Cabin camping near De Tour Village, Michigan offers varied accommodation options near Lake Huron and the St. Mary's River. The region, characterized by forested shorelines and island views, sits at the eastern tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula with average summer temperatures around 75°F. Winter cabin options remain available when temperatures drop below freezing and many summer attractions close.
What to do
Fossil hunting excursions: Visitors to Drummond Island Township Park Campground can explore unique geological features nearby. "If you have 4 wheel drive, go to fossil beach," notes one camper who rated the experience five stars.
Island paddling: The waterways surrounding De Tour Village provide excellent kayaking opportunities. At Drummond Island Township Park Campground, one visitor described it as "A paddler's dream launch site, we left our boats on the shore for the week and jumped in them whenever the desire arose. Islands, rocky ledges, and fossil hunts lie around each headland."
Freighter watching: Sitting along the shipping channel between Lakes Huron and Superior provides unique opportunities to see large vessels. At Lime Island State Recreation Area, "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."
Night sky viewing: The dark skies near De Tour Village offer excellent stargazing. "Bring an extra padlock to take advantage" of the kayak storage racks at Cheboygan State Park Campground, where you can secure equipment while enjoying evening activities.
What campers like
Lakefront cabin access: Waterfront accommodations provide immediate lake access. At Loons Point RV Park & Campground, "Waterfront campsite are very nice... Some are a bit small but overall very comfortable... Awesome friendly people run the place!"
Historical sites: Many cabin locations feature preserved historical elements. According to an experienced visitor to Lime Island, "The coal dock, fuel storage tanks, Quonset hut with bunker, fuel heating and pumping equipment, other supporting buildings, and scattered industrial equipment, provide a complete picture of the island's use as a ship refueling depot."
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting attracts diverse animal species. "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," reports one Drummond Island Township Park visitor.
Private wooded sites: Many cabins offer secluded settings. "The sites behind us had a line of trees, so it was private and we felt like we had our own little area," mentions a Drummond Island Township visitor who appreciated the natural barriers between sites.
What you should know
Transportation logistics: Access to island cabins requires planning. For Lime Island Recreation Area, "The only way to reach the park is by boat but there are no designated ferries, so the only way to reach it is by using your own boat or finding someone in the area with a boat willing to charter you and your gear."
Cabin supply requirements: Most rustic cabins require bringing specific equipment. "Cabin guests need to provide all their own gear, including sleeping and cooking supplies and equipment," explains a Lime Island visitor about preparation needs.
Weather considerations: Lake conditions affect camping comfort. "We arrived after a steady week of rain and the campground was quite muddy in spots. But this was also a result of the record high water level of Lake Huron," noted a Drummond Island Township Park visitor.
Limited utilities: Many cabins operate with minimal services. Lime Island "has limited electricity (solar-powered only) and no running water. Portable toilets are provided and there is a pump for a potable-water well."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access evaluation: Consider water conditions when selecting cabin locations. At Drummond Island Township Park Campground, "The water is quite rocky and hard to swim in without water shoes, but with a $10 pair I bought at a local gift shop, I had no problems."
Historical exploration: Incorporate educational experiences into family activities. Lime Island "provides a significant representation of early 20th-century industrial and maritime history," with visible remnants including "the schoolhouse, superintendent's house, cottages, and fruit trees."
Alternative swimming options: Look for designated swimming areas if cabin waterfront isn't suitable. At Hoeft State Park Campground, "There's a gorgeous old stone pavilion for larger parties or reunions" and "a sandy beach with volleyball area all walking distance from campsites!"
Playground proximity: Some cabin areas include recreational facilities for children. Hoeft State Park has "a cute play ground" and "a little basketball court/floor hockey pad for kids" according to visitor reports.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose cabin locations based on specific needs. At Cheboygan State Park Campground, "Many of the sites have electricity which only costs an extra $5 if you're in a trailer, $3 if in a tent."
Supply runs: Know where to restock provisions during longer stays. "The township has several restaurants and a nearly full-stocked grocery store where you can find all of your basic supplies if not every variety of your usual food stuffs," notes a Drummond Island Township Park visitor.
Off-season considerations: Shoulder seasons offer different experiences. During fall at Brimley State Park Campground, a visitor noted "Colors in the surrounding forests show the promise of magnificence but were muted due to the clouds and rain."
Water level awareness: Seasonal variations affect shoreline cabins. A visitor to Drummond Island Township Park observed "last year the water was probably up to more feet this year tons of area to walk along the water's edge," indicating changing conditions.
