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Dispersed Camping

Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay offers a camping experience near Lake Superior's shoreline. The area features rocky terrain and dense forests, with temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 75°F in summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the Keweenaw National Historical Park and the Copper Harbor Lighthouse.

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Location

Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

47.42671276 N
87.71382529 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay needs a permit.


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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 19, 2025

A Tiny Little PNW

The air is cool and crisp, the water is crashing against the rocky shoreline, there are tiny little mountains with tiny little trees, the sky is cloudy, and it's often a little drizzly this is a tiny little Pacific Northwest.

The road in looks intimidating, but isn't that bad.

The nearby town of Copper Harbor is very cute. Check out Jamsen's Bakery for some delicious donuts!

You can buy a state park pass at the nearby Fort Wilkins Historic State Park if you need one.

There are vault toilets but no other facilities.

Nearby attractions include...

  • Keneeway Rocket Range
  • Yooperlite Rock Collecting
  • Kayaking, Fishing, Hiking

No boat ramp, but you could get kayaks or canoes in the water easily enough.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay by Austin B., August 19, 2025
  • Review photo of Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay by Austin B., August 19, 2025
  • Review photo of Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay by Austin B., August 19, 2025
  • (8) View All
Reviewed May. 29, 2025

Worth the drive

The drive was pretty rough. My F150 with a truck camper made for a long, slow drive. If the pot holes were filled with water, my feet would have gotten wet😬. Once to the point, the views were spectacular. More people were there than expected, but the sites were far enough apart to enjoy some solitude. Camping on Lake Superiors shore is a must, and this is the place to do it.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay by brian B., May 29, 2025
  • Review photo of Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay by brian B., May 29, 2025
  • Review photo of Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay by brian B., May 29, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2024

Absolutely Amazin

DO NOT BRING A STANDARD CAR DOWN HERE! Road was incredibly rough and no cell service. That being said, risking my lifted 4WD SUV was well worth it. I may have forgotten to get a permit. Oops. There’s a large turnaround at the end of the road with spectacular views. I turned left at the outhouse and found a similar spot. Flies and mosquitos were abundant but didn’t kill my vibe. Make sure to check the weather before you go. If it had rained overnight, I probably wouldn’t have been able to make it out.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay by Molly A., June 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay by Molly A., June 10, 2024
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2023

Hard to access

You have to drive like 30 minutes down an old logging road that has atvs and dirt bikes running around. I wouldn’t suggest doing it in a car as some spots got really rough. Any standard suv or truck will make it just take your time. The views are incredible and there’s about 10 spots you can camp. There was some strong winds when I was there.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay by Langford113 , September 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay by Langford113 , September 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay by Langford113 , September 13, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at High Rock Bay?

High Rock Bay offers rustic, primitive camping with minimal facilities. There are approximately 10 dispersed camping spots and a basic outhouse. No running water, electricity, or other amenities are available. The sites are fairly well-spaced to provide privacy despite the campground's popularity. Campers should be prepared to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Remember that a camping permit may be required, so check with local authorities before your trip.

How do I access High Rock Bay from Copper Harbor?

From Copper Harbor, access requires driving approximately 30 minutes down an old logging road. The road is extremely rough with numerous potholes and challenging terrain - standard cars should absolutely NOT attempt this route. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle, preferably lifted, is strongly recommended. The route is frequented by ATVs and dirt bikes, so drive cautiously. There's no cell service along the way. At the end of the road, you'll find a large turnaround area with spectacular views. For camping, some sites can be found by turning left at the outhouse.

Where is High Rock Bay located in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula?

High Rock Bay is situated at the northernmost tip of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, offering spectacular views of Lake Superior. The campground sits on a rocky shoreline where waves crash against the coast, creating a dramatic landscape. The area features small mountains with diminutive trees, giving it a unique character sometimes compared to a miniature Pacific Northwest. It's relatively remote but accessible from nearby towns for supplies.

When is the best time of year to camp at High Rock Bay?

Summer and early fall (June through September) offer the most pleasant camping conditions at High Rock Bay. The weather is typically milder during these months, with cool, crisp air and occasional light drizzle creating a Pacific Northwest-like atmosphere. Late spring can also be good, though potentially wetter. Winter camping is possible for experienced campers with appropriate vehicles and gear, but the rough access road becomes significantly more challenging with snow and ice.