Are you planning a tent camping trip to Big Bay? We've got you covered. The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
The Forestville Campground is located just north of the chalet at the Noquemanon Trail Network's Forestville Trailhead. There are 15 rustic sites tucked closely around a narrow circular drive with firepits and picnic tables at all sites. Sites are best for tents, van style campers, or very small pop up trailers. Sites may not have level ground and due to the narrow road it is very challenging to park rvs or larger camping trailers. All sites are located within close proximity while perimeter sites provide a bit of separation. Vault toilets are located in front of the pole building and water is available on the west side of the chalet. There are no electrical hookups or shower facilities on site. Campground fees start at $25/night. Your camping fees help maintain the non-profit facility and trails. Campground is generally open May- October.
A few things to know: All sites must be booked and paid for online through campground reservation site. When you arrive, you will fill out a Site Card available at the entrance kiosk with your reservation info and then post at your reserved campsite. Sites are numbered 1-15. Locate sites by following road in to the right of the campground kiosk. There are 15 numbered sites to the rear of pole building. Limit of 2 units per site (2 tents or 1 tent, 1 van, etc.) and 6 persons per site. Maximum continuous stay is 7 days. Please consider 1 tent per site to allow extra distancing. Fires are limited to metal fire rings only, please do not move metal rings or construct rock rings. Firewood can be purchased for$7/bundle on honor system but there is no guarantee of availability (We recommend picking up a bundle of wood in town if you are planning to have a fire). Place firewood payment in mailbox at wood shed. Fully extinguish all fires upon departure. Quiet hours are 10pm-8am. Check out by 1pm. Dogs must be kept on leash (it's Michigan Law) and please clean-up with“Dog Spot” bags available on site. Potable water is available at spigot on west side of pole building. All trails are non-motorized. If you are here to enjoy the trails, please support the trails with a suggested $10/day donation or annual membership. An attendant stops in daily to check on campground and there is now a volunteer Campground Host that will be living on site that is available to assist at random hours. For Campground Info: 906-235-6861. Please make sure you have reviewed all information provided here before calling. For Emergencies: 9-1-1
$25 / night
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
40 Acres of Northwoods located 17 miles north of Marquette. Nestled in off of the Wilson Creek on the foothills of the Huron Mountains, our campsites offer a peaceful and rustic off grid camping experience. Close proximity to all the outdoor recreation that the Upper Peninsula has to offer. The quaint town of Big Bay is just minutes away with a general store, fuel, bar, cafe and restaurant.
$30 / night
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
The Wild and Scenic Sturgeon River rushes out of the northern portion of this wilderness, over the 20 foot volcanic outcroppings of Sturgeon Falls, and through a gorge that reaches 350 feet in depth and a mile in width. Throughout this rugged, steep Wilderness, the Sturgeon and Little Silver Rivers and their tributaries have carved falls, rapids, ponds, oxbows, and terraces. Stunning views are possible from the eastern rim of the gorge. Except for a few naturally bare slopes, most of the land is forested with pine, hemlock, aspen, sugar maple, birch, and basswood. When the leaves of the hardwoods change color in the fall, they form a vivid tapestry. There are few established trails in Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, and the few overgrown logging roads are hard to find and follow. The North Country National Scenic Trail parallels the northern and eastern boundaries for about eight miles. Sturgeon River Campground offers seven sites on the southeastern boundary. In spring and during peak runoff, kayaking and white water canoeing are challenging, and only recommended for advanced paddlers. Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness Map
Located on the property of the old Historic Ahmeek Copper Mine in the Keweenaw's Copper Country! We have tent sites, shipping containers covered to rustic cabins, along with multiple rv/camper sites. A rockhound and metal detectors paradise! Just minutes from multiple beaches on Lake Superior!!
$19 - $85 / night
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
Traveler
The Michigan Recreation Passport Solar does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas.
Traveler
Whether you’re here for a quick stop or a longer stay, Solar Country Village RV Park offers a comfortable base for your Upper Peninsula adventures.
Traveler
Many campers have enjoyed the swimming beach and the nearby boat launch, making it easy to get out on the water. Solar As one happy camper noted,“The beach area for swimming in Lake Independence is nice with a pavilion, volleyball, and ping pong nearby.”
Traveler
For those looking to explore, Solar Superior Times is conveniently located near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, offering stunning views and hiking opportunities.
Traveler
Hancock campground has LOTS of RV sites as well as some really nicely hidden/shaded tent spots. You can walk down to the beach as well as some hiking trails nearby down the road. Also, it’s about a 33 minute walk to some restaurants and shops in town. Clean, heated restrooms. As of October 2024 when im writing this, their dryer is out of order, so laundry unavailable. Campground attendant is very nice as well
Scout
Nice smaller CG. Not a lot of privacy between sites, lots of mature trees throughout the park. Nice clean shower houses.
Scout
Van Riper State park has very unlevel sites with no water and 30 amp service. Unacceptable with today’s campers. Time to update Michigan
TravelerCame to town for Blues Fest. Basically, just slept there. Grounds were well maintained as was the restrooms and showers. Met the staff every morning finishing their daily cleaning. Showers had plenty of hot water. Has a family rest room and shower with changing table and handicap accessible shower in addition to men and women restroom/showers. Had lots of shady campsites. Sites have electric but no water hook-ups, picnic table and firepit. Has WIFI, and I had no problem using my Verizon service.
Park has a day beach on a small adjacent lake. Campground bit more populated than campgrounds where I normally stay, but quiet. Also has access to numerous biking opportunities. Well suited for family camping. Didn't encounter any insect problems.
I was there Labor Day weekend. My site cost $40. per night which was a bit more than I'm used to spending but I was surprised to even get reservation so close to a holiday weekend.
Check-in is at 3:00, You can check-in early for an additional $10. fee, Checkout is at noon.
TravelerWe are not a big state park fan as, in Michigan, there are very close sites and tons of noise. This one was relatively quiet. The site were the standard Michigan close but the campgeound was t full and there many options to choose from. The lake is real nice and the beach area is clean, spacious and it has a general store that has firewood for sale. We first reserved a rustic site, then changed to an electrical hook up site after arriving. The ranger was very accomodating.
Traveler
This reservation only campground was well kept and close to amenities in Gwinn like their city park and diners. The full hookup sites were well marked but not a lot of shade and septic hook up was far back. There is a dump site on premise so we utilized that. Tent sites are well shaded and secluded from each other. Tenants were amazing and hiking trails were beautiful. The weather was too cold to swim but the beach area would be nice with warmer weather.
Traveler
We come up every year for the meteor shower, and every stay is a great one. New shower rooms, and huge dog park are awesome!
Scout
Very pleasant and new developed campground. We found this place out of sheer luck while looking for a campsite on the forest road. Great spot if you’re looking for something near to, but away from Marquette.
GuideI’m a very simple camper used to having space and quiet…this was not the best time to pass through for an overnight. I arrived and the campground was so loud with people and kids shouting. There is zero privacy (they pack you in) so be sure to get a spot along the edge where you’ll at least have trees. I was very surprised and grateful how respectful everyone was of the quiet hrs…other than snoring and some traffic it was quiet. On a positive, the pit toilet was really clean and spacious. And the ranger at check in was so nice.
Scout
Quiet rustic campground located on the RAMBA Mountain Bike Trail System
Scout
Beware! I booked this campground over a year ago. I had to change plans due to family matter which prevented us from visiting this campground. I spoke with Jeff in October and he said not an issue and would refund my money. After multiple phone calls, he still hasnt refunded my money. He is now refusing to take my calls. Jeff is a liar, cheat and dishonest owner that shouldnt be trusted. If he turns this problem around I will update. We visited Gitche Gumee RV Park, no overnight stay. UPDATE: Jeff still refuses to talk to me. He is the worst Campground owner I have come across in my 3 1/2 yrs of full timing.
Scout
I can hear my neighbors talking at their campsite from mine. We are packed in here like sardines.
Beautiful area, though. Caught a rainbow just as we were setting up camp. And they had wood and ice.
GuideLooks Like this, Campground has been remodeling for years. A lot of kids won’t need a lot of work. Do you only reason we stayed was for a shower But the shower design was small and water everywhere
Guide
DO NOT BRING A STANDARD CAR DOWN HERE! Road was incredibly rough and no cell service. That being said, risking my lifted 4WD SUV was well worth it. I may have forgotten to get a permit. Oops. There’s a large turnaround at the end of the road with spectacular views. I turned left at the outhouse and found a similar spot. Flies and mosquitos were abundant but didn’t kill my vibe. Make sure to check the weather before you go. If it had rained overnight, I probably wouldn’t have been able to make it out.
ScoutCity run operation. Close to downtown Hancock. A few sites right along the canal. Variety of site configurations - from remote tent pads to open areas that permit families to set up camp units close together. Limited sites that have sewer, water, and/or electric.
ScoutOlder well established state park. Has high usage in summer. Being older, many lots in modern area are close together. Decent restroom/shower building. Poor wifi reception.
Legend
We ended up at this campground sort of on accident- it’s way out of the way and the road there isn’t the most pleasant (it’s mostly paved but in very poor shape). There was absolutely nobody there, other than day use visitors to the creek.
Lots of bugs attacking us as we walked around.
No trash service here- pack out your trash please.
This is a state campground, but it feels like a standard USFS campground. It’s a self pay situation, no host or rangers nearby. Being that it’s a state campground, you pay the $20 camp fee, and then another $11 per day state park fee (unless you have the $39 annual pass). The state park fee feels like a money grab in situations like this. I can see if there’s an actual state park with other activities and facilities that are connected to the campground, but this is literally just a campground, with no amenities other than a vault toilet. Hmph. $31/night is way, way too much for what you get here.
Zero cell service in this entire area. The road got worse driving east across the bridge past this campground, so if you are like us and wanted to take the scenic route along the coast to Marquette, I’d recommend not doing that unless you have a beefy vehicle and don’t mind all the bumps.
TravelerYou have to drive like 30 minutes down an old logging road that has atvs and dirt bikes running around. I wouldn’t suggest doing it in a car as some spots got really rough. Any standard suv or truck will make it just take your time. The views are incredible and there’s about 10 spots you can camp. There was some strong winds when I was there.
GuideVery nice place, well set up. It was super hot so the bathroom floors were sweating and wet But over all clean.
If you don’t have water it’s a bit of a pain but onboard tanks or jugs are doable.
Scout
A beautiful place. Very valuable for tourism and a great destination.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! Ahmeek Copper Mine is a cool spot to checkout a historic mine while you camp. Check them out and share some pics on the Dyrt!
GuideVery convenient to Houghton and rest of Keweenaw Peninsula. But spots are practically on top of one another. Great if you’re camping with kids and friends, but no so great if you’re looking for some quiet.
GuideStayed on a Wednesday and there was space available but booked solid for weekends. Filled up by 4 pm. Spots are small, side-by-side and no privacy, but they have several spots to watch spectacular sunsets. That was worth the stay.
Tent camping near Big Bay, Michigan offers a serene escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Big Bay, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Big Bay, MI is Forestville Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Big Bay, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Big Bay, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
