Camping near Deerton, Michigan offers backcountry experiences in the central Upper Peninsula, where dense forests meet Lake Superior's southern shore at 600-900 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-80°F during peak camping months (June-August), with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s even in summer, requiring proper gear for comfort.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Au Train Falls provides an accessible outdoor adventure near Deerton with multiple cascade levels. "The site has plenty of room for multiple cars to park. The view of Lake Superior is fantastic in the evening," reports one visitor to Munising Tourist Park Campground.
Water recreation options: Fishing and boating opportunities abound with numerous lake access points. "The campground is on Au Train Lake and offers jet skis, boats, and kayaks for rent," noted a visitor to Superior Times. Rates start at $60/hour for Sea-Doo rentals.
Bird watching: Forest Lake hosts diverse waterfowl species in a quieter setting. "Enjoyed listening to the loons, sandhill cranes and osprey! Clean campground with access to the reservoir," wrote a visitor to Forest Lake State Forest Campground. The area also offers a dedicated bird watching trail at Au Train Lake Campground.
What campers like
Beach access variety: Proximity to both inland lakes and Lake Superior creates multiple swimming options. "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," shared a visitor to Munising Tourist Park Campground.
Historical sites: The region preserves industrial heritage alongside natural beauty. "We love the history of the campground with the bay furnace within the limits. Where they used to smelt iron in a 150 year old furnace is fascinating," wrote a camper at Bay Furnace Campground. The ruins remain accessible via a short walk from campsites.
Dark sky viewing: Remote locations away from light pollution provide stellar night views. "Even at the 'rustic tent sites', you will see your neighbor clearly," notes one camper at Superior Times, while another camper at Forest Lake State Forest Campground praised the "Great Dark Sky View!" ideal for stargazing.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most developed campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "We are winging our way around, getting to know Michigan for future trips so no reservations. This was one of the sites we explored," mentioned a visitor to Au Train Lake Campground, highlighting the challenge of spontaneous visits.
Bug considerations: Insects can impact outdoor enjoyment significantly. "Bring bug spray, the mosquitoes are 24/7," warned a camper at Au Train Lake Campground. Black flies appear most active in May/June before tapering off in July.
Bathroom facilities: Amenities vary widely between established and rustic sites. "There needs to be at least an outhouse provided adjacent to the tent area. As it is, if nature calls you first have to hike down the path through the tenting area to the tent parking lot," commented a Munising Tourist Park Campground visitor regarding walk-in tent areas.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Campgrounds with dedicated children's areas provide entertainment during downtime. "We only stayed here one night but the kids had a lot of fun, they have a lot of outdoor toys. There were kids everywhere," shared a visitor to Superior Times about their family-friendly atmosphere.
Waterfront sites: Lake access provides natural entertainment for children. "The kids had a great time. Kids fished, rode Sea Doos, played basketball, and had a great time," noted another Rippling Rivers RV Resort visitor about the variety of activities available.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature nature programs and learning trails. "There was a great trail near our campsite that had signs and info about the birds in the area (great for young ones especially)," mentioned a visitor to Au Train Lake Campground, highlighting educational amenities beyond standard playground equipment.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Layout and hookup placement vary significantly between campgrounds. "The hook-ups are not laid out conveniently on some sites which requires extra hoses and electric cords," noted a camper at Marquette Tourist Park Campground, highlighting the need for extended equipment.
Road conditions: Access routes to several campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. "The road in is really bumpy, taking us by surprise. It forced us to go much slower than even on the usual forest roads," warned a visitor to Pictured Rocks RV Park and Campground, emphasizing the need for caution when approaching some sites.
Seasonal considerations: Shoulder season camping (May/September) offers different experiences. "Spent the 2025 camping season here as the campground host and it is fantastic. May/June quiet with only the sounds of eagles, bull frogs, mosquitoes, and black flies," reported an Au Train Lake Campground visitor, noting the tradeoff between fewer crowds and more insects during early season visits.
