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ScoutBig Knob State Forest Campground
Quiet and clean.
Tent Camping near Eckerman, MI
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The Upper Peninsula of Michigan offers several rustic tent campgrounds near Eckerman, with state forest options like Pretty Lake and Lake Superior State Forest Campgrounds providing secluded tent sites within an hour's drive. Tent campsites in this region run about $15-20 per night and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, making them well-suited for campers who prefer primitive settings over reserved, developed parks. The Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground provides access to Lake Superior beaches, while other locations like Pike Lake and High Bridge offer more remote tent camping experiences.
Tent sites throughout the region typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with most campgrounds featuring vault toilets that campers report are generally well-maintained. Many locations lack drinking water facilities, though some campgrounds like Lake Superior and High Bridge offer hand pumps for potable water. Dirt roads leading to most tent campgrounds can be rough and challenging, especially after rain. A review mentioned that "getting here will rattle the teeth outta your head — dirt county road," but noted the payoff is worth the journey. Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent at most tent camping locations near Eckerman, requiring advance planning.
Tent campers frequent these areas for their proximity to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and Lake Superior beaches. The North Country National Scenic Trail passes through several campgrounds, providing easy access for backpackers. Waterfront tent sites are particularly valued, with Pretty Lake State Forest Campground connecting to multiple small lakes accessible by portage trails for paddlers. Areas away from main roads offer deeper seclusion with fewer crowds, especially during weekdays. According to one visitor, "If you are looking for that off the beaten path rustic campground, this might just be what you are looking for." Summer months bring significant mosquito activity, particularly near water bodies, so appropriate repellent is essential for tent campers. With 19 tent campsites available in the area, Eckerman serves as a practical base for accessing some of the Upper Peninsula's most remote and rewarding tent camping.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Eckerman (18)
1. Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground
"Fire ring and picnic table Easy access over the bridge to the beach. Calvin was our camp host and was a great guy. We stayed Sept 25&26 2023 Vault toilets were clean."
"Such a great location at the mouth of Two Hearted River from Superior. The swaying bridge over the river to Superior is right in the campground and everything is rustic and secluded."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
2. Garnet Lake State Forest Campground
"Sites are spaced out decent and plenty of privacy. Vault toilets were clean and stocked. Decent fishing on the lake."
3. Clark lake campsite
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
4. Pretty Lake State Forest Campground
"This is one of my favorite campsites in Michigan. We happen to stumble upon it after endlessly searching for a spot at Pictured Rocks."
"This campground has 18 sites, lots of little walking paths, as well as hiking trails that lead you to other nearby lakes that don't have access for vehicles."
5. Tahquamenon Falls State Park Backcountry — Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
6. Pike Lake State Forest Campground (Luce)
7. High Bridge State Forest Campground
"Smaller State owned campground right along the BEAUTIFUL Two Hearted River located in the U.P. of the Mitten State! I think it had 6-8 camp sites available. Just show up and pay as you go."
8. Reed & Green Bridge State Forest Campground
"Sites are small and will only accommodate small trailers or tents so no big RVs should consider this campground and come with fire pits and picnic tables. "
9. Headquarters Lake State Forest Equestrian Campground
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 / night
10. Luce County Park & Campground
"We really enjoyed the lake, the water is beautiful."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 43 min from Traverse City, MI
- 3 hrs 9 min from Midland, MI
- 3 hrs 11 min from Bay City, MI
- 3 hrs 51 min from Green Bay, WI
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Eckerman, MI
13 Photos of 18 Eckerman Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Eckerman, MI
777 Reviews of 18 Eckerman Campgrounds
Gerard E.
LegendBlind Sucker #1 State Forest Campground
October 28,2026
10-28-26, Site 8
Level sandy and grass site close to pit toilet and water spigot. Empty campground, dirt roads, no electricity. The Pathway and NCt run through the campground if you like to hike.
Tmobile was 2 bars LTE, great site for large and samll campers or SxS's. Right down the road from Blind Sucker 2 and Lake Superior SF Campground.
Picnic Table and concrete fire pit, some sites are side by side and very open.
- Gerard E.Legend
Lake Superior State Forest Campground
October 27, 2026
10-27-26, Site 10
Large sandy with some grass and mostly level site. Easily fit a 30' camper and truck or trailer w SxS. 50' from Lake Superior, picnic table with concrete fire pit, partly shaded.
Tmobile had 3 bars LTE, No electric, water spigot was next to register station. Very clean pit toilets. $20 per night plus Rec pass. Site 9 is open right next to 10, would make a good group site.
Plenty of rocks on the sandy beach if you like to rock hound.
- Gerard E.Legend
Culhane Lake State Forest Campground
October 26, 2026
10-26-26, Site 10
I had the whole campground to myself. large pine trees and fall colors within 50' of the lake. Level site, sand and some grass, large enough for a 30' camper and truck.
Pit toilets were clean and stocked, water pump worked well and plenty of trash bins.
Tmobile was text via Satellite only.
About 10 miles from Crisp Point and the North Country Trail (NCT) runs right through the campground. No electric.
$20 per site, Rec Pass needed.
- justin H.Scout
Rivermouth Pines Campground — Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Rustic side of the campgrounds, late October and stunning views and weather.
- WWyatt J.Scout
Lake Superior North Shore
Great spot very pretty during fall. Protected from wind very quiet and lots of cool rocks on the shore and very easy to get to. I have AT&T and have great service
- BBruce C.
TravelerWide Waters Dispersed Camping
A little bumpy on thr dirt road but manageable
- UUrsulaLegend
Wilderness State Park Camping
Beautiful nature surrounding you
The campground is laid out well although to tightly spaced for my taste.
- ddeep W.
GuideAune-Osborn Campground
St Mary's riverfront city campground
This is a busy campground operated by the city of Sault St Marie. I made my reservation on the campground website. I arrived after the campground office had closed, so stopped at the site of the campground host. He checked me in and provided the codes to access the bathrooms, showers, and wifi password. He was friendly and efficient.
Besides the clean and well maintained bathrooms and showers, there are laundry facilities available, $1.50 to wash and $2 to dry.
The campsites are all close and quite open, but this campground is all about the location, right on the St. Mary's river and ship canal. The RV sites each have water spigots and 50/30 amp electrical pedestals.
I was surprised at the number of early risers at this campground. Lots of people up and about at first light in the morning. Several rigs were gone by 9am, so it appears that many people use this as a one night stop on a through trip.
Guide to Eckerman
Tent camping near Eckerman, Michigan takes place in Hiawatha National Forest at elevations ranging from 600 to 900 feet above sea level. The region experiences dramatic seasonal temperature swings with summer highs reaching 80°F and winter lows dropping below 0°F. Sandy soil conditions throughout the area create quick drainage after rain, though this means campers should bring extra stakes for secure tent setup in the frequent Upper Peninsula winds.
What to do
Fishing on remote lakes: Pike Lake State Forest Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities on its namesake lake. "Nice lake, good access to the water. Several lake front sites," notes Dan T. from his visit to Pike Lake State Forest Campground.
Paddling connected waterways: The Pretty Lake Quiet Area prohibits motors on lakes and ORVs in the vicinity, creating ideal paddling conditions. "There are ten lakes in the Quiet Area. Many of the lakes have well marked and reasonably short portage trails, allowing kayakers and canoers great opportunities to explore," shares Chris M. about Pretty Lake State Forest Campground.
Beach combing: Lake Superior beaches offer unique rock hunting opportunities. "The beach is rocky and has lots of driftwood from the high lake levels a few years ago. The ice took down a lot of the trees on the shoreline," reports Mike B. at Lake Superior State Forest Campground.
What campers like
Sunset views: Lake Superior camping provides spectacular evening sky displays. "You will not find a better place for sunrises and sunsets. Also, on clear nights, Star Gazing is Fantastic. I have never seen so many stars at one time as I did along Lake Superior," writes Michael C. about his stay at Lake Superior State Forest Campground.
Wildlife sightings: The forests around Eckerman host diverse wildlife. "Bear, Deer, Porcupine, Raccoons and other wildlife are easy to come across," notes Michael C. from Lake Superior State Forest Campground. Another visitor at Mouth of Two Hearted River reported, "When leaving in the morning we stumbled upon a black bear sow and her two cubs in the middle of the road. Pure Michigan goodness!"
Proximity to trails: The North Country National Scenic Trail passes through several campgrounds. "The great thing is this campground connects to the North Country National Scenic Trail – the longest National Scenic Trail in the country," explains Nancy W. about Reed & Green Bridge State Forest Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions: Dirt roads to most Eckerman area campgrounds require slow travel. "At least 11 miles of corrugated dirt road to get to the campground from either way. Very slow going with a camper," warns Brook W. about reaching Lake Superior State Forest Campground.
Navigation challenges: GPS directions often lead campers astray on forest roads. "Do not rely on Google maps as it can send you in the wrong direction, that's how I ended up way out at Crisp Point... Google is also good at directing you down, what I would describe as trails that don't deserve their road names," cautions Robert M. about routes to Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground.
Campsite availability: Many tent camping areas operate on first-come, first-served basis with limited sites. "All sites are first come first served so get there early if you want a spot. We got lucky and grabbed one of the last sites available and we noticed multiple cars driving through later in the day looking for open spots," shares Brook W. about Lake Superior State Forest Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly water access: Shallow, protected lake areas provide safer swimming for kids. "This is a fun place to stay with kids," notes Mike B. about Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground. "The lake also connects to several other small lakes in the area. You can kayak or canoe to each lake during the day."
Playground options: Luce County Park offers dedicated play areas near the campground. "Park offers electric and water sites. Nice playground and beach area. Caretakers are on site - everyone seemed very friendly. We really enjoyed the lake, the water is beautiful," reports Andrea B. from Luce County Park & Campground.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing provides learning experiences. "Direct access to Lake Superior, and wonderfully scenic river for fishing, and canoeing. It's a great family camping experience," says Greg F. about Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for trailers: Careful assessment of campsite terrain needed for RV camping. "Definitely a cute little spot a bit on the hilly side so if you're looking for level sites there are only a handful," advises Christopher L. about Holland Lake State Forest Campground.
Size limitations: Most Eckerman area campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. "Sites are small and will only accommodate small trailers or tents so no big RVs should consider this campground," notes Nancy W. about Reed & Green Bridge State Forest Campground.
Road damage concerns: Rough roads can damage RV components. "I had to replace 4 self-threading bolts that vibrated out of my kayak trailer, luckily, they weren't securing anything structural," shares Robert M. about the journey to Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground. "Would only recommend a trailer that has good suspension or something small and rugged."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Eckerman, MI?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Eckerman, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Eckerman, MI is Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 24 reviews.
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tent camping near
Eckerman, MI?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Eckerman, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Eckerman, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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