Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Site 28. Literally right on shore. Sleeping to the waves and waking up to endless water. T-Mobile says no coverage in Dyrt app, but I had two bars most of the time.
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Campgrounds near Bergland, Michigan surround Lake Gogebic, the Upper Peninsula's largest inland lake, offering diverse camping experiences from waterfront state park sites to rustic outpost camps. Lake Gogebic State Park Campground provides grassy lakefront sites with electric hookups, flush toilets, and showers, accommodating tents, RVs, and cabins. The region includes the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park with multiple campgrounds including Union Bay, Presque Isle, and backcountry sites. Both county and township parks supplement these options with facilities ranging from basic to full-service.
Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with many campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Lake Gogebic State Park and Porcupine Mountains maintain year-round availability, though winter camping requires additional preparation. Most developed campgrounds offer drinking water, electric hookups, and sanitary facilities, while rustic outposts provide more primitive experiences. The region experiences significant seasonal variations, with mosquitoes and black flies posing challenges in early summer. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, particularly in the Porcupine Mountains backcountry. A visitor mentioned, "This was a GREAT campground to stay at for checking out some of the numerous popular waterfalls in upper Michigan."
Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from campers, with several reviews highlighting the value of lakeside camping. Sites directly on Lake Gogebic provide scenic views and easy water access, though they may lack level ground. The proximity to fishing, boating, and swimming makes these locations particularly popular during summer months. Campers frequently note the reasonable pricing and peaceful atmosphere at smaller facilities like Bergland Township Park, which offers convenient access to local amenities. In contrast, visitors to more remote sites in the Porcupine Mountains emphasize wilderness experiences and hiking opportunities. Several campgrounds receive praise for clean facilities and spacious sites, though reviews consistently warn about intense mosquito activity, especially at dusk. As one camper cautioned, "Bugs were not a problem during the day but the second that sun goes down have the bug spray ready."
"This was a GREAT campground to stay at for checking out some of the numerous popular waterfalls in upper Michigan. Our grassy site was on the shore of the lake with lots of trees."
"We loved staying at Lake Gogebic! There’s a beach a short walk through the campground and the site hosts are super friendly."
from $20 - $120 / night
Check Availability"This was our first time camping in Michigan and we loved being so close to Lake Superior. We're used to MN state parks, so we found the campsites in MI to be a bit small and too close to each other."
"We could walk to the visitor center via a short wooded trail, walk or drive to a small convenience store with firewood, and step over to Lake Superior each evening for sunrise."
from $41 / night
Check Availability"So the drive-in sites are literally all right next to each other, no privacy at all."
"Presque Isle Campground is located at the southern edge of the Porcupine Mountains State Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. "
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Campsite LS-14 had a lovely location on the lake, but was very muddy/previously submerged with water. It immediately abuts site LS-13."
"We camped at Mirror Lake and along the Big Carp River Trail."
from $20 - $140 / night
Check Availability"Our site was very close to the playground and we could see our kids playing there from our site."
"This is a beautiful campground right next to the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park in the U P of Michigan."
from $28 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Only an overnighter, but it's excellent for those nights when you just had enough driving. Nice playground for the kids if needed, restaurant only about a tenth of a mile walk. Boat ramp."
"Inexpensive for being right next to a lake and in a small town. Though, at the time we went the lake had a water warning for bacteria and we did not swim. Still, a pretty site."
"Set on the biggest inland lake in the U.P., with the best walleye fishing in the Midwest. Swimming beach for the kids, and nearby towns for stocking up. The only negative are the bugs."
"Right next to the vault toilet. The bugs were pretty bad and we were here middle of June, however good bug spray and fire smoke helped ease them a little."
"From this campsite it’s about a 15 minute drive to Lake Superior beach, camp store, water, and presque isle. Beautiful hikes all around the park. Could hike for days and have gorgeous views."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The gravel drive was uphill so we ended up turning the camper 90 degrees. 2 miles after the main campground check in you will find the small road to the Union River Outpost campsites."
"There is a bridge and really nice trail along the river with waterfalls right at the end of the campground."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The campgrounds in Michigan are great with private sites. It’s true camping with only water and toilets available with the great outdoors and not a lot of extras."
"Awesome place to go it is a big area for campers and water hookups and things like that it is definetly fun and your right next to the superior lake must see"











Site 28. Literally right on shore. Sleeping to the waves and waking up to endless water. T-Mobile says no coverage in Dyrt app, but I had two bars most of the time.
We stayed at Robinson Lake Dispersed Campground last night and really enjoyed it! It’s very easy to get to, located right off the highway, so you don’t have to worry about driving miles down rough backroads. There’s plenty of room to set up camp, and being right next to the lake makes it an even better spot.
There’s also plenty of downed wood around for a campfire, which is always a bonus when camping. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and spend a night away from everything.
Definitely a spot we’d recommend and would stay at again!
Sites are very close together but the area is beautiful. Maybe it was unusual but it was very windy for 3 days in a row
Potato falls is beautiful. A bit of a walk to both the upper and lower falls and I did not find actual easy access to the water, although I’m traveling solo so there’s only so much risk I’ll take. There’s some sort of protest here going on but the group has been quiet. I was discouraged at first thinking I wouldn’t find a spot, but the sites are far enough apart (out of eye sight within ear shot) that I felt comfortable staying. I walked to both upper and lower falls - about 320ish steps total. Verizon has 2 bars of service. Pit toilet located in the pavilion like area. Campsite has picnic table and fire pit.
Beautiful lakefront camping with a few spots to choose from. Not a whole lot of space/privacy between sites once you enter the camping area, which is the only reason it did not receive 5 stars. Easy to get to and the road seemed well maintained. Verizon service was available.
Falls are just a short walk away from the parking/camping area and I can hear them from my car. It’s fall and the leaves are changing and it’s just stunning. Great signage, easy to find and I somehow have service. The only reason I gave 4 star is because you’re camping right in the public parking area and I don’t think I would have stayed if anyone else was camping here simply because it’s not a huge site. But for one gal solo traveling in her car, it’s perfect for the night!
Nice quiet campground right on Lake Superior No electric sites
Beautiful, quiet campground with a true wilderness feel. The three nearby waterfalls are a must-see, and make sure to spend some time exploring the riverbed around them—it was one of the highlights of our stay. Great location for hiking, scenery, and enjoying the natural side of the Porcupine Mountains.
This is a typical national forest primitive campground. For me, it was the perfect middle point while driving along the seven hour plane crash trail. The sites along the lake are really beautiful. I did see a fifth-wheel camper at one of the sites so larger trailers can fit at some sites. Most sites are level but a few aren’t.
I could not find this campground in recreation.gov, so it may be first come first serve only, not sure.
There are pit toilets and hand pumps for potable water.
It’s $22 per night unless you have a senior pass, etc. they use the honor system so there is no one here at the pay station.
There are 24 sites and counting me there was only three or four in use on a Sunday night.
Camping sites near Bergland, Michigan range from rustic outposts to waterfront camping options at elevations between 1,200-1,600 feet above sea level. The surrounding Ottawa National Forest creates a dense woodland setting for most campgrounds in the area. Water temperature at Lake Gogebic typically reaches 70-75°F in July and August, while dropping to the 50s in early June and September.
Hiking near Porcupine Mountains State Park: Access multiple trail systems ranging from easy to difficult, with some routes directly accessible from campsites. At Union River Rustic Outpost Camp, "There is a bridge and really nice trail along the river with waterfalls right at the end of the campground. In the right conditions you could probably fish off of the cross country ski trail which we walked too."
Lake Superior beaches: Visit public beaches within 20-30 minutes of most Bergland camping options. A camper at Union River Big Bear Campground notes, "This place in the fall is magic. Beautifully wooded, many sites have a view of Lake Superior. You can hear the waves at night."
Fall foliage viewing: Mid-September to early October offers peak fall colors in the region. "We camped at Presque Isle in the Porkies for a long weekend in October. The color change was amazing!" according to a visitor at Presque Isle campground.
Summit Peak hike: A half-mile trail leads to a 40-foot observation tower with 360-degree views. A camper at White Pine Rustic Outpost mentions, "There's also the Summit Peak Hike close to the site that was only a half mile hike!"
Lake access: Many campers value proximity to Lake Gogebic or Lake Superior for recreation. A Bergland Township Park visitor shared, "Inexpensive for being right next to a lake and in a small town. Though, at the time we went the lake had a water warning for bacteria and we did not swim."
Quiet, secluded sites: Smaller campgrounds offer more privacy and quiet environments. At White Pine Rustic Outpost Camp, a camper appreciated that "The sites are large, the campground is small (and quiet) and there's even a creek that runs along the west side of the campground."
Fishing opportunities: Lake Gogebic is known for walleye fishing, with boat launches at several campgrounds. According to a Lake Gogebic County Park visitor, "Taken care of lake with big camping sites. Only down side is the electric is stationed in the cross of for sites. So bring long extension cord. Clean swimming area along with plenty of wild life. Seen a few bald eagles fishing while there."
Dark skies: Limited light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. A visitor to White Pine Rustic Outpost mentioned the "Quiet, beautiful stars" as a highlight of their camping experience.
Bug presence: Black flies and mosquitoes can be intense, especially in early summer. At Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park, a visitor noted, "The bugs were pretty bad and we were here middle of June, however good bug spray and fire smoke helped ease them a little."
Limited services: Cell service and internet connectivity varies widely. A Union River Big Bear Campground review mentioned, "Don't expect to do work or school, service and internet up there is practically non existent."
Seasonal water conditions: Swimmers itch can occur in early summer on some lakes. One Lake Gogebic County Park visitor advised that the beach "may be closed in early summer due to swimmers itch."
Varied site conditions: Campsite terrain can differ significantly even within the same campground. According to a Lake Gogebic County Park review, "A lot of the sites are kinda uneven, and some are grass, some are sandy... definitely do your research before you pick a site."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. A Bergland Township Park visitor mentioned, "Nice playground for the kids if needed, restaurant only about a tenth of a mile walk."
Swimming beaches: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas for safer water access. At Lake Gogebic County Park, a visitor noted they have a "Clean swimming area along with plenty of wild life."
Proximity to amenities: Campgrounds closer to towns provide easier access to supplies. According to a Union Bay Campground visitor, "We could walk to the visitor center via a short wooded trail, walk or drive to a small convenience store with firewood, and step over to Lake Superior each evening for sunrise."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to see birds and animals. A Lake Gogebic County Park visitor reported, "Seen a few bald eagles fishing while there."
Extension cord needs: Some campgrounds have unusual electrical configurations. At Lake Gogebic County Park, an RVer advised, "The electric is stationed in the cross of for sites. So bring long extension cord."
Limited pull-through sites: Most campgrounds in the area only offer back-in sites. As noted by a Lake Gogebic County Park visitor, "No pull through sites, only back in."
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. At Union River Outpost, a camper mentioned, "Site was not that level. If you were tent camping, you would likely be sleeping on a slope of some kind."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full sanitary services. A visitor to Bergland Township Park mentioned their appreciation for the convenience of having a dump station at this small, lakeside campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Presque Isle State Park from Bergland for day trips?
Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park is approximately 40 miles west of Bergland, making it a reasonable day trip destination. The drive typically takes about 50-60 minutes along mostly scenic roads through Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The park is worth the journey for its spectacular waterfalls, hiking trails, and bluffs overlooking Lake Superior. Many visitors recommend the walkway and stairs that lead down to the waterfalls. For those wanting to maximize their visit, Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping offers options to extend your stay in this natural wonderland.
Where is the Ontonagon Township Park and Campground located near Bergland?
Ontonagon Township Park and Campground is located along the shores of Lake Superior in Ontonagon, Michigan, approximately 22 miles north of Bergland. The campground stretches along both sides of Lakeshore Drive with 76 sites total. About 50 sites are positioned on the lakeside of the road, offering prime Lake Superior views. The campground is situated near the mouth of the Ontonagon River where it empties into Lake Superior, making it a convenient base for exploring the western Upper Peninsula.
What amenities are available at campgrounds near Bergland, Michigan?
Campgrounds near Bergland offer varying amenities. Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park provides electric sites, modern bathrooms with showers, and access to Lake Superior with beautiful views. Many sites are reservable. Lake Gogebic State Park Campground features water pumps, maintained toilets, and some sites with electricity. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, while some offer boat launches, swimming beaches, and hiking trails. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, and not all campgrounds have potable water or shower facilities, so it's best to check specific sites before visiting.
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