier, but with only 9 sites, it never feels crowded. Fall brings color but cooler temps. Winter is harsh and not recommended unless you're equipped for freezing conditions. The maintained season runs May 10 through October 31.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall popular for trails and scenery; late fall less appealing due to hunters.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Mid-May to October due to maintenance and favorable weather conditions.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open all year, but maintenance occurs between May 10 and October 31.

About Sturgeon River Campground

Sturgeon River Campground sits on the banks of the Sturgeon River in Ottawa National Forest, about 9 primitive sites tucked into the edge of the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. No potable water, no hookups. Just vault toilets, fire rings, and river access. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent. If you want quiet and don't mind hauling your own water, this is the place.

Sturgeon River Campground provides primitive camping options suited for dispersed camping enthusiasts. It is a free, first-come, first-serve campground.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the most reliable window, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to upper-70s and nights dropping into the 40s and 50s. The river is warm enough for swimming in deeper pools, and hiking the gorge trails under full canopy is best then. Weekends get busier, but with only 9 sites, it never feels crowded. Fall brings color but cooler temps. Winter is harsh and not recommended unless you're equipped for freezing conditions. The maintained season runs May 10 through October 31.

ElevationNestled within the dramatic landscape of a river gorge, the campground sits at varying elevations that follow the natural contours of the land. The terrain rises and falls with the ancient river valley, creating intimate camping spots at different levels above the water. This varied topography adds character to each campsite and provides natural privacy between neighboring camps.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Sturgeon River has carved a rugged gorge through ancient bedrock here, creating a landscape of rock outcroppings and dense northwoods forest. Most sites sit close to the river, which alternates between calm pools and faster water depending on the stretch. The forest is thick overhead, heavy with shade. Elevation is around 1,070 feet. Mornings bring mist off the water. Eagles show up occasionally. It's quiet enough to hear the river from your tent at night.

Geological RegionSituated within the remarkable Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness of the Ottawa National Forest, the campground occupies one of the region's most dramatic geological features. The river has carved its path through ancient bedrock over millennia, creating a rugged gorge surrounded by pristine wilderness. This heavily forested landscape represents the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula wilderness, where the forces of water and time have sculpted a terrain of stunning natural beauty. The rustic character of the area preserves the wild essence of this geological wonder, allowing visitors to experience the landscape much as it has existed for thousands of years.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days

Groups

There are no designated group camping sites at the campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutNine sites total, most near the river. Sites are spacious and the soil is soft with few rocks, making tent pitching easy. Privacy is fair but not great. You'll see your neighbors. The gravel access road is well-maintained, so getting in isn't an issue.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; no reservation system is in place.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up/first-come, first-served. The campground tends to fill by Friday evening during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as the sites are first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityNo accessible campsites are available. The campground is rustic, and terrain may pose challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, allowing for easy tent pitching. Soil is noted to be 'nice with no rocks.

PrivacyPrivacy between sites is described as fair, with most sites close to the river. Some users appreciated the seclusion, while others noted a lack of significant distance between sites.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose riverside sites for the best experience. Site #7 is particularly recommended for its view and accessibility to the river.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Campers can enjoy various outdoor activities at Sturgeon River Campground, particularly fishing and hiking. The nearby Sturgeon River provides opportunities for non-motorized boating, and there are several hiking trails accessible from the campsite, including the Sidnaw Creek Trail and the North Country National Scenic Trail.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include mosquitoes, horse flies, and treacherous river conditions during low flow periods. The area is also frequented by bear hunters in the late fall, which may disrupt the peaceful environment.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings.

Emergency ServicesKenton Ranger District Office is the closest official emergency service provider, located at 4810 E. M28 Kenton, MI 49967, about 10 miles from the campground. Phone: 906-852-3500.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available; visitors must pack out all waste.

Water FeaturesLocated directly along the Sturgeon River, which offers opportunities for fishing and non-motorized boating.

Weather at Sturgeon River Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

62 reviews

Recommended

Sturgeon River Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Sturgeon River Campground is consistently appreciated for its peaceful, secluded atmosphere and proximity to nature. The rustic setup and riverside location are highlights of many reviews, while the lack of potable water and occasional bugs were noted as drawbacks.

Review Summaries

Based on 62 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the clean pit toilets, spacious sites, easy access to hiking trails and fishing areas, and the beautiful natural surroundings. Several reviews mentioned the well-maintained gravel road...

Based on 62 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of potable water, limited privacy between sites, bugs (mosquitoes and gnats), and occasional disturbances from other campers (e.g., generator noise or fireworks).

Based on 62 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing mosquito repellent, all necessary supplies (especially drinking water), and arriving early to secure a spot. The best site mentioned is #7, located near the river.

Based on 62 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and fall are popular seasons for camping due to favorable weather and accessible hiking trails. Late fall may be less appealing due to bear hunters in the area.

Based on 62 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bring your mosquito repellent." - Andy Hall; "#7 is the one you want if you can get it." - Otto Yermyne; "The bathrooms are just simple pit toilets but very clean." - Sayer Dolata; "If you like a...

Based on 62 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #7 received specific praise for its proximity to the river. Other sites are also riverside, allowing campers to enjoy the sounds of flowing water.

Based on 62 reviews