Bergland Township sits at an elevation of 1,467 feet in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan's Gogebic County, positioned near the Ottawa National Forest. The area experiences cold winters with heavy lake-effect snow from Lake Superior, creating ideal conditions for both summer camping and winter yurt stays. Temperatures in summer camping season typically range from 50°F to 75°F, making it comfortable for tent camping while also creating ideal conditions for yurt camping near Bergland.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 20+ falls within driving distance. Black River Harbor Recreation Area offers access to five major waterfalls along the Black River. "The waterfall trails are unparalleled in beauty. The park has a ski lift we rode to check out the views from the top of the mountain, as well as an 18 hole disc course," shares a visitor to Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park.
Fishing in Lake Gogebic: Michigan's largest inland lake. Set on the biggest inland lake in the U.P. with excellent walleye fishing in the Midwest, Ontonagon County Park gives you direct water access. "The county put in a new shower house that would make a college locker room look weak. All hookups available, and sewer service is an added perk," notes a camper who appreciated the upgraded facilities.
Winter yurt camping: Ottawa National Forest access. Yurt campers around Bergland can enjoy snowmobiling access directly from several campgrounds. Bond Falls Campground provides "awesome location, amazing waterfall. Clean campground with toilet and hand pump for water. No dump station. West side is near the falls," according to a recent visitor who rated it five stars.
What campers like
Private lakeside sites: direct water access. At Lake Gogebic State Park Campground, campers enjoy waterfront options. "Stayed here for 3 nights over the July 4th weekend 2020. Had a great site right on the lake, fire pit was 10 feet from the water, most sites are large with trees but not many are very level," one camper reports.
Backcountry solitude: well-marked trails. The backcountry system at Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping provides elevated camping experiences. "We stayed at a campsite on the Escarpment trail (ES-1) and it was absolutely gorgeous. It was right on a ridge, had a bear pole, a fire ring, and an ample amount of space," shares one backpacker who hiked in from Lake of the Clouds.
Year-round yurt accommodations: heated options. Several campgrounds near Bergland offer yurt camping with proper heating systems. "Yurts and Cabins available. Definitely Seasonal. The road is not plowed completely in winter," notes a visitor about Presque Isle's winter yurt options.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: essential in summer. Bug pressure varies significantly by season and location. "The Mosquito Coast...A big minus for me were the millions of mosquitoes, but I guess that comes as part of the 'nature package'," warns a Lake Gogebic State Park camper who visited in July.
Limited cell service: plan accordingly. Most campgrounds have minimal connectivity. A camper at Black River Harbor Recreation Area mentions, "There are no camp hosts, no cellar coverage, and the Rangers do not answer knocks on the door at their offices about 20 miles away. You are on your own."
Early booking required: especially for yurts. The area's limited number of yurts book quickly during peak seasons. "Starting with the 2018 season, the backcountry campsites must be reserved in advance. Campsites have bear poles and fire pits. There are also a few cabins that can be rented, but don't allow dogs inside the cabins," explains a Porcupine Mountains visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Supervised beach access: watch for currents. Several campgrounds offer swimming options with varying supervision levels. "The beach area was nice with a nice big sandy beach for the kids," shares a visitor to Lake Gogebic State Park, highlighting the family-friendly shoreline.
Kid-friendly trails: varied difficulty levels. Look for shorter, less strenuous options when hiking with children. "There is a nice picnic area and a boat ramp. This is a solid park for enjoying the lake," notes a camper about the recreational options at Lake Gogebic.
Equipment rental options: kayaks and boats. Union River Big Bear Campground provides access to various water activities. "You are just a 1-minute walk from the lake. You for sure will not be disappointed with the decision to stay here," explains a camper who appreciated the family-oriented amenities.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: prepare accordingly. Many campgrounds have restricted RV services. "For the tent campers this is an excellent place to go. I would suggest later August or Fall. The trails can be impassable at times during the late Spring and the black flies will disappear usually by August but they can stick around," advises an RV camper about seasonal considerations at the Porcupine Mountains.
Generator restrictions: check campground rules. Most locations have strict quiet hours and generator policies. "A large open frame generator ran 24/7 the entire time. The 'camper' said quiet hours were only for TVs and radios," shares a frustrated visitor at Black River Harbor, highlighting the importance of respecting quiet hours.
Site leveling challenges: bring blocks. Many campsites require significant leveling. "Most sites are a mix of shade and sun. We had a site in the shade, directly on the lake. There were quite a few muddy spots at our & surrounding sites due to a lot of recent rain. We had to move our car to the parking lot to avoid getting stuck," explains a Lake Gogebic camper.
