The Au Train area sits at the boundary of the Hiawatha National Forest and Lake Superior, with elevations ranging from 600 to 850 feet above sea level across most campgrounds. The region experiences dramatic seasonal shifts, with July temperatures averaging 65-80°F during the day and 50-60°F at night. Winter arrives early in the Upper Peninsula, with many campsites near Au Train, Michigan closing by mid-October when overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Kayak Au Train River: The river offers a gentle paddling experience accessible from several campgrounds. At Superior Times, campers can rent equipment on-site. "The lake access was great! Warm water and good fishing. The staff was fantastic and even offered us a cold beer," notes a visitor who discovered this option.
Birdwatching trails: Several campgrounds feature dedicated bird observation areas. At Au Train Lake Campground, "There is a great trail near our campsite that had signs and info about the birds in the area (great for young ones especially)," according to one camper who appreciated the educational component.
Visit local waterfalls: Multiple waterfalls within 20 minutes of most campsites offer easy hiking options. "We kayaked Au Train River and stood in the Au Train falls. The bird watch site at camp was amazing as well. Don't skip out on Pictured Rocks either," recommends a repeat visitor.
What campers like
Lake swimming options: Many campers highlight the warmer waters of inland lakes compared to Lake Superior. At Otter Lake Campground & Lodge, "The lake is clean" and "the scenery is beautiful and peaceful. Otter Lake is a calm, serene lake with a small beach area," according to visitors who enjoyed water activities there.
Access to Pictured Rocks: Most Au Train area campgrounds serve as bases for national lakeshore exploration. One Bay Furnace Campground visitor noted it's a "Nice little campground on the western end of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, about five minutes outside of the cute town of Munising. If you plan on going to Grand Island, this is the place to be."
Privacy at state forest sites: Michigan's state forest campgrounds typically offer more secluded camping experiences. "All sites have plenty of room and the campground was quiet and just separated enough from town to feel primitive," notes a visitor to one rustic campground, highlighting the balance between convenience and solitude.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most developed campgrounds fill quickly from June through August, particularly on weekends. "We wanted to go back to see the rocks," one camper noted about their planning process, emphasizing the importance of booking ahead.
Bug protection: Black flies and mosquitoes can be intense from late May through mid-July. A visitor to Forest Lake State Forest Campground warned: "Bring bug spray, the mosquitoes are 24/7. And someone else said it: watch out for jerky neighbors with noisy generators."
Limited shower facilities: Many campgrounds around Au Train offer only vault toilets. "No showers at this park but we had our own with us," reported one camper, while another noted "the privvys are actually in good shape and do not stink" at a rustic campsite.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Some campgrounds include recreational facilities specifically for children. At Otter Lake Campground, "There are a variety of activities available within the campground to keep kids and adults busy. This includes paddle boat, kayak, and canoe rentals, a basketball court, a small playground, a volleyball court, and swimming."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature interpretive displays about local ecology. "The night I was there a ranger came out and did a program on owls right from the beach," noted a camper at Bay Furnace Campground.
Safe swimming areas: Inland lakes typically offer warmer, calmer swimming conditions than Lake Superior. A regular visitor observed, "The water is beautiful and warmer than Lake Superior. Watch for afternoon thunderstorms," providing practical safety advice for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection priority: Many RV sites vary considerably in quality and privacy. "This is a very wide open center, or back in to Wooded sites. All site are very large and spacious. Picnic tables and site rings," noted a visitor to Pictured Rocks RV Park and Campground.
Leveling challenges: Campers report uneven terrain at many rustic sites. "Warning, all the sites were very unlevel!" cautioned one RVer about a dispersed camping area, suggesting the need for leveling blocks and preparation.
Dumping station access: Full-service RV sites remain limited in the Au Train area. "Dump and potable water free to campers, otherwise it's $5," noted a visitor, highlighting an important consideration for RVers planning extended stays.
