Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Bruce Crossing sits at the intersection of US-45 and M-28, at an elevation of around 1,300 feet. The area experiences heavy lake-effect snow in winter with annual snowfall often exceeding 200 inches. The surrounding Ottawa National Forest provides the backdrop for various glamping opportunities near Bruce Crossing, with sites ranging from rustic to modern accommodations.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 15-minute drive to Bond Falls, a popular day-trip destination. "Bond Falls is beautiful! The campground is tidy but busy. The trail system is fabulous and some trails are handicap accessible," notes a visitor to Bond Falls Campground.
Lake activities: Fishing for walleye and pike on Lake Gogebic, Michigan's largest inland lake in the western UP. "Great place to camp! Right across the street from the beach," writes a camper who stayed at Union River Big Bear Campground.
Backcountry hiking: Over 90 miles of trails through old-growth forests in the Porcupine Mountains. "The Porkies are my favorite forest to explore on the continent. The vegetation is so much more lush than what you find out west, and all the old trees seem to have stories," shares a backpacker who experienced Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping.
Winter recreation: Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on designated trails from December through March. "We made the trip up to the porcupine mountains in early May. The trees were still partially bare from winter and we even saw the last traces of snow melting!"
What campers like
Lakeside camping: Waterfront sites with direct lake access. "We stayed at a site in Loop 3. Water is right next to us. This loop even has flushing toilets," comments a visitor to Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground.
Privacy between sites: Spacious layouts at many forest campgrounds. "The sites are large with plenty of space for our teardrop and screen room. We can see our neighbors but there is plenty of greenery deflecting our view for enough privacy."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms at many campgrounds. "For the last 3 years the county has hired a new manager who lives on site. The county put in a new shower house that would make a college locker room look weak," reports a camper at Ontonagon County Park.
Stargazing opportunities: Dark skies with minimal light pollution. "Still nice to enjoy the quiet dark skies. Short walk down stairs to Lake Superior which offered some great sunset views."
What you should know
Seasonal mosquitoes: Heavy insect activity from late May through July. "Shady private sites with ample mosquitoes. We were in a tent so did not appreciate the asphalt, but this site would be great for a small trailer," warns a visitor at Sylvania Campground.
Limited cell service: Spotty coverage in many areas. "We had one dot of Verizon cell signal in camp but full service in Watersmeet, a short drive away."
Reservation requirements: Most sites fill quickly during summer weekends. "Prepare for it to be packed on the weekends, but weekday camping is pretty serene," advises a camper at Twin Lakes State Park Campground.
Weather variability: Temperature swings of 30+ degrees possible in a single day. "In mid-October, we woke up to full-on winter one morning, so be prepared for anything in the shoulder season."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner backpacking: Short overnight hikes suitable for older children. "Great for beginning backpackers and those who want a longer trip, the Porcupine Mountains offer 100+ miles of trails. Can make 2-3 day loops, or do in and out hikes."
Swimming beaches: Designated areas with gradual entry points. "The park has a nice big sandy beach for the kids. The proximity to the Porcupine Mountains is a big plus."
Playground access: Recreation areas at select campgrounds. "Nice campground, UTV friendly. Right on trail system. Nice lake boating activities drop watercraft in at launch enjoy."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk are best for spotting deer and birds. "Enjoyed listening to the sandhill cranes every morning," shares a visitor to Big Lake State Forest Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request perimeter sites for more shade and privacy. "If you are looking for a little more shade or tree cover, book a perimeter site. This is also the first campsite I've been to where the fire pit didn't have a grill grate on part of it."
Road conditions: Some unpaved access roads require higher clearance vehicles. "The entrance to this campground is not for low clearance vehicles...it is full of HUGE flooded potholes (small ponds really). Not recommended for 2 wheel drive, low clearance vehicles."
Dump station availability: Limited facilities in remote areas. "Refused to pay a lot of money for a crappy campsite at Union Bay campground - Porcupine Mtn State Park, so we stopped for the night at River Road Campground. $20 with no hookups. Clean restrooms & shower stalls."
Supply planning: Limited grocery options in small towns. "Since Watersmeet is a VERY small town, groceries and other essentials are costly, so come already packed."
