Sites

Water

20 Amp

30 Amp

50 Amp

Sewer

WiFi

Cable TV

Facilities

Club House

Laundry Room

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Fitness Center

Game Room

Rec Hall

Pavilion

Exercise Room

Restroom/Shower

Restroom Only

Shower Only

Restaurant

Groceries

RV Supplies

ATM Machine

Dog Park

Cocktail Lounge

Dog Washing Station

Pit Toilet

Snack Bar

Play Ground

Services

Escort to Site

Self-Service RV Wash

Metered LP Gas

Firewood

Fishing Supplies

Pet Supplies

Onsite Rentals

Worship Services

Golf Carts

Fishing Guides

Onsite RV Service

Staffed RV Wash

Fishing Licenses

Complimentary Breakfast

Policies

RV Age Restrictions

Pets Welcome

Pet Restrictions

Pet Restriction on Quantity

Pet Restriction on Breed

Pet Restriction on Size

No Pets

Tent Camping Allowed

Folding Tent Campers Allowed

No Tents

No Overnight Guests

Recreational activities in or near the park

Recreational Activities

Archery Range

ATV Riding

Biking

Boating

Body Of Water

Casino

Climbing

Dock

Driving Range

Fishing

Golf

Heated Pool

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Horseshoes

Kayaking

Lawn Bowling

Mini Golf

Paddle Boats

Pickle Ball

Putting Green

Ramp

Sauna

Shuffleboard

Snow Sports

Splash Pad

Swimming

Tennis

Wading Pool

Water Slide

Water Sports

Water Umbrella

Whitewater Rafting

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Pere Marquette/Scheck’s Place State Forest Campground offers a truly rustic getaway within the expansive <strong>Pere Marquette State Forest</strong>. 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 <strong>Boardman River</strong>, making it a favorite for those who appreciate northern Michigan’s natural beauty in its most primitive and undisturbed form.</p><h2>Location & Surroundings</h2><p>The campground is nestled deep within a dense canopy of hardwoods and pines, creating a sense of <strong>unspoiled wilderness</strong> 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 <strong>Shore-to-Shore Trail</strong>, 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 <strong>wooded sites</strong>.</p><h2>Amenities & Park Features</h2><p>Visitors should prepare for a primitive experience, as there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available at this location. The park features <strong>vault toilets</strong> and a manual hand pump for <strong>potable water</strong>, 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 <strong>first-come, first-served</strong> facility, it rewards travelers who prefer spontaneous adventures over rigid schedules and those comfortable with <strong>off-grid living</strong>.</p><h2>Nearby Attractions & Things to Do</h2><p>The primary draw here is the river, which is perfect for <strong>kayaking and canoeing</strong> 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 <strong>Traverse City</strong> 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 <strong>outdoor recreation</strong> and cultural hubs.</p><h2>Who This Park Is Best For</h2><p>This park is best for <strong>nature enthusiasts</strong> who prioritize peace and quiet over modern resort luxuries or paved pads. It is an excellent choice for <strong>tent campers</strong> and those with <strong>small RVs</strong>, 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.</p>

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Pere Marquette/Scheck's Place offers a secluded retreat within the sprawling <strong>Pere Marquette State Forest</strong>. Located along the scenic Boardman River, this campground provides a traditional Michigan outdoor experience far removed from the bustle of modern developments. It is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and serves as a quiet haven for those who appreciate the simplicity of <strong>rustic forest camping</strong> while exploring the Grand Traverse region. The atmosphere here is deeply rooted in the heritage of the Great Lakes State's natural preservation efforts, offering a peaceful escape for the soul.</p><h2>Location & Surroundings</h2><p>Situated just southeast of <strong>Traverse City, MI</strong>, the park is nestled within a lush, wooded valley that feels incredibly private. The surrounding landscape is defined by the winding <strong>Boardman River</strong>, a designated Natural River known for its crystal-clear waters and peaceful ambiance. Travelers will find themselves surrounded by dense canopies of hardwoods and pines, creating a sense of total immersion in the northern Michigan wilderness. This unique location offers easy access to the river's edge, where the sounds of flowing water and local wildlife dominate the environment.</p><h2>Amenities & Park Features</h2><p>As a state forest campground, the amenities at Scheck's Place are intentionally basic to preserve the natural environment. The park provides several essential features for visitors who enjoy an off-grid lifestyle: <ul><li><strong>Hand-pumped well water</strong> for drinking and basic cleaning needs.</li><li>Individual sites equipped with <strong>sturdy fire rings and picnic tables</strong>.</li><li>Access to primitive vault toilets located throughout the grounds.</li></ul> Visitors should be prepared for a dry camping experience as there are no electric or sewer hookups available. The park operates on a first-come, first-served basis, providing a flexible option for travelers who prefer unplanned adventures.</p><h2>Nearby Attractions & Things to Do</h2><p>Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless recreation nearby, starting with direct access to the <strong>Shore-to-Shore Trail</strong>, which is a massive 220-mile network perfect for hiking and horseback riding. The Boardman River is a premier destination for local recreation: <ul><li><strong>Kayaking and canoeing</strong> through the gentle river currents.</li><li>Fly fishing for <strong>brook and brown trout</strong> in designated cold-water sections.</li><li>Exploring the vibrant shops, breweries, and bayside parks of downtown Traverse City.</li></ul> A twenty-minute drive takes you from the quiet forest into the heart of Michigan's premier vacation city.</p><h2>Who This Park Is Best For</h2><p>This park is ideal for <strong>boondockers and tent campers</strong> who prioritize tranquility and natural beauty over luxury resort amenities. If you have a smaller, self-contained RV and enjoy a <strong>primitive camping style</strong>, you will find the peaceful atmosphere and river access deeply rewarding. It is a fantastic choice for anglers looking to catch trout, hikers wanting to log miles on woodland trails, and anyone looking to unplug from the digital world to reconnect with the Michigan wilderness in its purest form.</p>

IMG-44961906905506.jpg

IMG-44961907110711.jpg

IMG-44961907310523.jpg

IMG-44961907504689.jpg

IMG-44961907698638.jpg

IMG-44961907912124.jpg

IMG-44961908110938.jpg

IMG-44961908304991.jpg

IMG-44961908498872.jpg

IMG-44961908692807.jpg

Pere Marquette/Scheck's Place

Discover Pere Marquette/Scheck's Place in Traverse City, MI. A rustic forest retreat offering Boardman River access, primitive camping, and scenic hiking trails.

Pere Marquette/Scheck's Place Park | Traverse City, MI

Fall camping with river views. Dog friendly.

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.

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.

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.

This is a very nice primitive campground with water available and pit toilets situated on the banks of the beautiful Boardman River.

Beautiful campground on the Boardman River! Fire rings at each site. Clean well kept vault toilets. Hand pump potable water. Canoe launch with easy access and decent parking. Fishing deck with wheelchair ramp accessible. ORV and snowmobile trails accessible in every direction!

We go there all the time. Great place to spend time with friends and family

Good river access. About 10 sites right next to the river, but they are very close together. Water pump tasted a little 'welly' and squeaked. The other side of the road has sites w more space and trees btwn the sites.
Very little road traffic. Felt like I was alone in the middle of the woods (in the best way possible).

Nice campground but quiet time is not enforced. Don't go there on holiday weekends. If you like a Woodstock setting on holidays or peak season this is your place.

Nice spot for fishing and kayaking. You can walk pretty far upstream and get in to fish, it only gets a few feet deep. Bathrooms are clean and there's a perfect spot to drop kayaks in or take out.

Reviews

Pere Marquette/Scheck's Place

User Reviews