Tent campsites near Baraga, Michigan offer access to some of the Upper Peninsula's less-traveled forest roads and waterways. Winter arrives early in this region, with some campgrounds reporting snowfall in September, several weeks before the mid-October dates mentioned in other sources. The area sits at elevations ranging from 600-1,100 feet above sea level, contributing to temperature variations between lakeside and inland camping areas.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Craig Lake State Park Campground, campers access multiple lakes with diverse fishing. "The lake has fantastic fishing for smallmouth, northern pike, crappie, walleye, and the occasional musky," notes Jeff P., who considers it his "absolute favorite place to camp, hike, kayak, fish, and just get away from it all."
Rapids relaxation: The Ontonagon River at Burned Dam Campground provides a natural soundtrack for camping. "Camp is right on a river and the rapids will draw you in. Follow the trail 20 yards and you can find a variety of boulders or logs to perch upon," writes Art S., though warning about persistent flies.
Mountain biking: Forestville Campground serves as the trailhead for an extensive network of biking paths. "Close to Marquette but feels secluded. At the head of some great mountain biking trails and backcountry rock climbing or bouldering," reports Molly M., adding that the North Country Trail also runs adjacent to some sites.
Wild berry picking: Late summer campers can forage for edible berries at some campsites. At Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground, one visitor noted "There were tons of wild blueberries and huckleberries while we were there in late August."
What campers like
Private sites: The spaciousness at Big Lake State Forest Campground receives consistent praise. "Way off the beaten path but the sites are HUGE! Quiet setting right on Big Lake," writes Tracy W. The campground's natural separation between sites creates privacy not found at more developed campgrounds.
Wildlife encounters: Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness campsites provide opportunities for nature observation. Will H. describes it as "Remote and not well traveled. I didn't think I was in the Midwest," noting the pristine condition of this wilderness area within Ottawa National Forest.
Lakefront dispersed camping: At Lake Perrault, campers appreciate the direct water access. "It's a dispersed area with some sites with fire pits that are cleared and open for camping, maybe about 6 spots or so. A couple of the spots are right down at the water," explains Laura M., who also noted the area was peaceful despite being a local hangout.
Scenic hiking access: The switchback trails at Sturgeon River Gorge provide memorable hiking experiences. Rebecca P. describes it as "one of the most beautiful switch back type hikes, with breathtaking views of the gorge on the way down, a quick hike to the top of gorge once you're down, then look down and see the waterfalls!"
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campsites require traveling on unpaved routes with challenging conditions. At Lake Perrault, Chuck M. warns "The road in is AWFUL. But slow driving is the cure for that." Similarly, at Big Lake State Forest Campground, Shari G. notes "the entrance to this campground is not for low clearance vehicles...it is full of HUGE flooded potholes (small ponds really)."
Early winter preparation: The Upper Peninsula camping season ends abruptly with early snow. Shari G. reports from Big Lake: "In mid-October, we woke up to full on winter one morning, so be prepared for anything in the shoulder season."
Remote camping logistics: Some campgrounds require advance planning due to their remote locations. For the permit to camp at Schoolcraft Township, Bruce B. advises "you must get your permit to camp here in Lake Linden about 10 miles west of the grounds and the office hours are limited so you should call."
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds offer only basic amenities. Forestville Campground provides "Only an outhouse and no running water or showers. But, you should have close to full cell service," according to Richie C.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose campgrounds with larger clearings for family setups. Art S. notes at Burned Dam Campground: "A couple sites are large enough for a small camper and screen room. Others will only fit a tent."
Insect management: Persistent insects can challenge family camping experiences. Kyle K. advises at Burned Dam: "Bring a screen-printing popup shelter with you or you will suffer" due to the "FULL of mosquitos and biting flies" that make "the assault nonstop."
Wildlife viewing with kids: Emily Lake State Forest Campground offers accessible wildlife encounters. Adam reports "Caught some blue gills" during his stay, while another camper mentions listening to "sandhill cranes every morning" at a nearby campground.
Weather preparedness: Pack for temperature variations even in summer. Multiple reviews mention rapid weather changes, with Connor H. noting his Emily Lake site had "Great view down a small hill at the back of the site" but that campers "will be able to hear your neighbors" during busier periods.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most rustic campgrounds have limited access for larger vehicles. Joshua L. explains at Forestville Campground: "No types of hookups for anything, and large RVs will not be able to access these sites! Only a one lane path with tight turns. The largest vehicle I saw during my few days here was a pickup truck with a bed-mounted camping unit."
Self-contained camping: Prepare for no-hookup camping throughout the region. While vault toilets exist at most established campgrounds, water access varies significantly. Laura M. notes at Lake Perrault: "There's also a little trail by the water but the mosquitoes were too bad for me to try and hike it."
Site availability timing: Weekday arrivals increase chances of finding available spots. Richie C. advises about Forestville: "I primarily stay on weekdays and don't have an issue finding a site. However, weekends can get busy with all the out of town mountain bikers."
