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.
$15 - $17 / night
"I grew up in Michigan and had no idea that Drummond Island even existed, let alone had ever come close to it. Now, that I know it’s there, I plan to return, again and again."
"Most beautiful place in Michigan. Favorite sites are right on the shore which is rocky. There is a shallow sandy swim beach. On calm days, I can't get off the water for long."
"Not once did we have a physical distance concern at the campground. We left home with a 6 hour drive to our location."
"Drive-in first-come first-serve camping through the Department of Natural Resources, this was my favorite place in Michigan's upper peninsula so far to tent camp."
"Excellent full hookups and beautiful location"
"Lime Island Recreation Area is located in the St. Mary’s River at the very east end of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula."
"Lots of trails nearby."
"Sites are narrow but the great hosts and location make it a hr eat stay."
$22 - $42 / night
"We reserved site 83A for our family of 5. we were in close proximity to the newly constructed bathhouse complete with dish washing stations. it was a full campground on the Friday night that we were there"
"The Straits State Park in Michigan's Upper Penninsula sits on the North end of the Mackinaw Bridge in St. Ignace."
ScoutYou won’t find a more secluded beachfront stay on Lake Huron in the Upper Peninsula. Tucked away on a quiet stretch of shoreline, this spot offers unmatched privacy, beautiful sunrises, and the calming sound of waves right outside your door. A hidden gem worth returning to
GuideNice bare bones dispersed camping spot. Decent gravel road leading to it, and easy to navigate to the different spots along the pond (we were in a 26’ Winnebago View). A few other campers out there, a couple looked like some more permanent fixtures of the camping area. Good fishing in pond, caught a trout. We stayed for two nights and both days/nights there were people doing target shooting in the area so there was some pretty loud gunshots, if that’s a deal breaker for you, I wouldn’t recommend this spot.
GuideRight on the shore of Lake superior. Lakefront was just a few steps from our campsite. Sunset. Friendly. Clean facilities.
GuideVery few campers at this time of year. Be careful when selecting your site as there are many different sizes and some pull through sites as well. Water is throughout the park, but the only threaded faucets are at the dump station where you can fill up when you pull in. Very nice park and we would come back again.
GuideIt’s a basic public campground in a busy town. Not much privacy and plenty of drunk RV’ers but I found a nice spot and had a good night. I found a nice long trail to hike that started in town.
TravelerCheck in was great and the host was very friendly and helped me with all my questions. The site is very well maintained and the bathrooms were super clean. Close to great biking trails and other amenities in Cheboygan. The wireless and cell coverage was great. I enjoyed the peace and quiet and would recommend this RV park.
RangerThis place has a lot of people driving through it, but it's a nice place to park. The beach smells like fish, but overall it's pretty nice.
TravelerWe came in Mid September, the weather was still warm but 60/70. No bathrooms or hook ups, but perfect for tent or car campers. There was one other camper with a pop up camper and looked to be doing great. The road was long but worth the drive back!
TravelerNice to find some free dispersed camping near mackinaw city. Came in early September and it was pretty packed - gotta imagine it’s even busier in the peak of summer.
Camping spots near De Tour Village, Michigan consist primarily of rustic sites in state forests and on nearby islands. Located at the eastern tip of the Upper Peninsula, this area features a 3-season camping climate with summer temperatures averaging 65-75°F. Winter camping is limited due to heavy snowfall, with most campgrounds closing from late October through early May. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, especially in more remote locations.
Kayaking and paddling: Drummond Island Township Park Campground offers excellent water access with protected areas for beginners. "Reminds me of the Carribean with all the islands in the bay. If you have 4 wheel drive, go to fossil beach," notes one camper. The shoreline provides multiple launch points with clear, shallow water.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for local wildlife including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species. "We heard freighters, loons, and various birds," reports a visitor to DeTour State Forest Campground. Early mornings and evenings provide the best viewing opportunities, especially near water edges.
Fossil hunting: Several beaches contain Devonian-era fossils. One visitor mentioned Drummond Island as having "opportunities to explore islands, rocky ledges, and fossil hunts." The best hunting occurs at low tide on rocky beaches, requiring water shoes for comfortable exploration.
Private beaches: Many campsites provide quick access to uncrowded shorelines. "We had a group of 6, and we took sites 3 & 4 directly ahead as you entered the campground. This area was great," reports a camper at Drummond Island. Sites closer to water typically fill first during summer weekends.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear skies away from urban light pollution make this area ideal for astronomy. "On clear nights make sure to make your way out to the beach for some of the best stargazing!!" notes a visitor to DeTour State Forest. The new moon periods provide optimal viewing conditions.
Watching freighters: Lime Island State Recreation Area offers unique views of passing ships. "One of the favorite pastimes of guests is sitting and watching the large Great Lakes freighters pass by at all hours of the day. They pass so close to the island you feel you could almost touch them," according to one review. Binoculars enhance the experience.
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds maintain basic amenities only. At Search Bay Dispersed, "Your amenities are fresh air, nature, beauty and peace." Pack accordingly with sufficient water and supplies for your stay duration.
Road conditions: Access roads often present challenges, especially after rain. One camper noted, "The road into the campground is full of large potholes, and twist and turns." Four-wheel drive vehicles fare better on the unpaved forest roads leading to more remote sites.
Insects: Mosquitoes and biting flies are prevalent, particularly in June and July. "If you go there it's mostly cedar and the swarms of skeeters are pretty bad," warns a camper about Search Bay. Bring appropriate repellent and consider screened shelters for eating areas.
Shallow swimming areas: Wa-Wen Resort offers family-friendly water access. "This is a smaller campground that is family owned. There are both seasonal and rental sites. They have the most affordable boat rentals I have seen out of everywhere," reports one visitor. The gradual entry makes it suitable for younger children.
Wildlife education: Bring field guides to identify local plants and animals. "If you check out the lake at night you can watch HUNDREDS of crawdads crawling across the rocks! If you aren't scared of the leeches that also come out at night, you can catch them by the bucketload!" mentions a Drummond Island camper. This provides educational opportunities for children.
Alternative activities: Plan indoor options for rainy days. The nearby towns of Cedarville and St. Ignace (about 20 and 45 minutes away respectively) offer small museums and shops when outdoor activities aren't possible.
Site selection: Loons Point RV Park & Campground provides full hookups with waterfront options. "Waterfront campsites are very nice... Some are a bit small but overall very comfortable," notes one reviewer. Reservations are recommended during peak summer season.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require substantial leveling. "Most sites seem to have good level parking," mentions a camper at Glen's Cove, though this varies significantly between campgrounds. Bring extra leveling blocks, especially for larger rigs.
Limited dump stations: Plan ahead for waste management as facilities are sparse. "We were able to plugin to the reverse side amp, and make it work," reported a camper dealing with electrical issues at Drummond Island. Always have backup power options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is De Tour State Forest Campground located?
DeTour - Lake Superior State Forest is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, near the eastern tip of the peninsula where Lake Huron meets Lake Superior. The campground sits approximately 6 hours from major Michigan population centers, offering an isolated and scenic camping destination. It's positioned to provide beautiful natural surroundings and serves as an excellent base for exploring the DeTour Village area. The remote location makes it ideal for campers seeking a peaceful retreat away from crowded tourist destinations.
Is dispersed camping allowed on Drummond Island near De Tour Village?
Yes, dispersed camping is available on Drummond Island near De Tour Village. Drummond Island Township Park Campground offers established camping options, but there are also dispersed camping opportunities on the island. For dispersed camping, you'll need to follow Michigan Department of Natural Resources regulations for state forest land. Search Bay Dispersed is one area where free dispersed camping is permitted. Drummond Island is accessible via ferry from DeTour Village, making it a unique camping destination that many Michigan residents don't even realize exists.
What amenities are available at De Tour State Forest Campground?
DeTour - Lake Superior State Forest is a rustic, primitive campground with limited amenities. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Amenities are minimal, focusing on a natural camping experience rather than conveniences. The campground provides basic fire pits and rustic campsites. There are no showers, electricity, or water hookups available. This is similar to French Farm Lake Rd, which also offers primitive sites with fire pits but no water, trash services, or showers. The appeal is in the isolated natural setting rather than modern facilities.
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