Lake Gogebic and the Porcupine Mountains region near Ewen, Michigan offers unique glamping experiences across the seasons. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F while summer averages 75°F, creating distinct camping environments year-round. The region receives over 200 inches of snow annually, making seasonal considerations crucial when planning glamping trips in this wilderness area.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Bond Falls Campground offers easy access to spectacular waterfalls. "The trail system is fabulous and some trails are handicap accessible," notes one camper, highlighting the inclusive nature of these outdoor experiences. The falls are particularly impressive in spring during snowmelt.
Fishing: Lake Gogebic provides prime fishing opportunities, especially for walleye. "The sites have a boat launch and swimming area within the park," one visitor mentioned, making it convenient to combine water activities. The lake spans over 13,000 acres, offering ample space for anglers of all skill levels.
Hiking at Sylvania Wilderness: The Clark Lake area features extensive trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "Hiking around Clark lake is an 8-10 mile trek that's gorgeous the whole way," shares one visitor. Trails connect multiple lakes through old-growth forest, creating interconnected loop options.
What campers like
Lakefront access: Many campers appreciate the direct water views at glamping sites. At Lake Gogebic State Park Campground, "We had a site in the shade, directly on the lake. There were quite a few muddy spots at our & surrounding sites due to a lot of recent rain," one camper observed, showing the seasonal variations that can affect the experience.
Private campsites: Several glamping areas offer secluded options. Bond Falls receives praise for its layout: "We loved the rustic sites that were furthest from the sign-in building. You feel 'out in the wilderness' but close enough to town. The sites are spread apart nicely with plenty of privacy."
Wildlife viewing: The region's natural setting provides opportunities to observe local fauna. At Twin Lakes State Park, visitors noted the presence of "local black bears" and diverse wildlife. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities, especially around water features.
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Weather conditions vary dramatically throughout the year. "We tent camped... and the mosquitoes and flies were pretty bad," reported one Bond Falls visitor, highlighting summer insect concerns. Sites are typically snow-covered from November through April.
Limited cell service: Connectivity is sporadic throughout the area. At Sylvania Wilderness, campers found "one dot of Verizon cell signal in camp but full service in Watersmeet, a short drive away." Download maps and information before arrival.
Supply planning: Remote locations mean limited access to provisions. "Should you need to purchase any other supplies, I would recommend doing so beforehand, as there are not a lot of options nearby," advised one Lake Gogebic visitor. The nearest full grocery stores are 25+ miles from most glamping sites.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for kids: Ontonagon County Park offers family-friendly water recreation. "Swimming beach for the kids, and nearby towns for stocking up," notes one visitor, though they caution about early summer black flies that "usually die down by July."
Educational opportunities: Multiple sites feature interpretive trails and historical information. The Porcupine Mountains area showcases old-growth forest ecosystems with informational displays suitable for school-age children throughout the park.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide recreational facilities beyond nature exploration. "The park has a ski lift we rode to check out the views from the top of the mountain, as well as an 18 hole disc course," mentioned a visitor to the Porcupine Mountains area, highlighting activities that appeal to various age groups.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At Union River Big Bear Campground, RVers advised choosing carefully: "Some of the sites are a tight squeeze if your rig is large, opt for the pull-through." Sites along the north shore of Lake Gogebic typically offer more level parking.
Hookup availability: Electric and water options vary significantly between glamping sites. "Clean campground with showers and bathrooms. Right across the street from the beach," noted one RVer about the convenience of certain locations, though many glamping sites offer only partial hookups.
Road access challenges: Several access roads require careful navigation with larger rigs. Mountain roads within the Porcupine Mountains area feature tight turns and occasional steep grades, particularly near Lake Superior overlooks, requiring cautious driving for vehicles over 30 feet.
