Best Campgrounds near Bruce Crossing, MI

Campgrounds surrounding Bruce Crossing, Michigan provide diverse camping experiences ranging from free primitive sites to developed facilities with electric hookups. Bond Falls Campground, located just outside the town, offers free lakefront camping with fire rings and picnic tables, while Lake Gogebic State Park provides more developed options with showers and RV hookups. The surrounding Ottawa National Forest contains several rustic camping areas suitable for tent and RV camping, with numerous options available for both reservation-based and first-come, first-served sites. Many campgrounds in the region accommodate various camping styles including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and even cabin rentals at select locations.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with several campgrounds accessible only via narrow dirt or gravel roads. "The one lane dirt road that heads here is almost 5 miles long. With the road closed just after the campground, people only come out here on purpose," noted one visitor about Sparrow Rapids Campground. Seasonal availability presents important considerations for planning, as many campgrounds operate from May through September or October, while others remain open year-round. Winter camping requires additional preparation due to snow conditions and limited services. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with some campgrounds reporting limited Verizon coverage. Mosquitoes and biting flies can be problematic in summer months, particularly near water bodies, so adequate repellent is essential for comfortable camping experiences.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the Bruce Crossing area, with several campgrounds situated on lakes or rivers. Bond Falls Flowage receives consistently high ratings from campers who appreciate its secluded lakeside sites and proximity to the impressive Bond Falls. According to a visitor, "There are about 20 campsites and a handful on the water. The sites are free for up to a total of 14 days which is really nice." Campers frequently mention the region's fishing opportunities, particularly for brook trout in the stocked lakes. Privacy between sites varies considerably between campgrounds, with more remote areas offering greater seclusion. Visitors should note that while many primitive sites lack amenities like showers, they compensate with natural surroundings, wildlife viewing opportunities, and peaceful settings away from crowds.

Best Camping Sites Near Bruce Crossing, Michigan (135)

    1. Bond Falls Campground

    16 Reviews
    Ottawa National Forest, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 827-3235

    "The lakes are stocked with brook trout and the fishing is amazing. Picnic areas are located near the falls and hiking in the surrounding areas is limitless."

    "In the morning, I walked the loop and found several others that we could fit(now that it was light out), and we moved over one site to W6."

    2. Sparrow Rapids Campground

    14 Reviews
    Trout Creek, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 852-3500

    "This was a beautiful small campground with only 6 campsites arranged around a loop and are spaced well. Access to the campground is off of a gravel road which is somewhat narrow."

    "We were able to work and talk nice walks while we had free time. A few bars with Verizon and we can log on. Big plus."

    3. Lake Gogebic State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Marenisco, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 842-3341

    "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."

    4. Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

    42 Reviews
    White Pine, MI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 885-5275

    $40 / night

    "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."

    5. Bob Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    Nisula, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 884-2085

    "This is a small simple campground with lovely lakeside tent sites among rather dense trees. If you walk east you’ll find a sandy beach to splash in."

    "The forest roads gradually got smaller as we kept driving. Recent rain left muddy areas to be traversed. Trucks and equipment are working here too but on the weekend all was quiet."

    6. Courtney Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    Nisula, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 884-2085

    $22 / night

    "Access road off highway is paved, unlike many other national forest campgrounds. Some sites are very spacious and/or on waterfront."

    "Stayed at Courtney lake CG while bear hunting nearby. Very quiet during the week with some campers coming in on the weekend. Water and toilets were available directly across from the campsite."

    7. Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground

    7 Reviews
    Watersmeet, MI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 396-5428

    $22 - $26 / night

    "The are 4 campground loops and many campsites out around the lakes. We chose a spot in loop 3. Our site is large with plenty of space for our teardrop and screen room. Water is right next to us."

    "Access to the lake was easy, and the fact that tete are so few camp sites on the lake really makes it feel secluded. There are 2 nice beaches on either end, and easy portage to other lakes."

    8. Burned Dam Campground

    3 Reviews
    Watersmeet, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 358-4724

    "Beautiful, quiet, free campgrounds right next to the Ontonagon River and Mex-i-mine Falls (you can hear the rushing water)."

    "We did look around and it’s a decent place. A couple sites are large enough for a small camper and screen room. Others will only fit a tent. There is a vault toilet but no water or garbage."

    10. Ontonagon Township Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Ontonagon, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 884-2930

    "Wonderful campground beside Lake Superior. We had a site backed up to the lake and enjoyed the sound of Lake Superior waves!"

    "80 sites on lake. $28-$35. Showers, electric, water. Close to town and nice walking trail."

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Recent Reviews near Bruce Crossing, MI

570 Reviews of 135 Bruce Crossing Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Union River Big Bear Campground

    Beautiful and clean!

    Our family of six greatly enjoyed tent camping at Big Bear! Our site was very close to the playground and we could see our kids playing there from our site. The bathrooms were extremely clean.It’s located at the entrance to the Porkies which was super nice and only 20 minutes to the grocery store. Walking across the main road and there’s Lake Superior? Perfection! Nice little store with ice and firewood. The only downside was the sites are very close together with no privacy.

  • Rose G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Lake Perrault

    Wouldn’t recommend

    If arriving off-season and lucky enough to have it to yourself it would be a great location, but there is zero privacy otherwise. There were 3 different people/groups set-up, all of which looked to have been there for several weeks. The area in front of the lake is completely cleared and fairly large - if you don’t mind being out in the open and potentially siding directly with others you’ll probably be fine. I saw an additional 3 other vehicles drive in and proceed to exit, so it’s unlikely you’d find solitude here. You’re better off opting for a FR in Ottawa NF.

  • Nancy May The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Luna White Deer Campground

    Two of the bigger campgrounds in the State Park

    The campgrounds with 30 plus sites are two of the bigger grounds in Chequamegon-Nicolet areas that look very well maintained. The facilities are currently at the end of the season closing maintenance (closed on October 15). "On foot" travels only when camping after that. And, in addition to a few dispersed camping lots available for a fee outside the two facilities, these will be one of my winter camps destinations.

  • Nancy May The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Laurel Lake Campground — Chequamegon Nicolet NF

    Another Excellent Camp-out at Campground 2 Laurel Lake

    Dark and quiet at night time. The site would be a perfect canoe landing, the water is within a few yards. The campground has three spacious sites, while the Campground 1 in the lake has eight. A vault toilet and clean water well. The autumn weather is bright and fresh!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Hancock Recreation Area Beach & Campground

    Great stop over

    Campground offers variety of type sites with mixed amenities and sun or shade. More secluded sites may not be suited to larger length camping units. Decent bath/shower house. Only one for whole park. Lower level sites near the canal would be great, but can be windy. The dump station is design with one lane, so can get a backup. Some site have had fresh gravel applied. It hasn’t compacted yet, so a bit coarse to walk on. Close to Hancock. There is a sand n gravel company nearby, so you do hear noise from that area. Have stayed before, and will again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Curry Park Campground

    Decent park for short stay

    Stayed two nights as the location was convenient for my stay in town. Older park with mature trees offering shade on most lots. Power pedestal upgrades to 30 and 50 amp to majority of lots. Limited FHU lots grouped together in lower area. Suspect this area could have drainage issues during heavy rainfall. Lots near highway would tend to be noisier. Restroom and shower area was kept up and clean. Very functional shower stall with plenty of hot water. Dump station designed for one sided unloading with non-potable and potable water nearby. Expect to wait if other using the dump station. Overall, decent place for short-term stays.

  • Nancy May The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Franklin Lake

    Season's Best at Franklin Lake

    We have had an excellent camp-out this year here. Maybe because our site is only a yard away from the water, and with ample living space for multiple tents and a vehicle. A fire ring and a picnic table. A set of vault toilets nearby. We didn't expect to find flushing toilets in a campground anywhere, but, we have a choice here to drive up further and use the facility. The wood forest is nicely maintained. Falling off branches are taken care of off the roads right away. And, that's all we care about in enjoying the outdoors this year.

  • Nancy May The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Laurel Lake Campground — Chequamegon Nicolet NF

    Laurel Lake Campground

    We don't have any RVs, no RV's cleaning and dumping facility required. It's good enough with its regular and standard trash disposal site. The wood forest is nicely maintained. I have no fear of falling timbers or branches at all times. And, the nicest thing about the campground is the few square-footages of level and compacted square on each site, ready to spread your tent on it. It's great! 👍

  • Lindsey R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Baraga State Park Campground

    Noisy spot

    Decided to drive north to stay on Keweenaw Bay. The only thing you couldn't tell is that the State Park was right on the road. Literally. No site is quiet. Traffic goes all day and all night. Park was curiously mostly full with families and ither campers set up fir the weekend?. Clearly a popular spot. Very clean bathrooms and showers a lovely Park Ranger.


Guide to Bruce Crossing

Camping areas surrounding Bruce Crossing offer secluded sites in the Ottawa National Forest with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 1,600 feet. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs averaging 75-80°F and winter lows frequently below 0°F. Many camping options feature waterfront access to small lakes and rivers throughout the mixed hardwood-conifer forest ecosystem.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Anglers visiting Bob Lake Campground can enjoy a well-stocked lake. "This is a small simple campground with lovely lakeside tent sites among rather dense trees. If you walk east you'll find a sandy beach to splash in," explains a visitor to Bob Lake Campground.

Waterfall viewing: The region offers multiple waterfall options within short driving distances. At Bond Falls Campground, "Bond Falls is a very short walk from the car, with longer hiking opportunities nearby. I visited the falls in the wintertime when some of it was frozen, and the ground covered in snow. Very pretty that time of the year," notes Danielle A.

Hiking trails: Several established trail networks provide hiking options ranging from easy to challenging. "We hiked around part of Clark Lake. It's a beautiful trail and also has some backcountry campsites. There are some other hikes in the area too," shares a camper who stayed at Sylvania Clark Lake Campground.

What campers like

Quiet, secluded settings: Many campgrounds in the area offer peaceful surroundings away from crowds. At Sparrow Rapids Campground, "The one lane dirt road that heads here is almost 5 miles long. With the road closed just after the campground, people only come out here on purpose. This means that the other campers are the only ones around," explains one reviewer.

Wildlife viewing: The forests around Bruce Crossing provide excellent opportunities to observe native wildlife. "This campground feels very secluded in the woods. You have many spots to choose from right on the lake or further into the woods... We got to watch the fireflies at night," notes a visitor to Bob Lake Campground.

Winter camping options: Unlike some regions, certain campgrounds remain accessible year-round. A visitor to Bond Falls noted, "I visited the falls in the wintertime when some of it was frozen, and the ground covered in snow. Very pretty that time of the year."

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Courtney Lake Campground notes, "It was very quiet. I was lucky to find this gem and you will only have spotty phone service at best."

Insect preparation: Bug management is essential, particularly from late spring through summer. "We went there last year in mid June. Secluded deep in the woods. Plenty of campsites to choose from. The only thing that overwhelmed us was the mosquitos! We last two days and moved on," warns a visitor to Bob Lake Campground.

Road access challenges: Many campgrounds have limited access routes with varying conditions. A visitor to Sparrow Rapids Campground shared, "The way out here was quite the adventure. The forest roads gradually got smaller as we kept driving. Recent rain left muddy areas to be traversed."

Tips for camping with families

Swimming locations: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly water access. Lake Gogebic County Park features "Clean swimming area along with plenty of wildlife. Seen a few bald eagles fishing while there," according to one family.

Fishing for children: Look for locations with abundant panfish for beginner anglers. At Marion Lake Campground, visitors report "Good fishing and lots of pan fish to make fishing fun for the kids!"

Vault toilets only: Most forest service campgrounds lack full facilities. A Courtney Lake visitor noted, "Water and toilets were available directly across from the campsite," but most locations have limited amenities requiring preparation with children.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites requiring preparation. At Lake Gogebic County Park, "A lot of the sites are kinda uneven, and some are grass, some are sandy.. definitely do your research before you pick a site. No pull through sites, only back in."

Electrical considerations: Some campgrounds have shared or distant electrical hookups. A Lake Gogebic County Park visitor warns, "Only down side is the electric is stationed in the cross of four sites. So bring long extension cord."

Size limitations: Most forest campgrounds accommodate only smaller RVs. At Sparrow Rapids, a camper advised, "The road in was narrow so I'm not sure about large RVs. However it is perfect for smaller setups."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Bruce Crossing located in Michigan?

Bruce Crossing is located in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, at the intersection of US-45 and M-28 in Ontonagon County. This small rural community serves as a gateway to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, which is about 25 miles northwest. The area is characterized by dense forests, numerous lakes, and proximity to natural attractions like Bond Falls Campground. Bruce Crossing is approximately 15 miles from the Wisconsin border, making it accessible for visitors coming from both states. The surrounding Ottawa National Forest contributes to the region's remote, wilderness character.

What outdoor activities can you do around Bruce Crossing?

The Bruce Crossing area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Hiking is popular in the nearby Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes with stunning views of Lake Superior. Water activities abound with swimming, fishing, and boating on numerous lakes and rivers. Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park features impressive waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent, with chances to spot deer, black bears, and various bird species. In winter, the area transforms for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Nearby small towns like Boulder Junction offer flea markets and local shops for when you need a break from outdoor adventures.

What camping options are available near Bruce Crossing?

Bruce Crossing offers several nearby camping options. Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park provides sites with Lake Superior views, clean showers, and access to hiking trails, though sites can be close together. Courtney Lake Campground near Mass City offers drive-in sites with water and toilet facilities. For those seeking more primitive experiences, the Porcupine Mountains offer backcountry camping options. Other options include Bob Lake Campground, Lake Gogebic County Park, and Ontonagon Township Park and Campground. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water, with varying levels of electricity hookups.