Best Campgrounds near De Tour Village, MI
De Tour Village, Michigan sits at the eastern edge of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where Lake Huron meets the St. Mary's River. State forest campgrounds and township parks dominate the camping landscape, with DeTour State Forest Campground offering about 21 rustic sites within a short walk to Lake Huron beaches. Drummond Island, accessible by ferry from De Tour Village, features the Township Park Campground with waterfront sites popular among paddlers. Paradise Point RV Park provides full hookup options for larger rigs, while the boat-access-only Lime Island Recreation Area offers a unique camping experience on wooden platforms with views of passing Great Lakes freighters. Most campgrounds in this region maintain a rustic character with basic amenities, reflecting the area's remote location and natural setting.
Roads leading to campgrounds in the eastern Upper Peninsula often present challenges for larger vehicles. As one camper noted about DeTour State Forest, "The road into the campground is full of large potholes, and twist and turns, thus it is not easy for vehicles longer than 25 feet to make the tight corners." Summer brings moderate temperatures with occasional cold fronts, while mosquitoes and biting flies are common, particularly in wooded areas with standing water. Cell service is limited throughout the region, especially at more remote sites. Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some private facilities accept reservations. The small town of De Tour Village offers basic supplies, with more extensive services available in Cedarville, about 20 miles west.
Lake Huron shorelines define the camping experience in this region, with sandy beaches and clear water consistently mentioned in visitor reviews. According to one camper at DeTour State Forest, "The beach was what made this place incredible. No matter where you camped a virtually private beach to Lake Huron was less than a 5 minute walk." Water activities dominate recreational opportunities, with paddling particularly popular. Visitors to Drummond Island describe it as "a paddler's dream launch site" with opportunities to explore "islands, rocky ledges, and fossil hunts." Stargazing receives frequent mention in reviews, with minimal light pollution allowing for exceptional night sky viewing. Wildlife observation, fishing, and hiking on local trails round out the available activities, though visitors should be prepared for the area's relative isolation and limited entertainment options.
