Best Tent Camping near Cedarville, MI
Tent campsites near Cedarville, Michigan offer a rustic, secluded experience in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground provides tent camping from April through October with 14 first-come, first-served sites situated along the Ocqueoc River. Lime Island State Recreation Area offers 10 wooden tent platforms overlooking the St. Mary's River, though the island location requires boat access. Garnet Lake State Forest Campground provides primitive tent sites with some lakefront locations in a quiet setting.
Primitive tent setups at these campgrounds typically include basic amenities suited for traditional tent camping. Most sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets available but no showers. Potable water comes from hand pumps at some locations like Ocqueoc Falls. Lime Island Recreation Area has limited facilities with solar-powered electricity and portable toilets. Sites at Ocqueoc Falls cost $20 per night on an honor system, while Garnet Lake sites are available for $10. Cell service is limited throughout the region, particularly at more remote locations.
Backcountry tent camping in this region offers a genuine wilderness experience with natural surroundings and minimal development. The tent platforms at Lime Island provide close views of Great Lakes freighters passing through the shipping channel. A recent review noted, "These are rural campsites so no facilities or park ranger on duty." Tent sites at Ocqueoc Falls offer access to approximately 7 miles of hiking trails that follow the river downstream through varied terrain and ecosystems. Many sites feature shade from mature trees and proximity to water. Garnet Lake sites are described as widely spaced with decent privacy between campsites. During summer weekends, campgrounds can fill quickly, especially at the more accessible locations, but weekday visits often provide greater solitude.
