Six miles of gravel road leads campers away from US-2 to this forested campground on Lake Michigan's shore. The drive takes about 20 minutes and features some potholes, but Doug W. notes the road stays "well graded." Most visitors find the remote location worth the journey.
Twenty-three sites spread through the woods, with seven positioned along the lake. Sites 3-7 offer the shortest beach access paths, taking less than two minutes to reach the water. The campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis year-round, with sites accommodating RVs up to 40 feet, though several reviewers suggest keeping rigs under 35 feet for easier maneuvering through the trees. Hand-pump well water and vault toilets provide the basic amenities.
Lake Michigan here stays notably calm, and campers often have the beach entirely to themselves. A hiking loop trail starts from the campground, though it requires some navigation skills to follow. Wild blueberries grow throughout the area during summer months. Cell service reaches the campground but remains limited for data-heavy activities. Mosquitoes and biting flies require bug spray, especially during warmer months.
The campground typically stays quiet, with one long-time visitor noting they've "seen maybe a total of 9 other sites occupied" over seven years of camping here. October visits offer particularly solitary experiences. Sites cost $20 per night with a Michigan state park pass, or an additional $11 for out-of-state visitors without passes. For campers wanting more amenities, Michihistrigan Campground & Cabins operates northwest with full hookups.
Description
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBig Knob State Forest Campground is located in Michigan near Naubinway
Directions
Located 14 miles SW of Naubinway via US-2 and Big Knob Rd.
Coordinates
46.03900001 N
85.59400054 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/9/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/9/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/9/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/9/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 14 min from Traverse City, MI
- 3 hrs 25 min from Green Bay, WI
- 3 hrs 40 min from Midland, MI
- 3 hrs 44 min from Appleton, WI















