Seven miles down a narrowing dirt and gravel road on Michigan's Garden Peninsula, Portage Bay State Forest Campground sits at the end of the line, literally. The road terminates at the campground, so there is no through traffic. Twenty-three sites loop around a small peninsula on the shore of Lake Michigan, and while all sites technically front the water, the experience varies considerably from one to the next. Some sit directly on the lake, while others are set behind low sand hills that block sightlines but also cut the wind off the water.
As Jay W. notes, "people that camp here like to keep things quiet," and that tone holds across most reviews. Sites are large, spacing between neighbors is generous, and the campground draws campers who come specifically to unplug. Cell coverage is sparse: one reviewer recorded zero to one bar of AT&T signal at the far end of the loop, with slightly better reception near the entrance. Download anything you need before arriving.
John G. describes how "every site has a short trail to the sandy shoreline," and the cove's shallow water warms enough for swimming by late June. Two short hiking trails branch into the surrounding woods and along the shoreline, including sections through boggy forest. A hand pump provides drinking water, and vault toilets serve the campground. Firewood is available from local sellers near the road in. Paddlers and anglers find the cove accessible, and a boat launch sits just before the campground entrance.
The access road is manageable for RVs up to 30 feet, but the single-lane gravel stretch requires attention, especially when meeting oncoming traffic. The campground runs all year at $15 per night. Crowds thin noticeably after Labor Day. Nearby, Fayette State Park Campground is worth adding to the itinerary, and campers planning a longer stay on the peninsula can compare campgrounds near Garden for additional options. The nearest town of any size is roughly an hour away, so arrive with supplies.
Description
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
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!
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy. Please check with the campground before making a reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPortage Bay State Forest Campground is located in Michigan near Garden
Address
12.75 Ln
Garden, MI 49835
Coordinates
45.74169744 N
86.53512567 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 39 min from Green Bay, WI
- 2 hrs 59 min from Appleton, WI
- 3 hrs 29 min from Sheboygan, WI
- 4 hrs 6 min from Traverse City, MI
