Paw Paw River Campgrounds

Janquell Blosser

2023-09

I have been tubing here for a few years once or twice a summer. I always love it. Sometimes it's a relaxing float and sometimes it's a workout. The river decides that. I just tubed yesterday and it was totally relaxing. If you truly enjoy the outdoors and water, this is the trip for you.

Ryan C

2023-06

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Heidi Clinansmith

2023-05

We pulled in at 7:00 p.m. excited to set camp. We surveyed all the primitive camp sites available (no map offered to us). Every campsite that we checked out had trash on the grounds and in the fire pit, broken down tables (rotting). Along the river the little roads to the campsites we're just full of mud I was a bit afraid the minivan might get stuck just trying to get to a campsite. We use the bathrooms after looking for our site and found one scary bathroom stall and shower directly behind the check-in center. She said it's cleaned once today but it was not kept up at all. The toilet itself was falling apart a child could have kicked it over. The door had been bashed in and the lock was completely exposed and barely intact. The shower head was completely corroded with some sort of orange nasty. We did not stay we actually hightailed it right out of there. We were looking for primitive and we didn't even really need a bathroom but we're glad that we listened to our gut and left as it was a trash site.

Ashley Marrison

2023-05

Fun place to go tubing, kayaking, or canoeing. I've not stayed there so I can not speak on camping. A lot of people have complained about downed trees, but honestly, it made the trip more enjoyable to have to maneuver around trees and occasionally walk during shallow spots. There are sand bar areas where you can stop at along the way if you want to rest. There is also a cabin on the river that is absolutely awesome. There is a guestbook to sign if you decide to go in there.

Dominic Stephan

2022-05

So this review is about the paw paw river experience we had. Our party of 30 was not informed that the river was extremely treacherous. The whole time We were ducking and dodging trees and logs. This is part of a nature experience I get it , but that river needed to be cleaned up. I would not recommend bringing anyone who is under the age of 13 on this river. This river is for the tough not for the weak. Just wish we would of been informed I would of got a canoe for my pregnant wife and my self. The camp grounds looked great , the staff was friendly , just the river needed to be cleaned up. ***DO NOT TIE TUBES** you will get owned if you do. Cayak would be the way to go.

Chad VanLue

2023-05

Family camping and kayaking adventure, 1 night and 2 days at Paw Paw River Campgrounds. 7/15/2022-7/16/2022.Positives: friendly service at front desk and on the phone, easy to get a campsite and we were able to choose our own campsite right on the river. Shuttle services for kayaking were perfect, loved that part and we ended our kayaking trip right back at camp. Prices were very reasonable for camping and shuttle services.Negatives: bathrooms not very clean. Road that goes throughout the campground had a lot of pot holes. Price of wood was $8 per bundle for 10 pcs.The night we arrived, there was a very low chance of rain, but 1 hr into our camp setup it started to rain. We made the most of our adventure by throwing on some trash bags (ponchos) and playing soccer in the rain once we were decently setup at camp.The night was quiet at the campground, not much loud noise or partying going on. The next morning we were ready to start our kayaking adventure!Woke up, ready to head to Burger King for breakfast and the truck got stuck in the soft ground (rained night before), maybe park closer to the campground road to avoid this. After a while of trying, I got the truck unstuck and grabbed Burger King and headed back to camp. My family had already packed up the camp by the time I came back. I realized we had chosen a tent spot with a Very large branch above us that looked like it could fall at any minute, thankful it didn't while we were there.Shuttle for kayaks was 10am-4pm on Saturdays. Around 10 am the shuttle for the kayaking service began and we were first in line to get on the river. There wasn't a line at all, but we were first either way. There is a 7 mile course and a 2 mile course. We chose the 7 mile adventure, says 3-4 hrs but with all the obstacles on the river and stopping to swim, we were more like 4-5 hrs. Once on the river, there were quite a few downed trees almost blocking the line but there were spots where you could keep paddling without stopping, only 1-2 times did I have to get out of the kayak to portage through a sandbar, but never because of downed trees. The guy who runs the shuttle service also cuts down the trees that block the river and he said he had gone out the day before to clear and was very successful. Thanks for that, much appreciated!While on the river, we only saw 3 other people who were tubing, they didn't seem to have good luck with the obstacles in the river and had to carry their tubes for a while to get back into floatable water. Kayaks seemed to skim right over anything that would've stopped a tuber.River was running at a good pace, water level was not low but not high either. Weather was beautiful while kayaking. Mosquitos, ticks etc were not an issue at all, we had a little bit of bug spray on and sprayed again after taking a swim.Overall, another great adventure in the books! Thank you Paw Paw River Campgrounds for being great hosts, would love to come back!

Jesse M.

2023-05

Very nice campground, nice people/managers who run the place for the owners are great people. Hot showers year round , right on a river, also tent camping. Only wish they had septic hookups at each trailer site. Great placeNearby activities: Kayak and canoe rentals in siteWalkability: Close to local gas stations and storesPlayground: Kid friendlyRestrooms: Many to choose from, one person to clean them tho so sometimes people aren't the most considerate but they're niceDog-friendliness: Very dog friendlyPicnic area: Each site has their own picnic area and fire pits

Brianna Wahlstrom

2021-05

Spent a night camping here with a few friends for my birthday weekend and it was absolutely amazing. Campsites are right on the river and it’s just beautiful to wake up to. The space was super ample compared to other places we camped at that trip, and it was the best price as well. Super rustic and fits the feel of camping unlike a lot of the newer campsites. On top of that, the owners were awesome, very relaxed helpful and they don’t have a million rules that you have to be worried about the entire time. Loved our stay and the canoeing on the river was so beautiful. We are already talking about coming back again and again for a little weekend getAway!

Tracie Ball

2022-05

Nice little camp ground. Owners were friendly. It was a lot different than I originally thought- more "roughin' it". The bathrooms were shared and humid. Some people didn't leave things even slightly clean after using them. But the river was great minus the mosquitoes that seemed to be wearing armor because they never died!

Caitlin Taylor

2022-05

Almost died tubing. Don’t bother bringing snacks or drinks to this river because you’ll be paddling and dodging trees the whole time with no time for relaxation. Do NOT tie tubes together with the free string they give you. Float solo and hold onto friends tubes to stay together but trust me you’ll want to separate when you have to face the down trees which is about every 10 yards. Several down trees expanding over the entire river so you have to get out of your tube and jump over them. Also there are many down trees with branches with leaves so if you get stuck like our group did and you are tied together with the “free string” from the front office then you better hope there are some random men having a fire on the side of the river who have a pocket knife so you can cut yourself free like we did. Without the help from strangers we would’ve likely had to leave the tubes behind or all get out and fight the current trying to untangle our tubes in this river that is very deep! I am 5’10” and couldn’t touch the bottom at all! Wear a life jacket which is unusual for river tubing but necessary in this river of death!Office people were nice and prices are good however 🤣

Courtney Kay

2022-05

Smaller campground when it rain the dumpstation is flooded, we change water filter weekly as shown in pictures isn't good for camper nor drinking as there is rust partials. The road is pothole heaven... only 30amp with water hook up spots (not good water).The owner nice, they do refill propane. The property on other side by the pond is beautiful.

Giselle Ramirez

2021-05

So recently stayed at paw paw campground Monday June 8th just for one night. The reviews seemed mixed, but had a good time. The only problem we really had was no one was working Monday, but with a simple phone call the owners came and set us up with our tubes they also offered us a ride to the river which was a life saver. With all the covid stuff going on they weren’t transporting people. The owners couldn’t of been nicer. Now the river was def. challenging, but was still fun. If you are looking to relax more maybe not the best river. The campground was simple and right on the river. A lot of mosquitos, but what do you expect a little bit spray and it was all good. Overall a good experience and only 20 to camp well worth it. Campsite did have fire ring and Punic table. Would def visit again.

Kadie Nicely

2018-05

Me and 20 of my friends and family stayed at Paw Paw River Campground for one night and it was great! We also went tubing on the river. I will say the river was a bit challenging, but extremely fun! By challenging I mean trying to keep yourself on your tube and not run into trees on the side of the river! We had a blast though! The owners of the campground were extremely nice and accommodating! Prices were great also! We had a great tubing/camping trip! I would go back there again, and would recommend this Campground to others!

James Calvert

2023-08

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heather kavanaugh

2018-05

I went there and based off the cruddy reviews was expecting things to not be so well, but it was AMAZING! My husband and I had a lot of fun, there is trees and stuff around corners that create obstacles, but we enjoyed the challenge. It was overall a nice river and the staff ladies were very nice! Would 10/10 recommend this place as long as you wouldn't mind a little challenge. Lots of fun!!

Linda Wayman

2020-05

Staff is friendly and very helpful. I've been staying here since Wednesday the fourth of September. I really like it here. The price of staying by the month can't be beat!! It's really laid back and relaxing place to stay. They are also pet friendly. My dogs are very happy here with me.

Brandi Burns

2021-05

This is my second year staying here. It looks a little rough but thats part of the charm. The staff is always extremely helpful & kind. The sites are good size. Cant beat being right on the river. The floating is a huge reason why we come back. The river can be challenging to navigate but thats part of the fun. Good prices for camping and floating. Keep an open mind and this place is very well worth it.

Nicky Newcomb

2021-05

A few more obstacles than we had anticipated. Got caught up on downed trees many times, which can be expected. But honestly, parts of the river have trees completely across. Leaving little to no room to maneuver. Still had a blast and will be bringing the kids for fun on the tubes soon 😁

Mindy Sloop

2018-05

Campground is a bit dated but maintained well enough. Under new management and they have some work to do and it won't happen over night by a great place to camp. It was quite and peaceful and we enjoyed our 3 night stay.Paw Paw River is a RIVER - there are bugs, snakes and spiders. Even trees and branches. It's NOT - I repeat - NOT Kalarahi folks. It's a natural God made river that if you let yourself you will enjoy an afternoon paddling down while enjoying some cold beverages and snacks.We loved it and the only recommendation I would make is choose a kayak when the water levels are low. Tubes are difficult to navigate.

L. Nahay

2020-05

I think there is differing definitions of 'primitive'. Primitive camping is meant to describe location and lack of modern utilities, not neglect of an entire campground. Pictures on the website are clearly outdated. I was greeted at the door by another camper who warned me about the place and said she'd already tried to find other accommodations but everyone else nearby was booked. But if I stayed she might reconsider driving on. So without options we went ahead and had a look. Roads were deeply rutted and nothing but mud. Got stuck at the RV end! On the tent end, there were only three actual habitable sites, when it looks like at one time there were possibly 20. My firepit was six inches build-up of soaking wet ash, no ring. I had to clean up human waste and trash before setting up. We watched other potential campers drive in, and turn around and leave. You could see track marks where some had tried to drive into campsites closest to the beginning, sunk, and rushed to get out. There are NO gravel drive-in paths as you'd naturally expect. It's all weeds grown over mud. Except our site, which was just mud. I shrugged, and told my boys that we wanted quiet, so as no one else is staying, we might as well. And there really wasn't any other option by then. I thought the price was tolerable despite the conditions, until I was also charged per child. Per night charge therefore only applies to one occupant?! WHAT? I've camped in multiple states, multiple types of campgrounds, and always in their primitive sites. Absolutely not worth the stay anymore. I could have stayed at a resort-style place instead. We chose this location specifically to do some kayaking with them, but became leery and decided to just go to the beach instead. I won't stay there again. It's a shame, because it looks like it use to be a nice place.

Daniel Noe

2019-05

Has a lot of potential, but kind of run down. No water hookup because of it being off season, but still charged full price. Very nice river setting.Up dateAfter staying there for a couple of weeks we found that the place is really quite nasty. You get to deal with everything from people fighting, and driving like crazy people. To over flowing bathrooms, that rarely get cleaned. To sewage dump tanks that are over flowing. Could really be something if someone would step up to the plate and run it.

Bobby Phillips

2019-05

The camp grounds sits on the river which is nice. We kayak down the paw paw river at least one time per week. The river was high and fast this week after the rain. 9-2-18. They have done a bit of work on the river by cutting trees out. It is passable from Hartford to Coloma. That trip took us 7 hours going pretty fast while stopping 4 times to enjoy the sights. There was not many places to get out due to the high water. But still was a nice trip. Be carefully when the water is fast and deep is all I am saying. Use caution.

Melissa Hofer

2019-05

We went tubing and had a great day. Toward the "off ramp" there were some downed trees that hadn't been cleared yet so that was a little difficult. But overall there weren't obstacles and the river height was good for floating.

Tim Stiffler

2019-05

No tables. No fire rings. All but two of the primitive sites were flooded. I would not come back here of you paid me. We paid $80 to sleep in a stand of trees and listen to a chain saw run all afternoon. When asked about a table (because there were no picnic tables anywhere in the primitive area) the night manager said she would have one brought down. .. never saw one the whole weekend I would never recommend this place to anyone. Can i give them -3?

Sean Neuert

2021-05

Tent area was a little rowdy for us, neighboring campsite didn’t turn music off and stop making noise until 4am. Didn’t get much sleep at all. Heard other loud campsites as well, just wasn’t our cup of tea. Left after one night.

Easy Baked

2022-05

Hidden gem is an understatement. main building makes it look a little unappealing but once you get behind it to the property it's perfect! river runs through, actual bathrooms and showers, camp anywhere you want, and you can't beat the price! another huge bonus is the annoying crowd from Illinois hasn't invaded this campground yet. I've been going to this campground for two seasons now.

Cindi Gaughan

2023-05

We had reservations for 3 days. Drove in and right back out. The place looked like a junk yard. Broken down cars/trucks. We left. Headed to the Covert KOA. Which was wonderful.

Chrissy Plant

2018-05

Nice campground right on the river. Primitive tent sites are just that, not even a fire ring, but awesome location and private. No grill grate for fire rings in electrical/water sites, but a fire ring is there. Canoeing looks fun, but didn't get a chance to do it. All in all the reviews prior is why I am posting as we almost diidnt come here because of them, but they were exaggerating or came during bad weather. We'd come again!

Brian Weza

2018-05

This campground was much better than expected, based on the previous reviews: well tended grounds, open fields to play in, level and grassy camp sites to set your tent up, shaded sites along the beautiful river, and extremely friendly staff! The grounds are also a quick drive (5 mins) from a great grocery store, gas stations, a diner, and even a drive-in movie theatre. We'll be back!

Michael Tatar (TatarTot71)

2021-05

Get there much after 5 and the office is already closed. Staff not always around and signage a little challenging. Road to campsites is a bit treacherous and still the grounds and environment were enjoyable...until the occasional truck on the highway or plane landing at the airport next door.