Tent camping options in De Tour Village, Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula range from basic forest sites to unique island experiences. The area sits at the junction of Lake Huron and the St. Mary's River with elevations generally below 800 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-80°F with cooler nights, while spring and fall campers should prepare for overnight temperatures that can drop into the 40s.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground connects to approximately seven miles of hiking trails through varied terrain. "It's not a difficult trail, and circles altogether about 7 miles or so with various loops for shorter hikes. It's cool because you get a mix of little ecosystems and different terrain and flora on various parts of the trail as it meanders and follows the river downstream," notes Maria L.
Watercraft activities: Lime Island State Recreation Area offers unique boating opportunities. "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," explains Ari A.
Swimming in natural settings: The Ocqueoc Falls area provides natural swimming opportunities during summer months. "Falls are small enough to allow people to play and swim in them, so don't expect Niagara but it's still lovely," explains Dan N., making this an excellent cooling option for tent campers during warmer weather.
What campers like
Historical exploration: Lime Island offers significant industrial heritage sites beyond just camping. "There's a ton of history on the island, some of which is still visible... 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," writes reviewer Ari A.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground delivers excellent wildlife viewing for tent campers. "You can often see eagles flying overhead, and the trail is especially awesome in the fall," according to Maria L., who frequently visits this camping area.
Semi-private campsites: Many tent sites offer reasonable separation from other campers. Joshua M. notes, "There is adequate space between sites and ample shade, but you can still certainly tell if you have neighbors," providing a balance between isolation and community for tent campers in the De Tour Village region.
What you should know
Accessibility limitations: Stoney Creek Trail Camp offers dispersed tent sites with specific access considerations. "Most sites are dispersed. You can pull your car up to the site for unpacking," explains Christopher P., noting this differs from some other area campgrounds that require hiking or boating to reach.
Water access requirements: Boat transportation is essential for reaching certain camping areas. For Lime Island, "Non-motorized boats are not recommended due to the many freighters and choppy water conditions," cautions Ari A., emphasizing the need for proper watercraft when accessing this tent camping destination.
Basic amenities only: Most tent sites provide minimal facilities. Rachel K. summarizes the typical offerings at Ocqueoc Falls: "Picnic table, hand pump water, and a clean outhouse. It's got what you need," confirming that tent campers should pack accordingly for primitive conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spot selection: Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground provides family-friendly water features. "Multilevel falls where you can swim. Many places to walk/hike, picnic, and enjoy the views," writes Amber A., though she cautions, "Some poison ivy near our site a few years ago, watch your kids."
Private swimming areas: Sarah B. recommends seeking out less crowded water spots: "Lots of space and wooded areas around you, good spots for hanging out in the hammocks, a private swimming hole in the river," noting these features make it ideal for family tent camping near De Tour Village.
Accessible waterfall viewing: Ocqueoc Falls offers universal access options for families. Jayne W. notes it's "a handicap accessible water fall in northern Michigan," making this natural feature available to families with diverse mobility needs.
Tips from RVers
Small trailer compatibility: While primarily tent-focused, some sites can accommodate modest RVs. Joshua M. reports, "We fit our small travel trailer easily into a fairly level lot. The lack of big rigs makes for a generally laid back and quiet atmosphere," indicating that compact RVs can access certain camping areas near De Tour Village despite primarily being tent camping destinations.
