Best Tent Camping near Au Train, MI
National Forest lands surrounding Au Train, Michigan offer numerous tent-only camping options, with Grand Island National Recreation Area providing some of the most scenic backcountry tent camping in the region. Located approximately 20 miles east in Hiawatha National Forest, Grand Island features multiple walk-in tent sites including Channel Marker, Hemlock, and Duck Lake campsites. These primitive tent campgrounds are accessible via ferry from Munising and require short hikes ranging from half a mile to several miles from the dock. Lake Superior Beachfront on US Forest land offers dispersed tent camping with direct beach access for those seeking a more remote experience.
Most tent campsites in the Au Train area feature minimal amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically have fire rings and some offer bear boxes or poles for food storage. Primitive toilets are available at most established sites, though facilities vary widely. Several Grand Island campsites provide free firewood near site entrances, an unexpected amenity for backcountry tent camping. Water sources include Lake Superior (requiring filtration) and occasional potable well water along trails. Campers should prepare for variable weather conditions, as strong winds off Lake Superior can affect tent stability, particularly at exposed shoreline sites. Insect protection is essential, with multiple reviewers noting significant mosquito and black fly populations, especially during summer months.
According to campers, the tent-only sites on Grand Island offer exceptional solitude and natural beauty. One visitor noted that "Crystal clear Lake Superior is accessible by stairs near Hemlock campsite with beautiful rocks to explore." At Road's End Campsite, a reviewer described it as "quiet, private, and off the path, with a pretty decent view of the bay." The walk-in nature of these sites ensures they remain uncrowded compared to drive-in campgrounds. Forestville Campground, while closer to Marquette than Au Train, was described as "heavily wooded and great for tents" with "lots of trails" connecting to the North Country Trail system. State Forest campgrounds like South Gemini Lake provide additional primitive tent camping options within a 30-minute drive of Au Train.