147 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Upper Peninsula region surrounding Au Train, Michigan features diverse camping options within Hiawatha National Forest and along inland waterways. Au Train Lake Campground serves as a popular base for exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, situated approximately 15 minutes from Munising. Nearby, Superior Times offers lakefront camping with boat rentals, while Bay Furnace Campground provides Lake Superior access. State forest campgrounds like Forest Lake offer more primitive experiences with minimal facilities but excellent privacy. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of hookups and amenities depending on the specific location and managing agency.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in the Au Train area, with most facilities operating from mid-May through September or October. Reservations become essential during summer months, particularly for waterfront sites and weekends. As one camper noted, "We reserved our site online. Having never been before we didn't really know what to expect. It was nothing less than perfect. Tucked away in a silent wooded area." Vault toilets are standard at many of the more rustic sites, while shower facilities are limited to developed campgrounds. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with better connectivity near Munising and more limited coverage in forest areas. Mosquitoes can be problematic in late spring and early summer, especially in wooded sites away from lakeshores.
Many visitors highlight the strategic location between Pictured Rocks and Marquette as a key advantage. According to one camper, "Great location between Pictured Rocks (Munising) and Marquette! Pretty quiet, not too close to anyone else, and plenty of trees for everyone to set up hammocks and slack lines." Birdwatching opportunities abound, with dedicated trails at some campgrounds. Fishing is productive in Au Train Lake, with shore fishing available at several campgrounds. Water activities form a central attraction, from swimming at designated beaches to kayaking the Au Train River. Dark sky viewing receives frequent mention in reviews of the more remote sites, with Forest Lake State Forest Campground noted for "minimal accommodations" but "great dark sky view." Winter camping options are extremely limited, with most facilities closing after the fall color season.
"If you can’t get into the campgrounds in Pictured Rocks this site is a good alternative due to its proximity (three miles) the downtown and the entrance to the park. "
"AMAZING views of Lake Superior just steps away from the camp site. Spots don't stay empty for long. The RV park stays full"
from $29 - $45 / night
Check Availability"It's a small campground, but very near the lake, and the coolest part is the old blast furnace (hence the name of the camp on the bay) on display."
"Convenient to Pictured Rocks, which is why we made this trip to Michigan."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"Pretty quiet, not too close to any one else, and plenty of trees for everyone to set up hammocks and slack lines. Great campground access to Lake Au Train with a swimming area. "
"Small, remote campground, located on a nice size inland lake in Hiawatha National Forest. Close to Au Train, Munising and Pictured Rock National Lakeshore."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"Otter Lake Campground is nestled within the Hiawatha National Forest and a close driving distance to Munising, Michigan."
"Was about 5 minutes outside Munising. Great place to stay if your planning on visiting pictured rocks. It’s right on the lake too with boat rentals if you just want to hang around your campsite."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability"The campground is on Au Train Lake and the campground offers jet skis, boats, and kayaks for rent."
"There were also a couple nice public boat launches for the Au Train River right down the street!"
from $20 - $200 / night
Check Availability"We went in September and it was still mildly warm, bugs were gone the only thing I would recommend is water proof hiking boots which is a must hiking in Michigan anyway."
"This location kept me coming back. The KOA now offers may different activities for kids too."
"Very close to tourist locations."
"Newer campground, not much shade but outer ring surrounded by trees. Site 50 has beautiful view. Hook ups are very nice quality Staff is very friendly."
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Near Au Train Falls. On 8 mile Forest Lake, with access. $15/night. Walk-in and lake sites. Beautiful, quiet spot with many regulars. Great for respectful campers. Great Dark Sky View!"
"Clean campground with access to the reservoir."
"There is a small store/restaurant nearby too. We didn’t see hiking trails but we found a lot of atv trails. Some people were walking along the road."
"There was a little trail right to the waters edge at our site, nice and sandy (dont need water shoes) We spent most of our time there soaking up the sun in our tubes. Very quiet secluded site."
"The channel marker campsite is the perfect distance (about a half mile on a well maintained flat trail) from the ferry dock and could be accessed by water too!"
"Grand Island Channel Marker Campsite is a ferry ride or paddle away from Munising, Mi."
from $10 / night
Check Availability
GuideVery small. Six sites with picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, and level. One pit toilet. Some reservable on recreation.gov. Check availability before choosing a first come first served site! $26 is a lot for this small place.
TravelerCampground staff is friendly, sites are nice and shades, pool is a nice amenity. I do think the showers could use a bit of an updating. The water pressue was almost non existent. Otherwise, a good campground.
ScoutThis is a great out-of-the-mainstream location. Very quiet and has a good restaurant on location.
TravelerThis park is just far enough out of town to make you feel you are in nature. The owners is so sweet and helped us with a lot of local info. Otter the Dog was being lazy Better showers than at home with tankless water heater so always hot water. Big sink so you can wash your dishes. All different kind of hookups spot. We took a rustic #5 , small spots but a cozy spot. I would so go back
TravelerWas a long dirt road but when we got here there was only one other camper. So peaceful and the whole lake to ourselves. and enjoyed the light breeze Would come back
TravelerWe loved staying here. The views of Lake Superior were incredible, and the beach was great for rock hounds and beach goers —we really enjoyed spending time there. It was also nice to have clean bathrooms, laundry rooms, and a good dishwashing station. The walk to town was awesome, and the big open area behind our site leading to the bathhouse was perfect for the kids to play. We’d happily come back again.
TravelerThis is an upscale campground. Concrete pads, wheelchair accessible picnic tables, excellent bathrooms and showers, good separation between sites and right on Lake Michigan!
GuideWe lucked out and stumbled across Woodstar Campground. Super friendly host. RV sites and rustic sites along the beach but tucked into the moderate tree cover enough for wind protection. We stayed on the rustic side and had it all to ourselves while still really close to the bathrooms. Bathrooms and showers are older but well maintained. Wood, ice and laundry available. There’s a great playset, swings and tetherball for the kids right by the laundry and showers. We absolutely loved our stay!
TravelerSites are clean, paved, beautiful setting, wanted water front, was not disappointed with our site even though not on water.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Au Train, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Au Train, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 147 campgrounds and RV parks near Au Train, MI and 17 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Au Train, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Au Train, MI is Munising Tourist Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 49 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Au Train, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Au Train, MI.
What parks are near Au Train, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Au Train, MI that allow camping, notably Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Pictured Rocks National Park.
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