Map showing campground location near Pewamo, Michigan

Camper submitted image from Maple River Campground

Maple River Campground

Anglers and paddlers find direct access to the Maple River at this county-managed campground in Pewamo. The facility operates year-round with both drive-in and boat-in access, accommodating RVs with electric and water hookups alongside tent camping. Site 6 allows campers to position their RV parallel to the river rather than backing in, creating waterfront setups ideal for fishing and letting pets access the water.

The campground charges $5 each for shower use and dump station access, with ice and firewood available on-site. Staff live on the property and maintain the facility, though campers need to drive several miles for grocery supplies. Wildlife viewing includes frequent turtle and duck sightings along the river corridor. The property also features rental cabins positioned directly on the riverbank for places to camp around Pewamo.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

The Great Northern Road Trip

Burlington to Sault Ste. Marie: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Location

Public Campground

Maple River Campground is located in Michigan

Directions

From jct Hwy 66 & Hwy 21: Go 12 1/2 mi E on Hwy 21, then 5 mi N on Hubbardston Rd, then 1/4 mi E on French Rd.

Address

15420 West French Road
Pewamo, MI 48873

Coordinates

43.06038019 N
84.83024727 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 4 users
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 4 users
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Cabins
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+19899816792

Drive Time

37 min from Lansing, MI
57 min from Grand Rapids, MI
1 hr 15 min from Saginaw, MI
1 hr 17 min from Midland, MI

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the beautiful riverfront setting with spacious sites offering flexible camping positions. Several guests observed extra fees for basic amenities, but many appreciated the quiet location and natural surroundings with abundant wildlife.

Alexandra M.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2023

Great Fishing and Sites

We were on site 6, and there was plenty of space! We were able to park the camper with the door facing the river. It was great for fishing, and our dogs had a great time too. There isn’t a pool or designated swimming area, but having a spot on the river is great. You do have to pay $5 for shower use and $5 to use the dump station. They do have ice and firewood for sale there, but there isn’t a little store so you have to leave the campground and drive a few miles for that (so just do your best to remember everything!) If you’re looking for a quieter campground on a river, this is the place to be!

Site6

Month of VisitJuly

karen

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 13, 2021

lovely quiet riverfront camping

loved this place! had a beautiful riverfront spot where we were able to put our camper parallel to the water instead of backed in! it was beautiful.... only problem was the washed out driveway... oh, and some kind of fly invasion one night, but other than that the setting is beautiful!

Siteriverfront... to the left of drive in ... cant remember #

Month of VisitSeptember

David F.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 17, 2018

Fun Adventure

September 9th 2017 I hosted a Kayak/Canoe trip and we used this location for our landing and camping. It was a great little location that even had some river side cabins you could rent.

The amount of nature was overwhelming. Lots of turtles and ducks to be seen.

The staff was friendly and aviable when needed, was very welcoming as they did live on site. I will be returning to this location.

Month of VisitSeptember

(8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maple River Campground considered a rustic camping option in Michigan?

Maple River Campground offers a semi-rustic experience that balances natural setting with basic amenities. While immersed in nature with riverside sites and abundant wildlife, the campground does provide some conveniences like shower facilities (for a $5 fee) and rental cabins alongside traditional campsites. Sites are spacious, particularly those along the river where RVs can park parallel to the water. The emphasis is on outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and canoeing rather than resort-style amenities. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a nature-focused camping experience without going completely primitive.

What do reviews say about Maple River Campground?

Maple River Campground receives positive feedback for its beautiful riverfront setting and spacious sites. Campers particularly appreciate the option to position RVs parallel to the water for optimal views. The campground is noted for abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including turtles and ducks. Visitors enjoy fishing directly from their campsites and find the location pet-friendly. Some mention minor issues like occasional washouts on driveways and seasonal insect activity. Shower facilities are available for a small fee. Overall, the natural setting and river access are consistently highlighted as standout features.

Are there photos of Maple River Campground available online?

Yes, photos of Maple River Campground are available online through various camping websites and platforms. These images typically showcase the beautiful riverfront campsites, the natural surroundings with abundant wildlife like turtles and ducks, and the riverside cabins available for rent. Photos often highlight the scenic setting along the Maple River, which is a major feature of this campground. For the most current and comprehensive collection of images, check the official Michigan DNR website or popular camping platforms.

How far is Maple River Campground from Lansing, MI?

Maple River Campground is approximately 30-35 miles from downtown Lansing, MI. The drive typically takes about 40-45 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting point within Lansing. This makes it a convenient option for Lansing residents looking for a weekend getaway without traveling too far from the city. The relatively short distance allows for easy day trips back to Lansing if needed during your stay.

Keep Exploring