Best Tent Camping near Brimley, MI
State forest campgrounds dominate the tent camping landscape in the region surrounding Brimley, Michigan. Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground near Newberry offers 39 primitive tent sites with direct Lake Superior beach access via a suspension bridge. Other options include Garnet Lake State Forest Campground, providing lakeside tent sites in a wooded setting, and Pike Lake State Forest Campground with both tent and RV accommodations approximately 45 miles northwest of Brimley.
Most tent sites feature natural, ungraded surfaces with picnic tables and fire rings. Access roads to these remote campgrounds can be challenging, with many requiring travel on rough dirt roads that become particularly difficult after rain. Vault toilets are standard at most locations, though Munuscong River State Forest Campground lacks toilet facilities. Hand pumps for potable water are available at several campgrounds, but not universally. According to one visitor, "The road to get here is sketchy at best, make sure you have everything you need before you get there," highlighting the importance of preparation for these primitive locations.
Areas farther from main roads offer deeper seclusion and outstanding natural experiences. The tent sites at Mouth of Two Hearted River are particularly popular for their proximity to both the river and Lake Superior, making them ideal for anglers and paddlers. Many campsites provide reasonable privacy with good tree separation, though availability can be limited during peak fishing seasons. The landscape ranges from heavily wooded settings to areas recovering from past wildfires, creating diverse camping environments. One camper noted that the campground "sits right on the river, easy boat and kayak access. Most sites are reasonably segregated though a few seemed right on top of each other."
