Camping near Eben Junction, Michigan offers direct access to the Hiawatha National Forest's 880,000 acres of mixed hardwood forests and inland lakes. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F, while spring and fall can drop to 40-50°F with frequent rainfall. Most area campgrounds remain open from May through October, with limited services available during shoulder seasons.
What to Do
Lake swimming access: At Colwell Lake Campground, campers enjoy private lake access with sandy beaches. "Each site on the lake side of the loop has their own access to a path along the lake and a spot to easily tie off a boat," notes Kinni P., who adds that the lake has "very little boat traffic, no homes on this lake, an excellent biking/hiking trail around the lake too."
Waterfall exploration: Several waterfalls are within driving distance of area campgrounds. "We explored area, kayaked Pictured Rocks, hiked Miners Falls (relaxing 1 mile with ability to get down to water), could have stayed longer," reports Beth B. from Munising Tourist Park Campground, which is "about 3 minutes from Munising, super convenient."
Rustic hiking trails: The 7-mile Haymeadow Falls trail starts directly from Haymeadow Creek NF Campground with minimal elevation gain. "You pass a trailhead on the way in so head back for a hike. Hay meadow falls hiking trail is an option that is right in camp," explains Art S., adding that "this was a great find!"
What Campers Like
Lake Superior shoreline access: Twelvemile Beach Campground offers direct beach access from many sites. "We were here in late May, almost zero bugs (it was too cold). Big spacious sites, we tented in site 4... Amazing views and a clean pit toilet right across the way," says Cameron H., who appreciated that despite being in the generator loop, they "couldn't hear them over the waves of superior."
Privacy between sites: Many campers value the spacing between sites at area campgrounds. "Sites were extremely nice and private," notes one visitor to Little Lake State Forest Campground. At Colwell Lake, Nicole V. reports, "Most of the campsites here need to be reserved—there are only a handful of first come. Whichever site you get there is beach front access with an actual sandy beach!"
Free dispersed camping options: For budget-conscious campers, Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping offers no-cost sites with basic amenities. "Just off M-28, down the right side road a bit you will see campfire remnants and a spot where people tend to park on the left," shares Hunter W. "Quiet spot especially in early May, cell service with Verizon was shockingly good."
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements vary: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak summer months. At Farquar-Metsa Tourist Park, Emilee S. notes, "The only down side is that they are by reservation only. No 'walk-in's' if you will."
Bug protection essential: Mosquitoes can be intense, particularly in early summer. One camper at Colwell Lake warns, "The ONE thing I have to say is that the mosquitos came in droves and were absolutely ravenous... These things were unphased by a number of citronella candles, obscene amounts of bug spray... and they drove all 4 of my brood to the brink of madness."
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have weak or non-existent cell coverage. At Little Lake State Forest Campground, Nicole V. reports "Cell service is almost non existent and quite a few generators running." Similarly, Kevin D. found no T-Mobile or Verizon service at Haymeadow Creek, "but still a great secluded spot."
Tips for Camping with Families
Beach activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas. At Colwell Lake, "Each site on the lake side of the loop has their own access to a path along the lake," making it easy for families to enjoy water activities.
Ranger programs: Twelvemile Beach Campground offers educational activities during summer months. "We love exploring the beach and hiking down the trails right from the campground. We enjoy the ranger programs that are offered, and the camp hosts are so friendly!!" shares Mandi B.
Yurt camping options: Families seeking yurt camping near Eben Junction, Michigan will find Uncle Ducky's Paddlers Village offers this comfortable alternative. "Paddlers Village was a nice, small, clean campground right on Lake Superior. We stayed in a Yurt, and had a good experience," shares Amy M., adding that "each yurt is equipped with bunk beds and a futon (sleeps 5), mini fridge, power... definitely glamping."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RVers should research campground layouts before arriving. At Munising Tourist Park, Deb M. advises, "This campground is all about what site you can get. I reserved a full hookup/waterfront site and it was amazing... However, if you're not lucky enough to get one on the waterfront, then there's just crowded, open sites that will possibly be sharing water and electricity with others. (Recommended to bring extra hose and cords)."
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds limit generator use hours or have generator-free zones. At Twelvemile Beach, Roger W. notes, "Generators allowed, but there is a generator free zone."
Size limitations: Most area campgrounds accommodate smaller to medium RVs. Roger W. observes that at Twelvemile Beach, the "Max [rig size] I saw was about 28'," which is typical for many campgrounds in the region.
