The western Upper Peninsula of Michigan averages over 200 inches of annual snowfall, making summer and early fall the prime camping seasons near Ewen. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 1,000-1,600 feet, with dense forest cover providing both shade and natural barriers between sites. Waterfront camping options abound, with sites available on Lake Gogebic, Lake Superior, and several inland lakes and rivers.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Gogebic County Park provides access to premier walleye fishing on Michigan's largest inland lake. "Set on the biggest inland lake in the U.P., with the best walleye fishing in the Midwest," explains Chris W. The lake also offers swimming areas for families.
Waterfall viewing: Nearby Bond Falls Campground features impressive cascades within walking distance of campsites. "Bond Falls is beautiful! The campground is tidy but busy. The trail system is fabulous and some trails are handicap accessible," notes Carrie C. The waterfall area has become a popular day-use destination.
Wildlife watching: Bob Lake Campground offers excellent opportunities for spotting local wildlife. "Excellent birding, including sandhill cranes, and wildlife," reports Dan N. Morning and evening hours typically provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities along shorelines and forest edges.
What campers like
Private waterfront access: Lake Gogebic State Park Campground features shoreline sites with direct water views. "Had a great site right on the lake, fire pit was 10 feet from the water, most sites are large with trees but not many are very level," shares Steven S. This accessibility makes for easy kayak launching and fishing.
Night sky views: Many campgrounds in the area benefit from minimal light pollution. At Sparrow Rapids Campground, the remote location provides excellent stargazing. "It is a great and mostly empty spot for primitive camping... Plenty of trees to set up a hammock and enough room to park an SUV, put up a 4 person tent, set up chairs around the fire, and still have a lot of room," notes Sonny S.
Clean facilities: Ontonagon Township Park Campground maintains well-kept shower and bathroom facilities. "They offer a very nice children's play area, frisbee golf, and accommodations for equestrians. The majority of the campsites are beachfront and offer full hookups," explains Carrie C. The park also features modern showers and bathrooms.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer brings variable weather patterns. "Lake Gogebic campground is clean and wide open. There are enough trees to provide shade but it is very wide open," notes Matt S. Prepare for temperature swings even in summer months.
Limited services: Bob Lake Campground offers a more rustic experience with minimal amenities. "This is a small simple campground with lovely lakeside tent sites among rather dense trees. If you walk east you'll find a sandy beach to splash in," explains Dan N. Most remote sites lack cell service.
Reservation systems vary: Many campgrounds operate on different reservation models. "No reservations, that's on us. Looked at several after driving around all day sight-seeing," shares Kevin about Ontonagon Township Park. Some parks require advance booking while others are first-come, first-served.
Insect awareness: Bug activity peaks in early summer. "We camped at Bob Lake last year in mid June. Secluded deep in the woods. The only thing that overwhelmed us was the mosquitos! We last two days and moved on," warns Jennifer S. August typically offers more comfortable conditions with fewer biting insects.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground offers family-friendly swimming areas. "2 day stay in mid august was absolutely lovely (bring bug spray). Gorgeous hikes nearby, bathrooms kept clean, nice and quiet," reports Ellery K. The campground provides clean facilities and multiple recreation options.
Playground availability: Several campgrounds include dedicated play areas for children. "The gentleman in the office asked what we were looking for and suggested a couple of sites we should look at," explains Yetiman about Ontonagon Township Park. "There is a playground and disc golf in the area and lots of other things to do."
Accessibility options: Some trails and facilities accommodate strollers and mobility devices. At Bond Falls, "The trail system is fabulous and some trails are handicap accessible," notes Carrie C. These accessible paths make family outings more inclusive.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Union River Big Bear Campground accommodates various RV sizes but requires planning. "Some of the sites are a tight squeeze if your rig is large, opt for the pull-through," advises Kelly W. The campground provides hookups with Lake Superior views.
Road conditions awareness: Access roads to remote campgrounds can present challenges. At Bob Lake Campground, "The way out here was quite the adventure. The forest roads gradually got smaller as we kept driving. Recent rain left muddy areas to be traversed," warns Art S. Download maps in advance as cell service disappears on approach.
Hookup availability: Electric options vary widely between campgrounds. "The campground is not particularly large, and less than half the sites were full while we were there," explains Stacia R. about Lake Gogebic State Park. "There are 2 bath houses that were clean and had great showers."
