Dispersed camping options in the Hiawatha National Forest surrounding Eckerman, Michigan provide access to over 880,000 acres of public land at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,400 feet. The region experiences heavy lake effect snow from November through April, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-80°F. Cell service throughout the region fluctuates dramatically depending on proximity to small towns and elevation changes.
What to do
Paddle the lakes: Three Lakes Campground features a chain of small lakes ideal for canoe or kayak exploration. "Sites are huge, and very private. We came on a Thursday in late July and only two sites occupied. Full by Friday noon to Sunday morning. Paddling and hiking were great," notes a visitor to Three Lakes.
Hike to waterfalls: Trails connect the Lower and Upper Falls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, offering both challenging and accessible options. "Nice facilities, huge sites. Beautiful hiking trails to the falls. Brewery has good beer," writes a camper at Lower Falls Campground.
Beachcomb Lake Superior: Bay View Campground offers direct access to Lake Superior's shoreline for finding unique stones and driftwood. "Fantastic campground along majestic Lake Superior! Warning: hand pump for water so if you have a camper, fill up elsewhere," advises a reviewer.
Watch freighters: Observe international shipping traffic from Aune-Osborn Campground on the St. Mary's River. "This well-maintained city park is located directly on St. Mary's River just down stream of the Soo Locks. Sites are ample with gravel pads," reports a visitor.
What campers like
Lake Superior beach access: Bay View Campground provides direct shoreline access with natural beach areas. "Good good friends recommended this fantastic Campground knowing that I wanted to wake up on the beach at Lake Superior. My campsite was perfect for my hope to see sunrises and sunsets on the beach!" shares an enthusiastic camper at Bay View.
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer well-separated sites with natural barriers. "Amazing lakes with extra large campsites. This was another favorite during our trip through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. There was a limited number of campsites available but all were very large with a fire ring and picnic table," notes a visitor about Three Lakes.
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain excellent bathroom and shower facilities. "The bathhouse is one of the nicest I've ever seen at a campground," reports a visitor to Aune-Osborn Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region offers chances to see beavers, deer, and numerous bird species. "There was a small pond behind our site and we saw a beaver. Adorable. Beware of mosquitos," warns a camper at Soldier Lake.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require phone reservations while others operate on a first-come basis. "Self pay, $16/night, no host, no reservations. Signs say no garbage service so pack out your garbage, though we saw garbage bins by the bathrooms," reports a visitor to Three Lakes.
Seasonal limitations: Most rv parks in Eckerman, Michigan and surrounding areas close between mid-October and mid-May. "The camp host were extremely nice and friendly, always around the campground cleaning and working," notes a Soldier Lake visitor.
Water access considerations: Many campgrounds have hand pumps only with no direct hookups. "Our campsite was huge, plenty of room for our 10X17 tent. We also had a 10X10 screen tent for our kitchen and 3X5 bathroom tent and still had plenty of room. Our site was located approximately 10 yards from the water, which made it easy to launch our kayak," describes a camper at Soldier Lake.
Bug protection essential: Mosquitoes can be severe, particularly in June and July near water. "It was muggy and the mosquitos were out but I was safe as soon as my tent was up," shares a Soldier Lake visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with amenities: Some locations provide community games and beach toys. "The campground host, Gilly (Santa) helped us with firewood and made us feel very welcome. He had a community box of games that we could use during our stay. We used sand buckets and shovels to play with during or stay," writes a family who stayed at Bay View.
Consider yurt options: For families new to camping, yurts provide comfort with outdoor access. "We decided to splurge on a yurt for our first camping trip of the summer. Well worth it! We stayed in 'Kai' one of the newest yurts. It's at the end of what we came to call 'the yurt village,'" shares a visitor to Tiki RV Park.
Plan for varied weather: Temperatures can shift dramatically, even in summer. "We enjoyed our night, not crowded but it was close to the end of the season. Site 16 somewhat unlevel but blocks worked. Nice wooded area," notes a Tiki RV Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Check hookup details carefully: Call ahead to confirm exact hookup specifications rather than relying on websites. "We reserved 50 amp full hook up. We arrived today to find a tight sloping site with only 30 amp service for our 34 ft motorhome," cautions a Tiki RV Park visitor.
Look for pull-through options: Several rv parks near Eckerman, Michigan offer pull-through sites for larger rigs. "Clean open campground that is quiet. Some road noise from local traffic. Close to food and fuel. Easy pull through sites. Fit our 46' fifth wheel with ease," reports a visitor to Bay Mills Casino RV Campground.
Water fill locations: Not all campgrounds with electric provide water hookups. "State park campground, the sites are nice enough. Bath/Shower house is very well maintained, attending rangers and other staff have been hospitable. There is a water fill station on the way into the campground," notes a Tahquamenon Falls camper.
