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Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley

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· Vanderbilt, Otsego, Michigan

40 acres hosted by Dove And John D.

2 RV/tent sites

Best in Michigan: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Dove and John is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Private sites

99% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.

We book only 2 sites at a time on our 40 acre property so you can enjoy a more secluded experience in the woods. Our property is undeveloped, so you will need to bring drinking water, but there's no need to worry about finding firewood before your arrive as we supply you with a free bundle waiting for you when you get here! There are 1 1/2 miles of marked, wooded trails that will guide you to the river's edge where you can enjoy the beauty and wildlife along the West Branch of the Sturgeon River. It will feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere, yet the convenience of the small town of Vanderbilt is just three miles away. We are located just three miles off of I-75. The larger town of Gaylord is only a 15 minute drive south. There's lots to do here in beautiful Northern Michigan! Only a few miles from our camp you can go for a swim at Thumb Lake Park or take a bike ride along the North Central State Trail in Vanderbilt. Drive 15 minutes north and you can canoe or kayak the main branch of the Sturgeon River in Wolverine. There are many great hiking trails in the Pigeon River State Forest and the North Country National Scenic Trail is only 6 miles away. This 40 acre parcel has been in our family since the 1950s. My grandparents originally designated it as a tree farm and planted and harvested lumber from it. As a boy scout leader, my grandfather hosted many boy scout troops here and even hosted a boy scout Jamboree in the 1970s. Back then the property was referred to as the "Tree Farm", but after my husband John and I inherited it in 2014 we started calling it Camp 437. Before we inherited the property we spent time camping there and building trails. One of the trails we built was named the "Burns Trail" in honor of my grandparents. Since we acquired the property we have added a one mile loop that circles the perimeter of the property, and a total of about 1 1/2 miles of trail.

Activities

Biking

Fishing

Hiking

Paddling

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

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213 ratings · 142 reviews

Brendan S.recommends

September 21, 2024

Forest Hill Site

Always amazing

This is our favorite campsite on the property and our favorite hipcamp in Northern lower Michigan. Would recommend to anyone. A+++++

Eli F.recommends

September 9, 2024

Forest Hill Site

Very nice place! We were the only ones and it felt quite remote out in the maple forest. Plenty of space for a couple cars and 2 large tents

Steven S.recommends

September 2, 2024

Forest Hill Site

Love this spot, the campground is great for tent camping, has trails to walk, a great spot to hang by the river, we’ve been back twice now and will again!

Dave P.recommends

August 25, 2024

Woods Site

Two Nighhts at Woods Site

Loved spending two nights at the Woods site, exploring the well marked rustic trails and taking my dog for a dip in the river. Met Dove as she was checking in on the rain shelter and she was warm and welcoming. Their communication was top notch as well. I'd highly recommend booking a stay at Camp 437.

James J.recommends

August 14, 2024

Forest Hill Site

My daughter and I loved tent camping at the Forest Hill site. Nothing but peace and quiet. My daughter loved hiking the trails to the river. We were looking for seclusion, and we didn't see another person for the 3 days we were there. It's a great camp that we will plan on returning to!

Joe K.recommends

August 6, 2024

Forest Hill Site

Forest Hill site was plenty roomy. Dove and John were very respectful and willing to offer up suggestions on what to do in the area. The river area was wonderful and refreshing! It was my son and I for 3 nights and we will likely be back!

Location

Vanderbilt, Otsego, Michigan, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, Odawa, and Wyandot First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking