Get a free bundle of firewood when you stay! A short walk along a wooded trail will take you to the edge of the West Branch of the Sturgeon River where you can sit and listen to bubbling water and birds singing. 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. Our tipi is primitive. The fl
Get a free bundle of firewood when you stay! A short walk along a wooded trail will take you to the edge of the West Branch of the Sturgeon River where you can sit and listen to bubbling water and birds singing. 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. Our tipi is primitive. The floor is lined with indoor/outdoor grass carpet and it has two cots and two chairs inside; you will need to bring your own bedding. The firepit is set up with a tripod for cooking.
- Check in: After 4PM
- Check out: Before 1PM
- Cancellation policy: Flexible
- On arrival: Go straight to camp
- Minimum nights: 1 night
- Accepts bookings: 3 months out
Activities
Offered on the Host's property or nearby.
Biking
The North Central State Trail runs right through Vanderbilt, MI, which is only a three mile drive from Camp 437.
Fishing
Fly Fishing
Hiking
The North Country National Scenic Trail is only six miles away and there are several hiking trails in the Pigeon River State Fo...Read more
Paddling
Paddle the main branch of the Sturgeon River or many of the inland lakes in the area. Thumb Lake Park is only a couple of mile...Read more
Swimming
Thumb Lake Park is just a few miles away. Public Beach access off of Magee Rd.
Wildlife watching
Elk Viewing in the Pigeon River Country State Forest
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Camp 437 Tipi site in Michigan.
River, stream, or creek
The West Branch of the Sturgeon River runs through the property and is a .4 walk from the campsites.
Driveway
You will need to drive down a two track road to reach the campsites.
The vibe at Camp 437 Tipi site
Places to see near Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley
23 Reviews
From the site to the hospitality it was a dream come true. My partner and I will definetly make this our go to camping spot. We were there through a pretty strong rainstorm and not only was our weekend unaffected but the space gave us the chance to enjoy the weather. 10/10
First, be aware where you’ll be going. This site is down a vehicle path, not really a “driveway”, so if you’re in a Ferrari or a full dress, lowered Harley, you might not want to go off road to get there. The gate is easy to miss, but the hosts made sure to mark it with a bright flag and texted me a map, which was really helpful.
When I arrived, and the mosquitos swarmed, I started to have some doubts and considered pitching my tent anyway, but the tipi cool factor won out. I started a fire (with the provided tinder and firewood), lit the tiki torches and sprayed myself with some bug spray, which all kept the skeeters away.
The interior of the tipi was outfitted with a couple folding camp chairs, cots, a mosquito coil (lighter provided), LED lantern and green grass carpet. The cots were a bit small for me, so so opted to use my air mattress instead, but I certainly appreciated the thought behind providing them.
Surprisingly enough, once I closed off the tipi door, no mosquitos got in. I don’t know why, but once I killed the few that came in with me, I was fine... The native Americans were, obviously, onto something with this shelter design. :-)
Bring your own water, I didn’t use the pit toilet, so can’t comment on that, but I imagine it’s like any pit toilet alive ever used.
I’d highly recommend this site and, if I’m back this way, I’d book it again.




Thank you for writing such a detailed review; it will be so helpful to others who come to camp! We're glad you had a good stay and that the mosquitoes didn't get you! Thank you for sharing your photos too!
I can’t rant or rave enough about how amazing this camp site is. The owners take meticulous order of the site in order to really provide people with the best experience possible. From leaving a mosquito incense packet next to a lighter in the tent or the fork for marshmallow/s’mores attention to detail was everything. Getting back to the campsite was very easy and if you love just some quality time in the woods without anyone around this is the site for you. The owners were also very prompt with messaging in regards to any questions. We will be returning every year.


We're so glad you liked our camp; thank you for a great review! What a great photo too! We hope you can come back to camp again next year!
Appreciated the help with mailing an item we left behind. Kind and gracious hosts
If you’re looking to see beautiful autumn colors and relax this really is a beautiful place to be. This was our second time staying and we met one of the owners and she was so helpful, kind and insightful! We had more time this round to walk the trails (trillium trail is a must !) We also did some fly fishing and had a great time wading in the water.





Loved the Fall pictures you took! We are so glad you got to come back and enjoy camp in the fall, and we look forward to seeing you again this summer! Thank you for appreciating and loving our camp as much as we do. We look forward to your next visit!
Camp 437 exceeded our expectations in every way. The tipi itself was beautiful & very clean inside. The 2 cots were perfect for sleeping and there was even a lantern provided. The pit toilet (w/ toilet paper and hand sanitizer) was very comfortable and clean plus the views couldn’t be beat. The free bundle of wood was very convenient and thoughtful. There was also a tiki torch and coil to keep the bugs away. The fire pit itself was very nice. Beautiful and unique trails throughout the land. The river was so peaceful and serene. There were even chairs provided near the water. We can’t wait to go back! Thank you Dove and John.

Thank you Mira! We're so glad you and your mom had a nice time and enjoyed the tipi. Thank you for coming to visit our camp and for leaving everything so nice when you left. We hope you can come visit us again sometime!
Omg!!!! I never camped alone and this was my first time using hipcamp. I am beyond pleased and excited about my experience. The tipi was gorgeous and beyond my expectations. There was wood and kindling waiting for me as well as a bucket of river water to extinguish the fire. Being ridiculously thoughtful hosts, Dove left a bag with a lighter, matches, insect insence, and some local info. Being an avid hiker, it was obvious that my hosts were not new to trailblazing and their thoughtful markers and trail heads were a delight. The river was perfect for my dog and Dove even waved hello from her nearby cabin. A five star trip for sure.

Virginia it was so great meeting you, and thank you for such a great review; I'm speachless! We are so glad you liked and appreciated our little camp. You are welcomw back anytime! Happy camping and hiking to you!
This was a great place to stay! We especially enjoyed the cots that were available!

Very glad you had a nice stay! Come back anytime!
We loved our stay in the tipi. Nice fire area with free wood, matches, and paper was a very nice touch. The property is beautiful and very private. Highly recommend taking the walk down to the river. There is even a little fire pit down there with chairs to relax. Lots of other trails too. Don’t forget your bug spray bc you are in the woods. Thank you for sharing your beautiful property!

We are so glad you enjoyed your stay; thank you for coming! We hope you can visit us again someday!
- Property
- Camp 437 in the Sturgeon Valley
- State
- Michigan
- Country
- United States
- $50/night
- 1 Site
Wow, thank you for such a nice review! We are so glad you appreciate our camp as we do. You are welcome back anytime!