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."
