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Pere Marquette/Scheck's Place
Overview
Pere Marquette/Scheck’s Place State Forest Campground offers a truly rustic getaway within the expansive Pere Marquette State Forest. Located just a short drive from the bustling streets of Traverse City, this state forest campground provides a peaceful retreat for travelers looking to disconnect from the modern world. It is widely known for its proximity to the Boardman River, making it a favorite for those who appreciate northern Michigan’s natural beauty in its most primitive and undisturbed form.
Location & Surroundings
The campground is nestled deep within a dense canopy of hardwoods and pines, creating a sense of unspoiled wilderness for every visitor. It sits along the upper reaches of the Boardman River valley, providing direct water access for paddlers and anglers. The area is also a major hub for the Shore-to-Shore Trail, a massive network connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. This makes the surroundings ideal for those who enjoy long-distance trekking or observing local wildlife in wooded sites.
Amenities & Park Features
Visitors should prepare for a primitive experience, as there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available at this location. The park features vault toilets and a manual hand pump for potable water, encouraging a self-sufficient style of camping. Each site is equipped with a fire ring and a picnic table to facilitate a classic campfire experience. Because this is a first-come, first-served facility, it rewards travelers who prefer spontaneous adventures over rigid schedules and those comfortable with off-grid living.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw here is the river, which is perfect for kayaking and canoeing through the scenic, winding valley. Anglers often frequent the area for trout fishing in the cold, clear waters of the Boardman. For a change of pace, the vibrant downtown area of Traverse City is only about 12 miles away, offering world-class dining, local breweries, and shopping. This balance allows you to spend your day in deep nature while remaining close to the region's premier outdoor recreation and cultural hubs.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is best for nature enthusiasts who prioritize peace and quiet over modern resort luxuries or paved pads. It is an excellent choice for tent campers and those with small RVs, camper vans, or rugged truck campers that do not require heavy infrastructure. If you are looking to escape the crowds of traditional commercial parks and want to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the forest, Scheck's Place provides the perfect, low-impact basecamp.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Angelita Mercado
Fall camping with river views. Dog friendly.
Brielle Burt
My sons and I camp here with our quad and dirt bikes every spring. There are a ton of trails for riding! In fact, you can ride all the way to Kalkaska. Be sure to watch for horses from nearby Ranch Rudolph. My boys love the rope swing in Boardman River. We actually drive up the road to the horse camping part of Scheck's and float on tubes down to our campsite. It's only about a 10- or 15-minute trip ... yeah the water is cold, but it's nice and refreshing on a hot day.
Yuliang Hu
Convenient location for accessing the river. There are a total of about 30 sites, 10 on one side of the road where the main boat/canoe launch is, and 20 on the other side. Only the water pump on the side of the main boat/canoe launch was working when I visited. There's minimal privacy between the sites, most of them are very open with no vegetation between or hiding them from the road. Would've rated it higher if the sites were more private and if both water pumps were in service. There are also a few places to fish or put in a canoe/kayak between this campground and the forks state forest campground.
Susie Czapski
Love this place. Tucked away in the backwoods. Stay off Country Road, seasonal two tracks! You want to enter via Brown Bridge Road/Scharman Rd. We always get campsite 29, it’s right on the river and an east kayak launch. Or you could go the 3.3 miles down to Forks campground and launch there and paddle back to the campsite.
Gary Miller
This is a very nice primitive campground with water available and pit toilets situated on the banks of the beautiful Boardman River.