The bluff sites at Presque Isle sit directly above Lake Superior, with a staircase leading down to the shoreline, and that proximity to the water shapes nearly everything about the experience here. Set at the southern edge of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the campground occupies a forested loop where the Presque Isle River meets the lake, putting two distinct water experiences within walking distance of camp. Cell service is minimal. That tends to be welcome news.
Site selection makes a real difference here. Perimeter sites along the outer loop have more tree cover, more shade, and better separation from neighbors. Inner loop sites sit in a more open, grassy field with fewer natural boundaries between them. The handful of lake-facing sites, particularly those numbered in the single digits and low teens, fill quickly and give direct sightlines over the water. Walk-in sites add some physical buffer from the drive-in area, though the tall canopy means visual privacy is limited regardless. "A majestic feel camping on top of a bluff looking out to Lake Superior," is how Matt S. describes the experience.
The Presque Isle River Trail runs directly from camp and follows a series of waterfalls, including Manabezho, Manido, and Nawadaha Falls, before looping back via boardwalk for roughly five miles total. The Lake Superior Trail and North Country Trail also connect from the campground, linking into the broader Porcupine Mountains trail network. Day trips to Lake of the Clouds and Summit Peak are common and require a drive deeper into the park.
Biting flies are a recurring issue, particularly in summer and during humid stretches. They concentrate near the water and in the mornings, and bug spray has limited effect on blackflies specifically. Nona A. notes they are "more active when it is humid, and down by the water." September visits tend to see fewer insects, and the fall color along the drive in adds to the draw. The campground is rustic, with vault toilets and hand-pump water, no electrical hookups, and a designated generator-free section. Reservations are available and worth making for lake-facing sites.
The drive from Wakefield takes roughly 30 minutes on roads that become more remote as you approach the park boundary. Campers wanting electric hookups or a lakefront site with more infrastructure can consider Black River Harbor Campground to the southwest as an alternative.
Description
The Porcupine Mountains Presque Isle Campground offers 50 rustic campsites near the scenic Presque Isle River. There are vault toilets and hand pumps for water. In addition to drive-up sites, there are also 6 walk-in sites. The campground is split into two loops. The east loop is a generator friendly side, while the west loop is generator free. There is access trails to the nearby Presque Isle River and or to the Lake Superior shoreline. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground office. At roughly 60,000 acres, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigan’s largest state park. It is home to 35,000 acre old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls, miles of rivers and streams, more than 90 miles of hiking trails, the Lake Superior shoreline and vistas unrivaled anywhere in the Midwest.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Check in your campsite reservation and occupy your campsite no later than 3 p.m. one day after your scheduled arrival date to avoid being automatically cancelled. If you need to arrive later, you must adjust your arrival date by calling 1-800-44(PARKS) or by going on-line to www.midnrreservations.com . If you don't check in or update your arrival date, our system will automatically cancel your reservation and youll incur the loss of two nights' fees, the non-refundable reservation fee, $10 cancellation fee and the reduced-stay fee. Staff are unable to override this process.
Due to a structure fire, the Whitetail Cabin is closed until major repairs can be made.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPresque Isle is located in Michigan near Wakefield
Directions
The eastside of the park is located on CR-107 - 18 miles west of Ontonagon, 20 miles north of Lake Gogebic, and 50 miles east of Ironwood. From Hwy 2/M-28 take M-64 north approximately 17 miles to CR107, turn west and drive about 3 miles to the park. From M-38 head west into Ontonagon, continue for approximately 18 miles to the park.
Address
33303 Headquarters Road
Ontonagon, MI 49953-9087
Coordinates
46.70505987 N
89.978643 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
Verizon5GGood Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- Verizon5GGood Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 33 min from Wausau, WI
- 2 hrs 33 min from Wausau, WI
- 2 hrs 38 min from Duluth, MN
- 2 hrs 42 min from Duluth, MN
- 3 hrs 41 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 3 hrs 41 min from Eau Claire, WI
- 3 hrs 55 min from Green Bay, WI
- 3 hrs 55 min from Green Bay, WI
