Hiawatha National Forest's Carp River Campground sits roughly 15 minutes from St. Ignace, reached by paved road up until the campground entrance, where a gravel surface takes over. The access road has drawn some comments about potholes, so lower-clearance vehicles should approach with care. Sites are spaced well apart within the pine forest, and several back directly up to the Carp River, with stairs leading down to the water's edge. Fishing is the primary draw along the river, and the low occupancy rates that multiple reviewers report mean anglers tend to have the water largely to themselves.
The campground runs on the simpler end of Forest Service facilities: pit toilets, a central water source, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. Drinking water and trash service are provided, but payment is cash or check only at $24 per night. Campers exploring places to camp near Hiawatha National Forest will find this one leans rustic, and at least one reviewer noted the facilities feel basic relative to the cost. The camp host presence is consistently praised, and firewood is available on-site.
Mosquitoes can be severe in summer, so bug protection is worth packing regardless of the season. Temperatures can also drop sharply, even in late May, dipping well below freezing on some nights. Lyle B. describes it as a "clean campsite on river. Level." The campground is open May 15 through October 14, with reservations available. Campers wanting a different setup nearby can look at Carp River Boat Launch to the southeast.
Description
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.
Facilities
All campsites are wooded and shaded from the hot summer sun. Each site has a table and a fire ring, and drinking water and vault toilets are conveniently spaced throughout the 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) 767-1111.
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.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Fires near our facility have caused smoky conditions affecting air quality. There is currently no threat of fires spreading to the campground. Please visit our website or contact us for additional information.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCarp River Campground is located in Michigan near Moran
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
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/21/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/21/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/21/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/21/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 16 min from Traverse City, MI
- 2 hrs 42 min from Midland, MI
- 2 hrs 45 min from Bay City, MI
- 2 hrs 54 min from Saginaw, MI
