Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Black River, MI has a lot to offer. Black River is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Black River, reviewed by campers like you.
$15 / night
"First of all, each of the sites are only a mile or two away from the parking lot of the park. This gives newbies the chance to take a small hike in for that backcountry feel."
"Sand, pine trees, vault toilet, fire ring, gorgeous views, serenity, bear pole - my family adores this place. It is possibly the nicest camping we've done in Michigan."
$38 - $48 / night
"We're happy to have this listing on our platform. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love!"
"Clean restrooms. Friendly staff."
"This is not a drive-up campground."
"I took a hike around the lake and it was wonderful.The hike wasn't too hard and is perfect for everyone. It was only 4 miles for the whole thing."
"Great beginner length trails of medium difficulty trails."
"Went 3 years back for a mid day hike in the winter and it was gorgeous with snow and ice! The campsites are first come first serve and they are rustic. If you are a minimalist, this loop is for you!"
"Not heavily trafficked, and most of the campsites have a pretty decent set up from past campers. Depending on your route, you can make this hike long or short."
"Its very secluded, a long walk, and dirty, but I love it. I think my young son loves it more. Its first-come so get there early but you can pitch your tent in a number of spots."
$20 / night
"Small warm inland lake."
"The vault toilets do need some attention."
"I wish I would have picked a different spot as I was right next to the bathroom but it was fine. Plenty of fire wood around the collect with access to trials and the river."
TravelerIf you're looking at getting into backpacking or unsure if backpacking is for you, Negwegon is a great place to start. First of all, each of the sites are only a mile or two away from the parking lot of the park. This gives newbies the chance to take a small hike in for that backcountry feel. Second, each site has a fire ring and picnic table... and a vault toilet. This means you get a few of the comforts of car camping but with beautiful views of Lake Huron and limited interaction with humans. Staying at Blue Bell, site #1, we were treated with Lake Huron just about 100 feet away from our campsite. We had the chance to check out site #3– for those that love sand, that is the spot for you.
As for the camping site overall, #1 is a great start. It is about 75 feet off of the trail, but in the fall, foot traffic was very limited. The wind provided us with plenty of fallen limbs and brush to start a fire. If you pack a hatchet, options are expanded to larger fallen branches. There are a few spots on the site to pitch your tent– with it being windy, we setup tucked in a flat area surrounded by thick evergreen trees that provided wind protection. Lake Huron is very clear and we filtered about 10 cups of water to drink throughout our stay.
Going in mid-fall, be prepared for that breeze blowing off of the lake, we came prepared for the cold, if you don't, you'll be miserable. Upsides of camping in the fall, limited to no bugs. We didn't have any issue with bugs and in fact, we saw no wildlife at all– even including a hike up past site #4.
ScoutSand, pine trees, vault toilet, fire ring, gorgeous views, serenity, bear pole - my family adores this place. It is possibly the nicest camping we've done in Michigan. Water filter is a MUST unless you want to walk to the parking lot every time you need potable water. None of us ever got sick drinking the filtered lake water. Kayaking and canoeing in is easy. We have walked in, too. Having a wheeled cart is nice for bringing in large family-sized tents and other heavier items.
LegendThis place was really nice and not very busy. It’s on a beautiful lake that is great for swimming and boating. It has a few walk in sites that have beach access. All sites include picnic table and fire pit. Shared rustic vault toilets available. There is a nice boat launch located within the campground as well.
LegendRustic campground on Jackson lake. Very close to clear lake state park down the road. Vault toilets and each site comes with picnic table and fire ring.
RangerThis rustic campground is right on the ORV route. This means you can camp here and even ride in you Jeep or side by side right from camp.
I stayed here and rode dirt bikes from jere and swam in the lake afterwards. It was refreshing and there is a small sandy area to swim out of.
The lake is very peaceful and quiet. Great for kayaking or canoeing! There are no houses on the small lake and it is typically calm water.
The campground has vault toilets, camp fire rings, and picnic tables. The fee is $15 per night and is paid at the entrance.
There is a water pump here so fresh water is available. There is also a dumpster for your trash.
I will be coming back as it is easy to get to as well.
RangerWe absolutely love camping here weather it’s in a tent, hammock or RV we have always loved camping here.
Night sounds are so relaxing.
We typically do the sites closer to Mio sites 1-6
Plenty of trails and fishing.
No water No electric No sewer
LegendI was super excited to visit this place because I heard good things... but I was a bit disappointed. The campground itself is more of an open field and there isn’t much for privacy or even tree cover. The lake was nice but pretty weedy and there were only 1 or two campsites that even had lake access. All the sites had the standard fire pit and picnic table but nothing else very exceptional about this place.
GuideI have camped here a few times over the last decade. I have tent camped in the past and now with a travel trailer. The sites are large, and some humongous. The campground is quiet, and the lake is right behind the campground. A nice sandy shoreline and shallow water makes for a relaxing day. There needs to be some maintenance done at this campground, at least two water pumps are without handles, one was with out a handle three years ago as well, so the missing handles may be part of the campground management plan. There are a few vault toilets placed in various areas in pairs. Of each pair, one is closed, presumably to reduce costs associated with maintenance.
The fire rings in some sites are brand new, so it is obvious that maintenance is underway.
Overall this campground is still on a list of favorites that we return to once or twice a year.
GuideThis campground you need a reservation for and there are four campsites right off the water. These campsites are hike-in and/or kayak in accessible which makes for wonderful views either way. The campsites are spaced enough so that even if they are all booked you wouldn’t know it. Each site is about a half mile from each other. Site number one is big, spacious and almost right off the trail in. It has a wonderful beach view and a rustic toilet. On the beachfront there is a bear hang for your overnight stay. This would be a great place to take your pup if you have one!
Tent camping near Black River, Michigan offers a serene escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking tranquility and adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Black River, MI is Negwegon State Park Campground with a 5-star rating from 8 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Black River, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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