Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park

We would return here again and again. On the Presque Isle River, numerous hiking opportunities by the water, in the woods with mega views. Campground was quiet and in the woods, the perfect retreat for those looking to relax and get back in touch with nature. Truly extra ordinary, quieter than Union Bay, close to Lake of the Clouds. Recommended!

nice primitive campground with large sites near great hiking. showers are available at the electric campground down the road.

Awesome campground located right on a central boardwalk trail to 4 falls. no service anywhere near, and big rvs beware of the trip up the mountain as the roads haven't been paved in forever. if you can take the risk definitely stay at this gem in the mountains

I only stayed for one night but it was incredible! The waterfalls are remarkable. Stay for more than one night because there is so much to do.

Perfect spot for exploring Porcupine Mountains

We stayed in this rustic campground mid-week in mid-September and were glad to find it wasn't busy or noisy. I think we hit it just right post-summer and pre-autumn colors (although several patches of trees along the way were blazing with fall color!). Loved that it had a 'no generator' side to help with the quiet we were seeking. While I had first booked Site 19 because all the lake sites were taken and I liked its privacy tucked into the woods a bit, we found that it was almost all dirt and, with rain expected, we didn't want to hang out in a mud bowl. We went back to the ranger and he recommended Site 11, which was actually super nice--still somewhat private but also grassy and with a slight view of Lake Superior.  I think 18 would be great, too, if the lake sites are unavailable. All of those looked awesome, with my favorites being #10 and #6. Site 10 was right across from us and was vacant for the majority of our stay, which allowed us to set our chairs on the bluff overlooking the lake and read and enjoy the views. 

The weather was unseasonably warm for mid-September and Lake Superior was oddly calm. This resulted in some flies, which was a bummer. Every night, though, the winds kicked up around dinner time and they were gone. When they were hanging around, though, (mostly mornings), they made cooking miserable and also the pit toilets buzzed with them, which was not fun. But I think once the autumn temps kick in and the winds sustain a bit, they'd be much less of an issue. 

The park is in an amazing location, with the Presque Isle River running through it and phenomenal hiking trails/vistas right there. It was also an easy drive to Lake of the Clouds, Summit Peak, and Ontonagon. Just stunning forests, waterfalls, hills and drives and, of course, the incomparable Lake Superior all within easy reach. We also stopped at Bond Falls on our way to the Porkies from the east, which was beautiful. 

Love the UP; love the remoteness yet accessibility (if that makes sense) of this campground; love tent camping on Lake Superior; love this place.

Great little campground that is right on Lake Superior. We camped in the "walk-in" sites which were a short walk from our cars. These were definitely the best sites for tree cover and privacy with a separate trail to each campsite.

The amenities at the campground are basic and it is a bit of a drive to the main trailheads of the State Park but worth the effort.

We camped at Presque Isle in the Porkies for a long weekend in October. The color change was amazing! This campground is rustic with only vault toilets and no hookups. There is a section that allows generators during certain hours of the day, a non-generator area and a few walk-in sites. There are a few sites which are along the cliff side looking down to Lake Superior, we were lucky enough to reserve one of those, site 2. It was a very large site, equipped with the standard picnic table and fire ring. Many of the sites back up to the woods, which were smaller and a little soggy while we were there. This campground is one of two in the park, Union Bay is the other more modern campground located right on the lake. The sites there are much smaller and crowded. I prefer the more remote Presque Isle campground by far. Less amenities but far less people. The hiking throughout this park is unparalleled in its beauty. The campground is close to the Presque Isle river trail which is waterfall after waterfall. The park has a ski lift we rode to check out the views from the top of the mountain, as well as an 18 hole disc course. It’s the hiking and rugged beauty of the area that is the main attraction, especially catching the fall colors surrounding Lake Superior.

We stayed last year and made a pact to go back every year! Unbelievable sights and very relaxed, uncrowded sites! If you like rustic camping this is a must see!

Pet-friendly. Site can be reserved. Shore access & trail access to many waterfalls within a short walking distance.

LOOOOOVED THIS CAMPGROUND! So worth the drive through the mountains for the rustic feel and amazing scenery.

We spent Labor Day weekend in the Porcupine Mountains; it was our first time, we loved our time there, the Presque Isle campground is awesome, sits close to the Presque Isle River, on a bluff over Lake Superior. The sunsets on Lake Superior while we were there were fabulous. Campsites are large, the campground seems to be well taken care of. The only issue we had was the vault toilets, they hadn't been cleaned in a very long time. We have camped in other rustic state campgrounds over the years and we have never had the experience with the vaults that we did over Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately it took away from out experience.

We spent a weekend back country camping in the Porcupine Mountains; this was our first time here. Friday we spent the day hiking all over the park with our day packs. We hiked Government Peak Trail to Union Spring and Trap Falls/ lost lake. Union Spring hike isn't the greatest but the spring is pretty cool to take a look (completely clear with white sand bottom, not accessible to swim wade, etc), trap falls was neat, great place to take a dip! We ventured over to Lake of the clouds just to take a gander, didn't do much hiking in this area. From there we parked our car at Pinkerton; threw on our full packs and headed to our 1st site, LS #6 = AMAZING view and it sits off the trail a bit!! It's about a 4 mile hike into the site; bear pole provided at site. This site sits right on the lake. Someone has done some kick butt work at this site. We had stone chairs to sit at around the fire pit, great wind break surrounding the fire pit, and stone chairs to sit out on the rocky shore to watch the sunset. Tent pad is big enough for 2 small tents but other areas would suffice for tent set up. The next morning we got up and hiked towards Big Carp/shining cloud falls, spent the morning hiking around this area. We came back, broke down camp, and headed for our next site LC #9. This site was nice but we were spoiled by our 1st site. The view was nice, much more open and sits really close to the trail. No bear pole at this site so you need to do your diligence to find decent trees to hang your stuff from. Their isn't much room for more than 2 tents at this site. Once camp was set we took our time and hiked more of the little carp trail towards Trapper & Greenstone Falls. The next day we broke down camp and headed back to the car. This park is huge, outside of Lake Of the Coulds, we ran into maybe a dozen people the whole weekend. If I was going to do it again I would have only reserved LS 6 and day hiked all around from there on Big & Little Carp or picked another site further away to backpack to. We were limited on time so that and wanted to experience different sites since it was our 1st trip. Their are plenty of opportunities to go swimming either in the lake or the numerous creeks you come across. No major issues with bugs, no bear sightings but we saw paw prints, lots of birds, squirrels, chipmunks, etc. Take your time on the trails and enjoy all that nature is throwing at you. It's a beautiful park.

Great rustic campground on the far west side of the state park. One loop is generator free which was wonderful. Easy to get other places in the park. Water pump and vault toilets. Sites are large and level with grass or packed sand and have a picnic table and fire ring. Dumpsters available for trash.

Have not camped here yet but the whole area is amazingly beautiful. Yurts and Cabins available. Definitely Seasonal. the road is not plowed completely in winter.

The sites were open and close together. The ‘No Generator’ rule was not enforced. The vault toilets were in need of pumping and the dumpsters were full and overflowing. The hiking was great and there were paths that were less traveled if you are looking for more solitude.

The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful for starters. Also, the campground is gorgeous and there are a wide variety of sites suitable for trailer or tent camping including some walk-in sites that are very private. There are plenty of trees to shade you from the morning sun. The campground is located right on the shore of Lake Superior so each night prepare yourself for the most beautiful sunset you’ll ever witness. You’re also located near plenty of trails that lead to water falls.

This campground was well maintained and had beautiful camp sites. We stayed in the walk up site near the lake. We were able to see the sunset each night and wake up to the waves of Lake Superior. There are great trails near the campgrounds that you can walk to or drive to. I would definitely recommend this campground!

This a great rustic campground. If you are looking for real out door experience with no common amenities except running water this is the place for you. Enjoy amazing waterfalls, rugged camping and gorgeous lake Superior sunsets... About as perfect as it gets!

Great little campground on the south end of the park. Campground was quiet at night and everyone camping was very friendly. The vault toilets were clean and not smelly. Make sure to bring bug spray that works for both mosquitos and biting flies though!

Campground Review:

There are a couple of camping options in the Porcupine Mountains of northern Michigan. Presque Isle is a primitive campground on the western side of the park. There are 50 sites, with generator and non-generator sites clearly separated (although that didn’t stop some idiot from parking his RV on the edge of the non-generator side and running his generator until 2am- the only one running a generator in all 50 sites). On the non-generator side sites on the outside of the loop back to either the woods or the lake and have great hammocking options. Sites on the inside of the loop are kind of in the open, with no privacy and just a few hammocking trees. All of the campground is well shaded. The vault toilets were clean, but in need of being pumped out. There is a steep trail to the lake (some of this is covered in staircases, but the last scramble is down a steep slope). The trailhead to the waterfall trails is located in the generator side of the campground. There is also a trail to the lake and a small beach where you could swim.

Product Review:

As a Ranger for The Dyrt I get to review products from time to time. On this trip I got to review the Matador DL16 Backpack. I found this to be a really handy day pack to have around for this trip. While I brought my Osprey Talon daypack, I never used it, instead grabbing this little guy time and time again. This was a super convenient pack to toss in my gear tub and pull out (literally) when I wanted a small lightweight option.

Here’s what I liked:

1. When packed up in its little bag it fits in the palm of my hand. That means it easily fits in my gear tub for storage.
2. It weighs nothing. This was especially nice when my body was sore and tired from all of the hiking I was doing.
3. The side mesh pockets expanded to hold my nalgene water bottles with no problem. I have had other small day packs that can’t handle a 32 ounce bottle. This one handles two with no problem.
4. The front pocket is deep! Usually a front pocket is really shallow and barely holds your keys, let alone your phone. On the Matador DL16 Backpack I was able to put my key, phone, map, and granola bar in the front pocket with room for more, even with the main compartment full with my camera and rain gear.
5. The shoulder straps look flimsy but were able to handle the load without cutting into my shoulders. They also never seemed wet when I sweated through. Quick dry to the rescue! They also had easy adjustment straps that never seemed to be hanging down in the way.

Here are the things I think could be improved:

1. It would be nice to have one or two loops to clip on extra items.
2. I wish it had either a sternum strap or hip belt to help carry the load better.

Overall, I really liked this for carrying a light load on a day hike.

So the drive-in sites are literally all right next to each other, no privacy at all. There are some drive-in sites next to the shore (enscarpment) and those looked nice with trees and a bit more privacy. The walk-in sites have some distance between them, but not visual privacy, as the tree canopy is very tall. Walk-in was not too far, we kept our food in our car and walked back and forth for it. Bears visited a few of the walk-in sites on our last night, so be very good about keeping food, etc. in your car. No bear boxes in this park. Beautiful Lake Superior sunsets! Because it's on the border of the Eastern time zone, day light lingers for a long time in the summer. Water and pit toilets were close by. Water was clear and cold! Many families, children, and dogs present and everyone was quiet and well-behaved. Will definitely be back. The biting flies were a bit much and caused us to literally run out the last morning we were there, but that happens. We will definitely be back!

Well maintained campground. No service with Verizon phone. Went in early june and very cold because of lake superior, so bring sweatshirts. Has divided campgrounds for generator and non-generator sides for people who like the quiet. Great hiking around the area for all ages, kida loved it

I had a great time here, the campground is very secluded and the closest town is about 15-18 miles away Porcupine mountains is a huge area to explore and there’s so much around it that you kinda jump around trying to see everything. You should probably make sure you have a full tank of gas when you hit that last town before you get here there is a lot of miles between the campground and civilization. I have AT&T and didn’t have phone signal which is very nice I don’t like phones disturbing my Adventures

Later in the fall, high winds off the lake, great location

If you're a person who loves waterfalls, then I recommend you don’t miss this campground.  Presque Isle Campground is located at the southern edge of the Porcupine Mountains State Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  This campground has bluff overlooking Lake Superior, there is a walkway and stairs that take you down the bluff to the shore.  Walking distance from the campground is the Presque River you can hike along and see all the beautiful waterfalls this river has to offer.  This is a Rustic campground that has vault toilets, and hand pump drinking water. The campground, restrooms and surrounding area’s were kept very clean. There are 50 campsites that are equipped for tents, trailers, and RV’s.  Each site has a fire pit, and picnic table.  There is no electrical hook up, and part of the campground is generator free.  Six of the sites are walk in sites, there are parking spots for these sites, you park and walk in a little ways to your site.  I recommend a site that is located on the outer sides of the campground loop.  They are larger sites and more privacy from your neighbors.  Inner loop sites are closer together and open.  Be prepared for mosquitoes and blackflies.  Blackflies bite, and bug spray does not affect them.  I found keeping a hand towel or fly swatter moving around me helped keep them away.  They are more active when it is humid, and down by the water.  These flies seem to be common up here along the shore.

There are many things to do around the campground close to your site and others are a little bit of a drive from your site in the Porcupine Mountains State Park.  If you like to stay close to your camp, you can hang out on the beach, hike along the Presque Isle River and discover the Manabezho Falls, Manido Falls, and the Nawadaha Falls.  Also the Lake Superior Trail and North Country Trail are right by the campground.  These trails will connect you with other trails in the Porcupine Mountains.  The Porcupine Mountains have lot’s to offer anyone stopping to visit.  We took and day and seen The Lake of the Clouds, and Summit Peak.  They both are gorgeous areas to explore.  

This was our second time camping at the porkies rustic camp sites. This time we stayed in one of the walk in sites, which are great if you are planning on staying more than one night. Was a bit of a trek to set up for the one night we stayed. It was however more away from people and I would chose it again. The bugs were dine this time but the first time we were there a couple of years ago the biting flies had just hatched and it may have been one of the most miserable experiences ever. I like how close this campground is located to multiple waterfalls, and not a very difficult walk as long as the beige isn't flooded! This is a great place to stay while you explore the rest of the park.

Presque Isle is a rustic campground in the Porcupine Mountains on Lake Superior in Michigan. Not to be mistaken for the Presque Isle campground in WIsconsin.

The hiking is great and it has a majestic feel camping on top of a bluff looking out to Lake Superior. This is my kind camping. It doesn't get five stars because it lacks some amenities but it is secluded and there are plenty of open campsites.

The park is clean. There are trees everywhere with a large canopy providing a lot of shade. There is plenty of parking for your vehicle. The only downside to the campground is the campsites are very open and not very private, but there is a lot of space.

The Park is a little difficult to find if you have never been there before. It is about 17 miles from Wakefield and highway 28. Just follow the signs and you will get there.

FYI: While you are in Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park make sure you checkout Union Bay campground, it is right on the shore of Lake Superior.

Don't miss the hiking trails!

I decided to try camping on my own here. It's fairly easy to get to... just long drives of nothing but beautiful forests and coastlines. Once I arrived, I had already missed check-in hours but was still able to set up in my reserved site. They still would have allowed you to set up in one of the open sites for the evening and to pay for it in the morning. The campground was small, but not crowded. The sites were spaced far enough apart to not feel like you were camping with your neighbors. There are plenty of hiking trails and things to see. The views here are just breathtaking. Between Lake Superior and the waterfalls there is so much to see. Compared to some parks this one doesn't have many extras. It's mainly hiking and camping. It truly is a gem and I plan on returning many times.

Both of the campgrounds, in the park, are extremely nice. I prefer the northern end of the park, with camping right on the shore of Lake Superior. Spring time scavenging, on the shores of Superior, can lead to all kinds of artifacts washing up on shore. The facilities were clean, and park rangers very nice, taught us a lot about the history of the area. Nice hiking trails, hilly, and so worth it.