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Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley

Hosted by Dove · Vanderbilt, Michigan
6 guests max
100%
·
149 reviews
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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.
All to yourself
98% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
If you are looking to connect with nature, we think you'll love Camp 437. Currently we are offering our property solely to you! As our only guests you will enjoy a very private, secluded experience at our 40 acre camp. Our property is undeveloped, so you will need to bring your own drinking water, but there's no need to worry about finding firewood before you arrive as we supply you with all you need. Be sure to bring along your water shoes because our wooded trails will guide you right to the river's edge where you can enjoy the beauty and wildlife along the West Branch of the Sturgeon River, with no roads or houses in sight! This is also a great spot for stargazing and to watch the perseids meteor shower. For your convenience, a short walk from your campsite is a spacious rain shelter that includes 2 picnic tables, extra chairs, solar lights, and lots of books and games for rainy days. There's also a swing, a hammock, and a charcoal grill available. Please note, Camp 437 is completely off grid and offers a primitive camping experience; you will be in direct contact with nature and it might feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere, yet the convenience of the village of Vanderbilt is just three miles away. Please be aware that with rustic camping brings unique experiences, such as our 3 sided, open air pit toilets made from repurposed materials. We are located just three miles off of I-75 and the larger city 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.The Woods Site is a flat site with lots of shade from large maple trees. It is tucked back in the middle of our 40 acres, so no roads or houses are in sight. It has a prep table, a picnic table, benches, fire pit, cooking grate, and it's own open-air pit toilet. A short walk away is a rain shelter that includes 2 picnic tables, extra chairs, solar lights, lots of books and games for rainy days, a swing, hammock and a charcoal grill. The Woods Site can easily accommodate two vehicles and there is room for a small trailer or pop up camper. The site has a loop drive, but the radius is tight, so this site is best suited for vehicles and trailers under 25 feet in total length.
Rig suitability
Vehicles under 20 feet allowed
RV's and motorhomes are too large for Camp 437.
Allowed rigs: pop-up campers, class B RVs, campervans, cars, truck campers, and rooftop tents
RV's and motorhomes are too large for Camp 437.
Pull-through site
A pull through site, with a tight radius.
Surface type: Loose Gravel
Surface levelness: Flat
No class A RVs, class C RVs, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers
RV's and motorhomes are too large for Camp 437.
Doesn't accommodate slideouts
No electrical hookup
No water hookup
No sewage hookup
No TV hookup
Generators not allowed
What to expect
RV/tent site
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.
6 guests max
Campfires allowed
Firewood provided, firepit, private. A self serve firewood station is available and you may also collect dead and downed wood from around the campsite, but do not cut standing wood (dead or alive). Have your campfires in provided fire pits only and never leave your fire unattended.
Toilet available
Pit toilet. Pit toilets are open air with three sides; toilet paper and hand sanitizer are provided.
Pets allowed
Off leash. Pets are very welcome at Camp 437, but must not be left unattended. Supervise you pet and keep them close to you at all times. There can be skunks and porcupines in the woods and nothing can ruin a nice camping trip more than a skunked dog or your dog getting quills from a porcupine encounter.
Picnic table present
The Woods Site includes a picnic table and prep table. There are also two picnic tables in our rain shelter.
No potable water
Bring your own water
No showers
Pack it out
Please pack out your garbage and leave the site tidy for the next camper.
Cooking equipment absent
No wifi
Laundry absent
Hot Tub absent

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: After 2:00 PM
Check out: Before 1:00 PM
On arrival: Head straight to site
Cancellation policy: Flexible
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 6 months out
Park at listing
No wheelchair access
Max 2 vehicles
2WD accessible
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

RV/tent sites

1 site
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  • Picture of the site
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Instant book

Woods Site

100%
(59)
RV/tent site · Sleeps 6 · Vehicles under 20 ft
The Woods Site is a flat site with lots of shade from large maple trees. It is tucked back in the middle of our 40 acres, so no roads or houses are in sight. It has a prep table, a picnic table, benches, fire pit, cooking grate, and it's own open-air pit toilet. A short walk away is a rain shelter that includes 2 picnic tables, extra chairs, solar lights, lots of books and games for rainy days, a swing, hammock and a charcoal grill. The Woods Site can easily accommodate two vehicles and there is room for a small trailer or pop up camper. The site has a loop drive, but the radius is tight, so this site is best suited for vehicles and trailers under 25 feet in total length.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup

Reviews

100% Recommend222 ratings · 149 reviews
Recommends
· August 2026
Tent ·
Woods Site
A perfect spot for camping. The property is absolutely beautiful. It felt (and was) very private. The included firewood was a nice touch. The trails were clearly marked and the river that runs through the property was picturesque. So quiet and so peaceful. As we were leaving, i told my partner this place is what Hipcamp is for. We will be back!
Recommends
· August 2026
Amazing private camp.
Tent ·
Woods Site
I loved the tent camping on Dove and John's land. The views were amazing. The children loved all of the room to explore the trails, the nearby River and the amazing game room. The game room was great for rainy days. Perfectly remote and private. Wonderful for the dogs to be able to roam. I would 100% recommend staying here and hope I have the chance to again. The children were sad to leave on our last day and said that they really loved camp 437.
Recommends
· October 2024
15 ft campervan ·
Woods Site
This has to be the BEST Hipcamp we’ve stayed at so far! You should really check it out!
Recommends
· October 2024
13 ft pop-up camper ·
Forest Hill Site
Beautiful site, we had a great mid-fall trip! Would love to stay again sometime!
Recommends
· October 2024
Tent ·
Woods Site
The location was great, just far enough away to enjoy nature in peace and just close enough to Boyne, Charlevoix, and Petosky for touristy activities. The site was secure and we felt comfortable leaving our tent in place when away. Dove came out to check on us and was very nice and informative about the area, at her suggestion we went to a nearby Elk viewing area.
Recommends
· October 2024
Woods Site
Awesome place. We stayed in the Woods site. This place is awesome and has a commonly area or Rain shelter. Very responsive host
Recommends
· October 2024
Tent ·
Forest Hill Site
Absolutely beautiful property. We loved our site and will definitely be back to explore more!
Recommends
· September 2024
Always amazing
Tent ·
Forest Hill Site
This is our favorite campsite on the property and our favorite hipcamp in Northern lower Michigan. Would recommend to anyone. A+++++
Recommends
· September 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
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
Recommends
· September 2024
Tent ·
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!
Recommends
· August 2024
Two Nighhts at Woods Site
Tent · With pets ·
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.
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent · With kids ·
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!
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent ·
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!
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent · With kids ·
Woods Site
Loved camping here. The trails and woods were pretty awesome. I really like the rain area with the games. Very private and Dove and John went the extra mile with the flowers!
Recommends
· July 2024
Beautiful Piece of Michigan Land
Tent ·
Woods Site
Camping at 437 is always a pleasure. The map provided is detailed and easy to follow, the trails are all marked and the path is visible. There is a river on property that is clean and between knee and ankle deep, perfect for wading and cooling off on hot days. Quiet property with lively nighttime wildlife. The owners, Dove and John, are the sweetest people you'll ever meet. Their property is rich with history, some of it on display in the rain shelter. Having the opportunity to meet them and get to know them better has left a deep impression on me. Camp 437 has become my happy place. I will always think about returning until I do.
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent ·
Forest Hill Site
Wonderful stay! This is our second stay here and it didn't disappoint at all Dove & John are amazing and do a wonderful job providing you with a comfortable place to camp. Trails to hike, a clear river to rock hunt in and solitude.
Recommends
· July 2024
Lose yourself in the woods
12 ft pop-up camper ·
Forest Hill Site
Convenient access from I-75 yet campsites feel remote and private. Hosts do an excellent job of making the sites comfortable. If you have the chance, do get the chimney log! What a fun experience!
Recommends
· July 2024
Woodsy quietness
Tent ·
Woods Site
Great setting, surrounded by trees, very little bugs. If anything, this site is too quiet. We did hear loud engines and possibly gunshots around 3am, but it was a Saturday night.
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent ·
Forest Hill Site
I loved the marked hiking trails. They were well marked and easy to follow. The campsite felt clean and secluded. Overall, ideal camping.
Recommends
· July 2024
16 ft car ·
Forest Hill Site
I absolutely loved this campsite. It was very well maintained and perfect distance for some really cool spots. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to do some beginners camping.
Recommends
· July 2024
Last minute booking Oasis!
18 ft pop-up camper ·
Woods Site
My husband and I were looking for a place last minute over the 4th of July weekend. Dove and John responded right away to our request. We were only there one night. We would highly recommend the wooded location.
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent ·
Woods Site
Camping at Dove and John’s campsite was a great experience. It is very quiet and they had nice extra amenities like a rain shelter. Dove was very kind! I would highly recommend.
Recommends
· June 2024
Tent ·
Woods Site
Intention to every little detail. Well thought out and beautiful.
Recommends
· June 2024
Tent · With kids ·
Woods Site
Loved the camping place. The owner makes the experience more enjoyable. I would recommend this camping sites to others.
Recommends
· June 2024
Tent · With pets ·
Forest Hill Site
It rained, so we're were unable to go camping. How ever they were friendly and gave us a refund even they we did not ask for one.
Recommends
· October 2023
Camping with friends
Tent ·
Woods Site
Camping at Dove & Johns place is a must! They were super accommodating and the nicest people ever. Do not hesitate to book a stay here
Recommends
· October 2023
Camping with friends
Tent · Group trip ·
Forest Hill Site
We loved staying at Dove & John's Place! Great people that went above and beyond to make sure our camping experience was great. I Recommend this place to people considering on staying.
Recommends
· October 2023
Tent ·
Woods Site
I tent camped at this site and it fit my needs perfectly. There are a everal flat options for the tent. I especially liked the high “kitchen” counter that made preparing meals comfortable vs on a lower picnic table.
Recommends
· October 2023
Tent ·
Woods Site
One of the cutest private camping spots I’ve been to! Really appreciated the grates on the fire and the cute bench. The rain shelter was an excellent touch, as it did in fact rain. Beautiful property! Definitely recommend for a little private getaway
Recommends
· September 2023
A+++
Tent ·
Forest Hill Site
The new campsite was awesome and very secluded. The owners are fantastic and I would highly recommend staying at any campsite on the property!

Location

Vanderbilt, Otsego County, Michigan, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Dove And John D.

Joined in July 2018

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