Recreation
The Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by concession-operated sites may vary. The 2025 dates are:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 20, 2025
- National Get Outdoors Day June 14, 2025
- Juneteenth June 19, 2025
- National Public Lands Day September 27, 2025
- Veterans Day November 11, 2025
Know Before You Go
O'Brien Lake Access
Site Open
O'Brien Lake is a 10-acre cool-water lake that is open to fishing. Camping can be found at Buttercup Campground and Alcona Pond. Boating access is by carry-in only.
Old Grade Campground
Site Open
Located on the Little Manistee River, this campground is completely surrounded by National Forest System land. There is a short interpretive hiking trail with foot bridges from the campground through…
Pere Marquette National Scenic River
Site Open
In July 1978 the Pere Marquette River and its major tributaries were designated a Michigan Natural River by the State of Michigan. This same year the river was added as a National Wild and Scenic…
Pere Marquette River
Site Open
The Pere Marquette National Scenic River  is a sixty-six mile stretch from the junction of the Middle and Little South Branches east of Baldwin to the Old Highway 31 Bridge.The Bowman Lake Special…
Peterson Bridge North Day Use and Boat Launch Area
Site Open
Peterson Bridge is the last take-out before Low Bridge. This large landing area sits just before a sharp bend in the river that will take paddlers underneath the M-37 Bridge. A pond area at the site…
Peterson Bridge South Campground
Site Open
Peterson Bridge Campground is the only Forest Service campground on the Pine River. Ten of the sites are paddle or walk-in only. The canoe/boat launch is located across the river at Peterson Bridge…
Pine Acres Boat Launch
Site Closed
This small, quiet area is primarily used for accessing the river. Visitors may be treated to a sight of the Trumpeter swans that inhabit the area.Flickr Photo Albums:Au Sable River - Alcona Dam to…
Pine Lake Campground
Site Open
Pine Lake Campground is located on the shores of beautiful Pine Lake. The east side of the lake is mostly privately owned and has many cabins. The west side is federally owned and is swampy and has…
Pine National Scenic River
Site Open
The lower 26-miles of the Pine River was designated a National Scenic River in 1992. The Pine River provides a unique recreation experience for lower Michigan, supporting quality opportunities for a…
Pine River Campground
Site Open
This is a popular campground during fishing season. Recreation opportunities include hunting, picnicking, mushroom gathering and berry picking. The picnic shelter is a Civilian Conservation Corps…