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Nature
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Roads
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Activities
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Facilities

Established Camping

Carp River Campground

Carp River Campground, near St. Ignace, Michigan, is a cozy spot that offers a rustic camping experience surrounded by nature. With spacious sites that provide a good amount of privacy, it’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

This campground features clean vault toilets and a potable water pump nearby, making it convenient for campers. Visitors have mentioned that the sites are nicely shaded, which adds to the peaceful atmosphere. One camper noted, “Our site was nicely shaded. Quiet.”

If you’re into fishing, you’ll appreciate the easy access to the Carp River, where you can cast a line and enjoy the serene surroundings. The campground is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

While some campers have pointed out a few potholes on the road, the overall vibe is welcoming and laid-back. Whether you’re planning a quick stop or a longer stay, Carp River Campground is a solid choice for a nature-filled getaway.

Description

National Forest

Hiawatha National Forest

Overview

Nestled in a quiet, rustic setting adjacent to the Carp Wild and Scenic River, Carp River Campground is an ideal place to get away and enjoy the outdoors. The surrounding Hiawatha National Forest provides visitors with countless recreational activities, and the scenery provides a beautiful backdrop for a traditional camping experience.

Recreation

Divided into two major blocks of land and five districts, the forest is home to Grand Island National Recreation Area, Whitefish Scenic Byway, six lighthouses, five Wildernesses and Clear Lake Education Center. In addition to recreation opportunities, visitors will find a wide array of habitats, including trees like northern hardwoods, jackpine and other conifers, and a variety of inland wetland habitats. Fishing is a popular activity in the campground area, and brook, brown and rainbow trout can all be spotted in the Carp River. In addition to the fishing opportunities, hiking canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing and more are all available at or around the Carp River Campground.

Natural Features

Located in Michigan's wild and scenic Upper Peninsula, the Hiawatha National Forest is known as "the Great Lakes National Forest." The forest's dramatic shorelines lie nestled up to Lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan.Outstanding lakeshores, lighthouses, islands and historic sites create a playground and place of respite, all within a day's drive from major urban and rural areas of Michigan and Wisconsin.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (906) 373-2272.

Nearby Attractions

Carp River Campground is located just eight miles from St. Ignace, which is known for its fine restaurants, museums and historic sites.

Charges & Cancellations

Please cancel seven days in advance if you need to cancel your reservation. Reservation sites cannot be traded for walk up sites.

Fee Info

Check in time is anytime after 2 pm. Early arrivals will be charged for the previous day.

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Location

Carp River Campground is located in Michigan

Detail location of campground

Directions

4664 Mackinac Trail, St Ignace Michigan 49781 From the intersection of US-2 and I-75, drive north on I-75 to exit 352. Turn right on County Road 123, then turn left on Mackinac Trail/Highway 63. Drive north approximately five miles, turn left onto FR 3445 and drive a quarter mile to the campground.

Coordinates

46.0330556 N
84.7191667 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5.0

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 14, 2024

Cozy campground

We really enjoyed this small, cozy campground. The sites are nicely spaced out for privacy. We stayed in site #15. It was very spacious and right near the bathrooms. Our only complaints are that there were some potholes in the road that could be filled in, and the mosquitoes were horrendous. No amount of bug spray or tiki candles helped. We will definitely be staying at this campground again the next time we visit the area.

Site15
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Carp River Campground by Elizabeth Y., July 14, 2024
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2022

Woody and quiet

Primitive campground spaced nicely apart. $20 per night.

Site4
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Carp River Campground by adelia , August 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Carp River Campground by adelia , August 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Carp River Campground by adelia , August 4, 2022
Reviewed Oct. 11, 2021

Nice, rustic campground

Stayed September 30, 2021.

Clean campsite on river.  Vault toilet clean.  Level.  Stairs down to river, possible fishing.  Our site was nicely shaded.  Quiet.  Camp host sold firewood.

Site6
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Carp River Campground by Lyle B., October 11, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2021

Nice nature setting for a waypoint when camping across the UP

I liked the camp setting. Unfortunately for us, we didn't get the chance to explore much. A big storm blew in right after we scouted out the camp. Severe weather was forecasted for the rest of the night, so we opted not to stay in a tent during the storms. 

Would definitely come back our next time through the UP though.

Site13
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Carp River Campground by Neil T., August 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Carp River Campground by Neil T., August 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Carp River Campground by Neil T., August 31, 2021
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2020

This is what you learn to love

This is the best rustic campground you’ll find. Pit toilets, water down the way, fire rings and picnic tables. Good distance between site and clean!!! Love this place!!! Easy access to carp river. Some site back up to river edge. I stayed at 14 which is quiet and is an amazing site.

  • Review photo of Carp River Campground by Brian N., August 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Carp River Campground by Brian N., August 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Carp River Campground by Brian N., August 10, 2020
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Carp River Campground?

    Carp River Campground allows vehicles up to 45 feet.

  • Does Carp River Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Carp River Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Carp River Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is unknown.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Carp River Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Carp River Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Carp River Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Carp River Campground?

    There are 20 campsites at Carp River Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts