Blind Sucker #1 State Forest Campground, near Newberry, Michigan, is a rustic spot that offers a peaceful escape for those looking to unwind in nature. With spacious sites that allow for both tent and RV camping, it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to enjoy the great outdoors without the distractions of modern life.

This campground is known for its beautiful lake, perfect for fishing and paddling. Visitors have highlighted the clean vault toilets and water hydrants, making it easier to enjoy your stay. As one camper noted, “It has no power but is key quiet,” which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to disconnect.

For adventure seekers, the North Country Trail runs right through the campground, providing easy access to hiking and exploring. Plus, you’re just a short drive from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the charming town of Grand Marais, where you can grab a bite or explore local shops. 

While some sites are more open and lack privacy, the waterfront spots are particularly nice, offering stunning views and a great place to relax. Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, or just soaking in the scenery, Blind Sucker #1 is a great spot to pitch your tent and enjoy a little slice of Michigan’s natural beauty.

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/buy-and-apply/rec-pp

Blind Sucker #1 State Forest Campground

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Grand Marais, MI is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Grand Marais. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Grand Marais

The Best Camping Near Grand Marais, Michigan

This is one of many small rustic campgrounds in the state forest along Lake Superior east of Grand Marais. A gravel road leads you into the park where the first thing you notice is a 1,000 – acre lake great for fishing (bass, pike, perch), paddling around, or simply enjoying a nice water view. Some of the camp sites are right on the lake and are well-suited for a tent or small trailer. 

As you enter there is a self-pay station as this park is not staffed and sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Campsites are $13/night but since it is managed by the Michigan DNR so you need a Recreational Passport. If you are a non-resident the additional daily cost is $9 which can make this quite expensive for a rustic site. All 13 sites have picnic tables and fire pits. There are some tall trees for shade but there is not a lot of privacy between sites. There are vault toilets (which were clean and did not smell), water pumps, and trash receptacles in the campground.

A boat launch and a few parking spots is available. The concrete boat launch was super easy to get our kayaks in and out and would be suitable for a small boat too. When we visited there was nobody in the campground except a plethora of black flies. The Blind Sucker Pathway leaves from the park and is a 7-mile trail that runs over to Lake Superior.

Overall, this is a nice little campground on a lake. Some sites are in a wide open area so there is no privacy or shade but the lake sites are super nice. Gravel roads lead into the park but they were in good shape.

Rustic state forest campground with lake access

Blind Sucker campground made our August of 2017 camping trip enjoyable and unforgettable. Our rustic camp site was located right on the North Country Trail which was ideal for morning hiking and adventuring. Also, there is access to Blind Sucker flooding where you fish and kayak. This campground was approximately a 35 min drive from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and only 25 min from Grand Marais (an awesome little town right on Lake Superior). 

Great place to pitch a tent.

Love this place. It has no power but is key quiet. Lots of open spots usually. Usual rustic camping. The boat launch is a little tight but good fishing. Lots of small fish but the scenery is amazing.

Great get away

Good place for fishing, dry camping, have outhouses, &amp; water hydrants.
Can get an RV in this park, it is secluded with large sites.

Nice park

Busy weekend in the area, but this little gem had some openings.   My wife and I grabbed a site next to the water.  We were camping in a tent, but their would have been plenty of room for a sizeable RV.   Decent shore fishing near the campground.  Short hike or drive to Lake Superior beaches.   Easy drive to Grand Marias if you needed something.  No hesitation to stay here again.

Photos of Blind Sucker #1 State Forest Campground

Real photos from real campers