Best Tent Camping near Grand Marais, MI
State forest campgrounds and national lakeshore backcountry sites offer the main tent camping options near Grand Marais, Michigan. Lake Superior State Forest Campground, situated directly on the shores of Lake Superior, provides rustic tent sites with beach access approximately 25 miles from the nearest town. Several other state forest campgrounds including Pretty Lake, Holland Lake, and South Gemini Lake offer primitive tent camping experiences in more secluded settings. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore also maintains backcountry tent sites, including the Au Sable East backcountry campsites accessed via the North Country Trail.
Most tent sites feature basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets available at the campgrounds. Water access varies, with some campgrounds like Lake Superior and South Gemini Lake providing hand pumps for drinking water, while others require campers to bring their own supply. Many sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. The tent sites are generally set on dirt surfaces with minimal grading, requiring careful tent placement. Seasonal access is typically from April to October for most state forest campgrounds, though some like Mouth of Two Hearted River remain open year-round.
Tent campers at Lake Superior State Forest Campground enjoy direct access to rocky beaches and spectacular sunsets over the water. Sites within the Pretty Lake Quiet Area offer exceptional solitude as motorized watercraft are prohibited on the connected chain of lakes, making it ideal for canoeists and kayakers seeking peaceful exploration. Trails throughout the region provide hiking opportunities, with the North Country Trail passing directly through some campgrounds. Wildlife sightings are common, with one camper noting, "We had no idea it was off a dirt road... the beach was beautiful and there were plenty of people enjoying the campground." Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly at lakeside locations, so adequate repellent is essential for a comfortable tent camping experience.
