RV campsites near Hiawatha National Forest offer varying degrees of access to the region's waterways and forests. The national forest spans across Michigan's Upper Peninsula, covering nearly 880,000 acres with mixed hardwood and conifer forests. Seasonal considerations affect availability from late fall through early spring, when most campgrounds close due to harsh winter conditions and potential snow accumulation.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: Northland Outfitters provides access to the Manistique River with rental services. "We canoed and our son kayaked the Manistique River. Shuttled up and paddled back to campground. About 3 1/2 hour trip. It was serene on the river," notes Janet V., who appreciated the convenient on-site launch.
Fishing opportunities: Merwin Creek State Forest Campground offers riverside sites for anglers. Michael M. reports, "This is a beautiful little campground with most sites being right on the river. There is a small boat launch." Local fishing remains popular, particularly for smallmouth bass and northern pike.
Beach access: Manistique Lakeshore Campground connects campers to Lake Michigan shoreline. "This was such a surprise and such a great experience. Very clean campground, clean showers, great playground, beautiful beach and view of a lighthouse," shares Ally H.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Pictured Rocks RV Park and Campground maintains high standards according to Tee D., who notes, "This is one of the best camp grounds in the UP. Sites are full service and well spaced out. Several showers with hot water. Can serve as a great base camp for adventures in Pictured Rocks."
River views: Northland Outfitters provides campsites directly on the Manistique River. Jill B. describes, "Our campsite #10 was only a few feet from the river and had a perfect view. There are fire rings, picnic tables, a BBQ grill and WiFi."
Level sites: Indian Lake RV Resort and Campground offers well-maintained grounds. Amanda L. shares, "Right in Manistique near Kitch-iti-kipi, this campground was easy to book last minute, and had the cleanest camp showers I've ever used. With water and electric hook up, we were all set."
What you should know
Cellular service: Reception varies significantly throughout the area. Michael L. reports about Northland Outfitters: "Cell coverage (AT&T for my family, Verizon for my friends) was pretty hit or miss at 0-2 bars at any given time. I could sometimes stream audio for an hour or two. Other times, it wouldn't do anything."
Seasonal bugs: Black flies can be problematic during certain periods. One camper at Merwin Creek State Forest Campground advises, "Bring your bug spray and fogger and enjoy the woods as it was meant to be enjoyed!"
Site grading: BayRidge RV Park requires preparation for uneven terrain. Alan B. warns, "Have plenty of levelling equipment available!! Some are very level, some are not level at all. We were in spot 32 and 4" laterally and 19" longitudinally out of level to start with - at my max hitch jack limit and still 3" nose low."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Manistique Lakeshore Campground offers family-friendly amenities. Alyssa C. mentions, "They had complimentary bikes you could use, fire wood and ice for sale, very very clean bathrooms, and the campground is smaller but with large sites."
Sand play areas: Pictured Rocks RV Park provides natural play opportunities. Melissa H. notes, "There were no playgrounds, trails, etc, but the kids stumbled upon a sand dune just off the main stretch of campsites. Not sure if they were supposed to be there, but a little playing in the dirt can't hurt, right?!"
Recreation areas: Northland Outfitters includes designated activity spaces. Janet V. describes, "Sandy area for the volleyball net was a nice sand area for our granddaughter to play in. Nice store. Cute clothing items for sale. Nice selection of frozen ice cream treats."
Tips from RVers
Parking considerations: BayRidge RV Park accommodates larger vehicles with some site limitations. Lee D. explains, "Most sites are back-in but there are about a half dozen pull-through sites. All sites are gravel and there is a varying amount of site size and privacy between sites."
Hookup options: When seeking Hiawatha National Forest RV sites, consider that some locations offer limited services. Victoria K. points out about Kewadin Casino, "Sites have electric but no water. Some road noise but that's to be expected. Gas station right next door."
Site selection guidance: For RV camping near Hiawatha National Forest, placement matters. Jennifer B. notes about Pictured Rocks RV Park, "Open, level gravel sites and some concrete pads scattered throughout this pretty new campground. A few baby trees in the open meadow are trying to get started, but other than those there is no shade."
