Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Chatham experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The area receives over 130 inches of annual snowfall, creating a stark contrast between winter and summer camping conditions. Mosquitoes and black flies can be particularly active in late spring and early summer at camping sites near Chatham, Michigan, often requiring protective measures for comfortable camping experiences.
What to do
Kayaking local waterways: At Au Train Lake Campground, campers can enjoy both lake and river paddling. "We kayaked Au Train River and stood in the Au Train falls. The bird watch site at camp was amazing as well. Don't skip out on Pictured Rocks either," notes Chelsea & Wes J. The campground provides easy access to multiple water recreation opportunities.
Lake Superior swimming: Despite colder temperatures, Lake Superior beaches near Chatham offer swimming opportunities during summer months. A visitor at Munising Tourist Park Campground shares, "Private beach was cold but we got in every day. Campsite was about 3 minutes from Munising, super convenient to go to laundry mat and grocery."
Bird watching trails: Several campgrounds feature dedicated birdwatching areas with educational components. "There was a great trail near our campsite that had signs and info about the birds in the area (great for young ones especially)," mentions Jade G. about her stay near Chatham. The region attracts diverse bird species during migration seasons.
Winter snowmobiling: While most campgrounds close during winter, the area transforms into a snowmobiling destination with hundreds of miles of groomed trails connecting to regional networks. Some parking areas that serve summer campers become winter trailheads for snowmobile access.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural spacing at forest campgrounds. At Bay Furnace Campground, "The sites offer plenty of privacy and are large and well maintained," reports Lisa R. This campground balances accessibility with a more secluded camping experience.
Clean vault toilets: Despite rustic amenities, visitors frequently comment on well-maintained facilities. "The vault toilets were very clean and well maintained. No showers at this park but we had our own with us," notes a reviewer at Au Train Lake Campground. Campground hosts typically clean facilities daily.
Lake access for fishing: Multiple campgrounds offer direct water access. At Hovey Lake Campsites, a camper shares, "There was a little trail right to the waters edge at our site, nice and sandy (dont need water shoes) We spent most of our time there soaking up the sun in our tubes." The shallow waters work better for relaxation than serious fishing.
Dark sky viewing: The rural location provides excellent stargazing conditions. "Great Dark Sky View!" mentions Jen W. about Forest Lake State Forest Campground. Limited light pollution creates opportunities for astronomy enthusiasts to view the Milky Way and occasional northern lights.
What you should know
Generator noise concerns: Some rustic campgrounds have issues with generator use. A camper at Forest Lake State Forest Campground notes, "Only down site people who are running their generators all day and night. Everyone was disturbed." Check campground policies regarding generator hours before booking.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds, with forest locations having minimal coverage. "No cell service, but there is plenty to do to stay busy!" reports a visitor at Otter Lake Campground & Lodge. Some campgrounds offer WiFi near office areas only.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "This was one of the sites we explored (among many) and found it to be charming," notes Kevin about Au Train Lake Campground, highlighting the challenges of finding spots without reservations.
Seasonal bug issues: Black flies and mosquitoes create significant challenges in early summer. "Bring bug spray, the mosquitoes are 24/7," advises Kevin. Bug pressure typically diminishes by mid-July through August.
Site security concerns: Some isolated areas have reported theft issues. One camper at Au Train Lake Campground shared: "We returned really late after dark to find someone had stolen all our firewood, headlamps, extra clothing from the tent, and a few other items." Securing valuables remains important even in remote locations.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature interpretive elements for children. "The night I was there a ranger came out and did a program on owls right from the beach," mentions Annie C. about Bay Furnace Campground, highlighting the occasional ranger programs.
Recreation facilities: Some campgrounds provide dedicated play areas. At Otter Lake Campground & Lodge, "There are a variety of activities available within the campground to keep kids and adults busy. This includes paddle boat, kayak, and canoe rentals, a basketball court, a small playground, a volleyball court, and swimming," notes Amie L.
Family-friendly rentals: Equipment rentals allow families to try water activities without bringing gear. "Kids fished, rode Sea Doos - rented them for $60/hour, played basketball, and had a great time," shares Tressa B. about Superior Times campground.
Waterfront safety: Lake Superior presents specific safety challenges for families. "Water was 'crisp' lol, another way to say cold, but refreshing. Sand and rocks and driftwood," explains Shelly S., emphasizing the need for appropriate supervision around cold water.
Tips from RVers
Site layout challenges: Many campgrounds have specific limitations for larger rigs. At Munising-Pictured Rocks KOA, one RVer notes, "Sites were extremely close together. I'm glad this was a quick stay for us, as we were packed in like sardines." Researching site dimensions before arrival helps avoid surprises.
Alternative parking options: For self-contained RVs, Kewadin Casino, Christmas MI offers basic parking with electrical hookups. "Sites have electric but no water. Some road noise but that's to be expected. Gas station right next door. Casino closed at 1am. It is actually $20 a night, not $15," explains Victoria K. This provides an economical alternative to full-service campgrounds.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer dump facilities. Jonathan S. notes about Bay Furnace: "Dump and potable water free to campers, otherwise it's $5." Planning waste management across multiple campgrounds requires advance research.
Road condition awareness: Forest roads to campgrounds may present challenges. About Bay Furnace Campground, Art S. observes, "The road in is really bumpy, taking us by surprise. It forced us to go much slower than even on the usual forest roads." Allowing extra travel time for forest roads helps prevent stress.
