Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Reviewed Feb. 16, 2023

Beautiful (but buggy) camping right on Lake Superior

General: The only developed campground in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, there are 100 sites on three rows. If you reserve far enough in advance, you can snag a lakefront site. There are also two yurts and an ADA-accessible tiny house that can be used during the winter months as well. 

Site Quality: What you gain in lake views, you will sacrifice in privacy between the lakefront sites (but still worth it IMO). The first couple of sites in the first (top) row are wooded and have some privacy between them. The sites between rows one and two back up to each other and are the least private while the sites between rows two and three have some trees to separate them. Sites are on grass. A picnic table and fire ring complete each site. 

Bathhouse: Decently clean as were the showers. There was also a single washer and dryer, but the dryer was out of order when we were there. 

Activities/Amenities: Hiking! Although there are not many trails leading from this campground, you can drive to many other trailheads. The East and West trails bordering the Presque Isle River are worth the drive to get there, as was the lookout and Escarpment Trail by Lake of the Clouds. There was also a nice, modern playground, a little free library, and a hut with a plethora of games and toys. 

Although this campground was full, the staff handled it well (bathrooms were well stocked). Note you need a Michigan pass (daily or annual) to camp here.

Site28
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by Lee D., February 16, 2023