Backcountry camping options near Ontonagon, Michigan provide diverse experiences from wooded trails to lakefront sites. The area sits at the northwestern edge of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where temperatures average 75°F in summer with frequent rainfall. Cell service remains unreliable across most campgrounds, especially in backcountry areas where disconnecting is both inevitable and often desired by visitors.
What to do
Experience winter camping: Union River Big Bear Campground offers opportunities for camping during less crowded seasons. "We stayed at the end of April/beginning of May so the campground itself was not open meaning no access to water or restroom facilities which was okay for us," notes one visitor to Union Bay Campground.
Explore waterfalls: Within 30 minutes of most campsites near Ontonagon are several accessible falls. "Hiked Sturgeon River Falls about an hour away," mentions a camper at Twin Lakes State Park Campground, who also noted the "fall colors were stunning!"
Try multiple trail difficulties: Porcupine Mountains offers options for all skill levels. "Great for beginning backpackers and those who want a longer trip, the Porcupine Mountains offer 100+ miles of trails. Can make 2-3 day loops, or do in and out hikes," explains a visitor to Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping.
What campers like
Sandy beaches: Lake Superior shorelines offer swimming opportunities. "The sunsets on the sandy beach that is connected to the campground were a highlight," notes a camper at Ontonagon Township Park Campground, adding "the beach area was nice with a nice big sandy beach for the kids."
Winter yurt options: Heated accommodations provide cold-weather alternatives to tents. A visitor described their experience: "Inside the yurt there are 2 bunk beds and a wood burning stove, along with a small table and chairs I believe. Outside there is a picnic table and fire ring - since we came at the end of the winter season, the campground provided some wood for us upon arrival."
Waterfront campsites: Sites directly on lakes receive highest demand. "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," reports a camper at Lake Gogebic State Park Campground.
What you should know
Backcountry challenges: Prepare for variable conditions on remote trails. "I was warned the Lake Superior trail was muddy when I checked in, and the ranger was not joking - I was grateful to have trekking poles to help balance on logs, branches, roots and rocks to try to keep my boots as dry as possible in the parts of the trail that were submerged."
Reservation limitations: Some campgrounds don't accept advance bookings. "They don't do reservations, but despite having 10+ sites available, they're holding them for people who may never come," reported one frustrated camper. Another noted: "You really have to be there, in person by 7AM to wait in line to get a site."
Wildlife considerations: Bears are present in the area. One camper at Courtney Lake Campground mentioned: "Local black bears" are present, while another noted food storage containers are provided "so no bears try to break into your yurt."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "My wife and daughter definitely appreciated the beach and playground. If we are back in that area I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again," notes a visitor to Ontonagon Township Park.
Alternative activities for bug season: Indoor options help during peak insect times. "The campground was close to all of the hiking in the area as well as some good beach for rock hounds," explains one camper, providing options when bugs are problematic.
Spacious sites for kids: Look for larger areas when traveling with children. "The sites are nice and some of the lower numbered sites are situated right along the shores of Lake Superior. The biggest downfall is that the sites are pretty close together," observed one visitor, suggesting careful site selection is important for families.
Tips from RVers
Power options: Multiple parks offer different hookup configurations. "We nabbed the last place on the beach side and could see Lake Superior from the site. Camp hosts were very accommodating considering we roll in just as they're locking up shop around 8:00pm," explains a late arrival to Ontonagon Township Park, noting they found "power/water posts (no generators, yay!)."
Big rig considerations: Site selection matters for larger vehicles. A camper at River Road RV Park, Campground and Bunkhouse observed: "The campground seems to be well maintained and some of the sites are large. Our site was grass and had some ruts from previous guests. It sounded like they had a lot of rain earlier in the summer."
Winter parking challenges: Off-season camping requires additional logistics planning. "We were unable to drive all the way up to the yurt like you would in the summer time. We had to park outside the campground and walk across the entire thing with our stuff - we took 2-3 trips as we didn't plan for this and packed as though we were car camping."
