Tent camping near Ewen, Michigan offers access to the Ottawa National Forest, which covers nearly one million acres across the western Upper Peninsula. Winter arrives early in this region, with freezing temperatures possible from October through May and snow accumulation of 150-200 inches annually. Tent camping sites range from heavily wooded areas to lakeside settings, with the early fall shoulder season providing some of the best camping weather with fewer bugs and comfortable daytime temperatures.
What to do
Hiking on the North Country Trail: Big Lake State Forest Campground serves as an excellent access point to the North Country Trail. "Getting to Big Lake leads you through some marvelous pine meadows and wetlands with browsing deer and pheasants. The North Country Trail winds through this part of the UP, and the Big Lake campground would make a perfect starting or ending place for a section hike."
Paddling opportunities: Canoe camping is popular at several wilderness lakes. "Loved my first experience at canoe camping. We did it the easy way, loaded our canoe, crossed the lake to our campsite and set up camp. No portaging with our gear," shares a visitor to Sylvania Wilderness. Beginners can rent equipment from Sylvania Outfitters who will deliver gear lakeside.
Waterfall exploration: Multiple waterfalls can be accessed via short hikes from campsites. At Union River Outpost, campers recommend: "Keep walking past campsites and over the bridge. Take the right trail and it connects with the Union River mine trail. It's 1 mile long and perfect for relaxing after dinner." The Sturgeon River Gorge also offers "one of the most beautiful switch back type hikes, with breathtaking views of the gorge on the way down, a quick hike to the top of gorge once you're down, then look down and see the waterfalls!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Union River Rustic Outpost receives high marks for seclusion. "This is a perfect, secluded spot. Site 1 was so secluded and private. It really felt like nobody else was out here. We had more than enough room to set up and could even have fit additional tents." Another camper notes, "Very wooded and quiet camp area - only 3 sites total in this loop!"
Night sky viewing: The Robbins Pond area offers exceptional dark sky viewing opportunities. "This campground is located at the end of Robin's Pond road where the Paulding Light is seen. The campground offers no amenities, only a rock fire ring is provided. This setting is PERFECT for telling ghost stories and watching the light!" The atmospheric conditions create opportunities for northern lights viewing during peak aurora seasons.
Lakes for swimming and fishing: Waterfront sites are available at several campgrounds. At Lake Perrault, "There's also a little trail by the water" and "A couple of the spots are right down at the water." Another camper mentioned "Small lake with some camping spots" that offers swimming opportunities. At Emily Lake, campers report, "Several great sites to tent camp. Caught some blue gills. Good times."
What you should know
Bug protection is essential: Mosquitoes and biting flies are prevalent throughout the warm season. At Burned Dam Campground, "The flies were quite bothersome so we decided to move on. We did look around and it's a decent place." Another camper advises, "Bring a screen-printing popup shelter with you or you will suffer."
Road conditions vary significantly: Many forest roads require slow driving or high-clearance vehicles. "The road to the lake isn't paved and there are huge potholes so go slow," warns a Lake Perrault visitor. At Big Lake, a camper cautions, "The entrance to this campground is not for low clearance vehicles...it is full of HUGE flooded potholes (small ponds really). Not recommended for 2 wheel drive, low clearance vehicles."
Site terrain challenges: Many tent sites require careful setup due to uneven ground. At Union River Outpost, "Site was not that level. If you were tent camping, you would likely be sleeping on a slope of some kind." Similarly, at Sylvania Wilderness, "The area is covered in soft pine duff but finding a truly flat spot free of any small mounds of moss or decayed nurse logs can be a challenge."
Tips for camping with families
Pack weather-appropriate gear: Temperature swings can be extreme, especially in spring and fall. "In mid-October, we woke up to full on winter one morning, so be prepared for anything in the shoulder season," reports a Paint River Forks camper. Early snow is possible by late September.
Water access planning: Hand pumps are available at select locations but require effort to use. Most wilderness areas require water filtration systems. One camper notes: "Clark Lake is very pretty, good for swimming, and serves as the primary water source" at Sylvania Wilderness sites.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bring binoculars for bird watching and wildlife spotting. A Big Lake camper enjoyed "listening to the sandhill cranes every morning." Forest service rangers can provide information about wildlife viewing areas and seasonal activity patterns.
Tips from RVers
Campsite size considerations: Many rustic campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Big Lake, "The sites are HUGE!" but some campgrounds require advance scouting. "Several sites are large enough for a small camper and screen room. Others will only fit a tent," notes a camper at Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness.
Leveling challenges: Bring additional leveling blocks as many sites feature uneven terrain. At Union River Outpost, "The gravel drive was uphill so we ended up turning the camper 90 degrees" to achieve a level position.
Water and waste management: Fill tanks before arrival as most rustic sites lack hookups. "More amenities can be found at the main campground in the state park. We filled up with water there," advises a Union River Outpost camper about utilizing facilities at the main Porcupine Mountains campground several miles away.
