At least 11 miles of corrugated dirt road separate Lake Superior State Forest Campground from the nearest paved route, and that approach sets the tone for everything that follows. The campground sits directly on the Lake Superior shoreline in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, managed by the MIDNR Forest Resources Division and priced at $10 to $20 per night. Sites run on a first-come, first-served basis, though reservations are available. RVs are welcome up to 20 feet, but the rough county road makes the drive slow going with anything larger. Blind Sucker #1 State Forest Campground and Blind Sucker #2 State Forest Campground are both within a mile if this campground fills up.
The 18 sites are close together and mostly dirt, with each one positioned just steps from the shoreline. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at every site. The vault toilets have drawn consistent complaints from reviewers, so managing expectations there is worthwhile. A hand pump provides drinking water, and trash service is available on site. Grand Marais is the nearest resupply point for gas, firewood, or food, roughly 11 miles west via that same dirt road.
The lake itself is the main draw. The beach is rocky, with driftwood scattered along the shoreline from past high water levels. Swimming is possible but cold year-round. "Sunsets are incredible at the beach, water is very cold but its worth a dip," notes Alejandro G. The campground also sits along the North Country Trail, and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is accessible within a reasonable drive. Reviewers have reported black bears, deer, and porcupines in the area, so standard food storage practices apply.
Crowds are a real factor, especially on summer weekends and holidays. The campground fills early on Saturdays, and multiple reviewers describe cars circling for open spots in the afternoon. Biting flies are common in July, though a steady lake breeze can keep them manageable. Muskallonge Lake State Park Campground lies about six miles east and offers an alternative if this site is full. Arriving by Friday morning or targeting a shoulder-season visit in September gives the best odds of securing a site without the weekend competition.
Description
This rustic campground sits on the coast of Lake Superior. Located six miles west of Muskallonge Lake State Park and 12 miles east of Grand Marais, this campground is in a great location for a weekend of adventure. Explore the sandy beach of Lake Superior or take a hike on the 7.3-mile Blind Sucker Pathway which runs alongside the campground. The Blind Sucker No. 1 state forest campground is one mile southeast of the campground and is located on the Blind Sucker Flooding, which offers opportunities for fishing and paddlesports.
There are 18 sites for tent and small trailer use. Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. The campground is located 34 miles northwest of Newberry via M-123 and County Road 407. Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations.
Reservation Info
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 & DirectionsLake Superior State Forest Campground is located in Michigan near Grand Marais
Directions
From town: Go 17 mi W on Hwy 123, then N on CR 500 & CR 437.
Coordinates
46.67691914 N
85.75603654 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 7/28/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 7/28/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 12 min from Green Bay, WI
- 4 hrs 26 min from Traverse City, MI
- 4 hrs 31 min from Appleton, WI
- 5 hrs 23 min from Wausau, WI





























