Sportsman’s Port Canoe Rental

I’m not a fan of dumb policies that make no real-​world sense. Perfect example is here at Sportsman’s port.
When renting kayaks from them, they expect you to drive your entire group (regardless of how big or small) to the drop off site along with the 6-​foot paddles, drive all the way back to the rental office, drop off your car at the final destination parking lot, and then get driven back to meet with your group (in their van).
What’s wrong with this «policy» is that not everyone has a vehicle big enough for six 6-​foot paddles and 6 people. We had to convince them to drive the paddles in the van that was already going to the same destination. Moreover, you end up trashing your car on the way home because you have potentially wet and dirty kayakers that need a ride back to the campsite.
A better way would be to place all renters into a van that also hauls kayaks and all the equipment. Other rental places were doing just that, from what I saw. Also, after 6 hours on the river, I really don’t have the patience to argue with the staff of Sportsman’s Port about the fact that I have no room for the 6 huge paddles in my passenger car.
The thing that ticked me off the most is having to drag kayaks (or canoes if you rent those) up the landing ramp, all while the Sportman’s Port staff just sat there and picked their noses. They only helped us when I asked them. Also, when returning our equipment to get the deposit back, we had to wait at least 5 minutes to be acknowledged, all while standing there listening to a dumb conversation between the owner and a camper.
The campground itself is really nice. Just make sure as the very first thing to douse yourself head to toe in bug spray because this is a mosquito hangout.
Oh, and the Pine river can be fast and challenging if you’re not ready for quick 90 degree turns through narrow passages obstructed huge broken trees. Yes, there are some relaxing spots, but don’t bring people who just want to get wasted, or have never kayaked on some sort of white water. Half the people in our party flipped and none of us were drinking. Have fun!

4.5 stars
I have been going to this campground for more then 5 years, and every time has been an awesome experience.
The good things have been mostly covered — water, showers, big field with volleyball nets, friendly staff, good prices, lots of camping sites.
The river is awesome and for someone looking for a challenging and relaxing kayaking experience, I’ve not been on a better river in Michigan.
There are lots of rocks and trees and twists to go around, but that’s why it’s fun.
You also have lots of options on the Pine river to do different segments, some are more «white-​water» then others.
The only reason this is not a 5 star campground is because they don’t take credit cards to pay for the stay, and writing checks is an annoyance, but one I’m happy to deal with.

When I go campin, I like to rough it. Sportsman’s Port is a little too accommodating in my opinion. It’s a canoe rental as well as a campground. It offers running water, flush toilets (a plus) and showers. The staff even brings you firewood — catering to the city-​dwellers. I personally enjoy sending the men out to get the firewood. :P
There are campsites along the field area and in the wooded area. Don’t camp in the field cause that’s where all the loud hillbilly’s go. Therefore, my friends and I camped in the wooded area. But, too many mosquitoes! I got about 17 bites! My bf had 6 bites on his face alone! There may have been a swamp near by, cause I surely didn’t experience so many mosquitoes in the deep deep woods away from all civilization near Pictured Rock in the UP. Hmm… I only had 3 bites there.
Anyway…back to my review. The rental staff was very pleasant before we took the kayaks. There were 2 hotties working behind the counter. One with wavy blond hair and the other had dark brown hair, surf-​cut with tan skin and bright blue eyes. Yeah, my gf and I were drooling over that one! I hear he works there every summer. So, if you go girls, your in luck!
Sportsman’s Port’s canoe/​kayaking venture takes you along the Pine River. We paddled 26 miles of the most twisty, turney, rapidy rivers in Michigan. Watch out for the perverts and drunks. There are many! We happen to kayak the busiest weekend of the summer. It was like jobby-​nooner on the river; but the up-​northerners call it Stupidfest. They put up a sign ‘Show your tits for Stupidfest’ along the most dangerous river bend, distracting most of the drunken canoers. About 100 drunk men (no joke) stand along the shore and cheer the women tourists to flash for beads. On top of that, this river bend is notorious for tipping canoes. My bf and I both took a dump into the ice cold river. Yeah, that’s right. Some 8 idiot girls on a huge raft were distracted and blocked a narrow part in the river. I tried to get around, but slammed into the raft. My kayak flipped over and I was stuck underneath! I took a deep breath, and looked around; the kayak was filling up with water from the inside, fast. So, with all my might, I pushed up with my arms and flipped it just enough so I could get out and swim to shore. My bf flipped as well. Ran into my kayak and was stuck under the raft! He had to find his way out of there! The current dragged him into a log, where he grabbed on and pulled his way to shore. The water was ice cold, but it didn’t stun us cause of our adrenaline rush. Luckily, some of those drunk men ran into the water to save me, my kayak and paddle. Then they offered me a beer in return for some tit flashing. I had to refuse…
After gathering all my belongings, I saw 4 more canoes tip over, one right after the other. More men ran into the river to save their fare maidens. I now know why this area is so popular! To save all the women!
Overall, it was a good experience. But don’t expect to see me on a kayak for the rest of this summer…