Tent camping in Eagle Harbor, Michigan offers lakeside sites with variable access difficulty depending on location. The Keweenaw Peninsula extends into Lake Superior with rocky shorelines and dense forest cover, reaching elevations of 700-900 feet in some camping areas. Summer temperatures range from 55-75°F, with significant cooling near the lakeshore compared to interior sites.
What to do
Kayaking near campsites: At Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay, the rocky shoreline provides natural launches. "You could get kayaks or canoes in the water easily enough," notes Austin B., who adds that "nearby attractions include Keneeway Rocket Range, Yooperlite Rock Collecting, Kayaking, Fishing, Hiking."
Fishing for pike: West Chickenbone Lake offers productive fishing opportunities without leaving your campsite. Jason H. observed a fellow camper's success: "Our neighbor caught 3 pike and a walleye in about 45 minutes." The lake's relative seclusion makes it ideal for anglers seeking less competition.
Wildlife observation: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to spot local fauna. At Three Mile Campground, Tee Jay M. mentions making "a little fox friend that came through our site," while Alexa S. reports "We saw a fox and a moose while staying here!"
What campers like
Lakefront shelters: The wooden shelters at Moskey Basin Campground receive consistent praise. Nicole L. explains, "We got a shelter right on the bay, and it was secluded enough from the other campers to the point where we could walk out to the water and clean ourselves nude without having peeping toms."
Secluded sites: Many campers value privacy at Lake Perrault. Laura M. notes, "It's a dispersed area with some sites with fire pits that are cleared and open for camping, maybe about 6 spots or so. A couple of the spots are right down at the water." This provides options for campers seeking separation from others.
Rock formation swimming: At Daisy Farm Campground, natural rock formations create swimming areas. Jason H. mentions "the dock and walkouts to the rocky beach make for easy access to the water," providing relief after hiking interior trails which "can be much warmer than the coast."
What you should know
Road conditions: The access roads to many remote sites require appropriate vehicles. For Lake Perrault, Chuck M. warns, "The road in is AWFUL. But slow driving is the cure for that. There are a few spots suitable for a small travel trailer, but most of them are better suited to tents."
Water sources: Algal blooms affect some lakes seasonally. Tori K. explains about West Chickenbone Lake: "When you get to the island off the boat, the ranger goes through everybody's route and itinerary with them and will let you know what water sources may be dried up and what water sources are going through an algal bloom so you can plan your water sourcing appropriately."
Weather variations: Interior island sites experience different conditions than coastal ones. Jason H. notes that "the interior of the island can be quite a bit warmer than the shoreline for obvious reasons," making campsite selection an important consideration based on your temperature preferences.
Tips for camping with families
Site spacing considerations: At West Chickenbone Campground, Alexa S. notes, "The tent sites are really nice with lots of space to set up away from your neighbors." This provides separation for families needing privacy or space for multiple tents.
Shelter availability: For family camping with unexpected weather, shelters offer protection. At Three Mile, Nicole L. cautions: "We arrived on the island during a rainstorm... the only shelter with room for 3 people was right on the water and the wind, rain, and mist from the lake sprayed right inside."
Wildlife encounters: Children often enjoy wildlife sightings, which occur regularly at established campsites. Danielle A. comments that Moskey Basin's dock is "a great place to watch the ducks, look for moose, and watch the sun rise and set."
Tips from RVers
Clearance requirements: High Rock Bay demands specific vehicle capabilities. Molly A. emphatically warns, "DO NOT BRING A STANDARD CAR DOWN HERE! Road was incredibly rough and no cell service. That being said, risking my lifted 4WD SUV was well worth it."
Small trailer options: Limited options exist for smaller RVs or truck campers. Brian B. reports about his experience at Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground: "The drive was pretty rough. My F150 with a truck camper made for a long, slow drive. If the pot holes were filled with water, my feet would have gotten wet."
Turnaround areas: Some remote sites have designated turnaround areas for larger vehicles. Molly A. notes that at High Rock Bay, "There's a large turnaround at the end of the road with spectacular views," which helps with positioning larger vehicles that might otherwise struggle in tight spaces.
