If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Hiawatha National Forest, look no further. Find the best tent camping sites near Hiawatha National Forest. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan's most popular destinations.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore hugs the Lake Superior shoreline for more than 40 miles along Michigan's northern coast. Lake Superior is the largest, deepest, coldest, and most pristine of all the Great Lakes. In addition to boating and kayaking on the lake, the park's backcountry offers nearly 100 miles of walking and hiking trails and opportunities for solitude, inspiration, physical challenge, renewal, and camping. Access to Pictured Rocks' backcountry is primarily along the 'Lakeshore Trail', a part of the 42-mile long North Country National Scenic Trail where you can experience forests, dunes, beaches, waterfalls and wonderful panoramic views.__ Please download the Backcountry Camping Planner form the park website for complete details. The backcountry campgrounds are accessed by hiking or kayaking only. A backcountry camping permit is required year-round for all overnight trips into the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore backcountry. Permits are not required for day hiking. To assist in planning an overnight backcountry trip into Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, take time to carefully plan and prepare for your adventure. Pictured Rocks offers fourteen backcountry campgrounds, that are located at two to five mile intervals along the Lakeshore Trail. Private shuttle services are available.____ The permit holder must print and retain one copy of the permit when hiking to the campground; permit must be visibly secured to tent at campsite. You will be assigned a campsite number at every backcountry campground. Permit holder may have only one permit reserved at one time. Camp only in designated sites and follow permit itinerary. You must camp within 15 feet (4.5 m) of the numbered post at your chosen campsite. Individual campsites are available for groups of 1-6 people (2 tents or hammocks maximum, or 1 tent and 1 hammock). Groups of 7-20 people and up to a 10 tent max. must camp in designated group sites. Each campground has a specific capacity; campsites within each backcountry campground are identified by a numbered post.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers 100 miles (161 km) of hiking trails leading to waterfalls, beaches, forest wilderness, cultural sites, and breathtaking cliff-top views of Lake Superior. Whether you have only a few minutes, hours, or days to see a portion of the lakeshore, one of these hikes may be for you. Lake Superior's rugged shoreline invites individuals to explore the beautiful Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with its miles of colorful sandstone cliffs and long stretches of sandy beaches. Watch the weather carefully while on the lake. The weather can change suddenly and unexpectedly. Just because it's calm in Munising Bay or Grand Marais Harbor does not mean it is calm along the more distant shores. The Pictured Rocks cliffs rise 50 to 200 feet (15 to 61 m) directly from the lake, offering precious few protected places if the wind and waves increase.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers 100 miles (161 km) of hiking trails leading to waterfalls, beaches, forest wilderness, cultural sites, and breathtaking cliff-top views of Lake Superior. Whether you have only a few minutes, hours, or days to see a portion of the lakeshore, one of these hikes may be for you. Lake Superior's rugged shoreline invites individuals to explore the beautiful Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with its miles of colorful sandstone cliffs and long stretches of sandy beaches. Watch the weather carefully while on the lake. The weather can change suddenly and unexpectedly. Just because it's calm in Munising Bay or Grand Marais Harbor does not mean it is calm along the more distant shores. The Pictured Rocks cliffs rise 50 to 200 feet (15 to 61 m) directly from the lake, offering precious few protected places if the wind and waves increase.
Sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, inland lakes, deep forest, and wild shoreline beckon you to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The power of Lake Superior shapes the park's coastal features and affects every ecosystem, creating a unique landscape to explore. Hiking, camping, sightseeing, and four-season outdoor opportunities abound!
Cancellation Policy: Prior to printing your permit, you may cancel any time before your reservation date and receive a 50% refund of all backcountry camping permit fees ($5 per person, per night). The $15 reservation fee is non-refundable. If you have printed your permit, there are no refunds. Change Policy:Prior to printing your permit, you may make changes to your permit before your reservation date. Changes may be made to the group size, campground, and the duration of your trip. An additional $15 non-refundable fee will be charged for changes.Changes may be made to the group size through your Recreation.gov account or through the Call Center and may incur additional backcountry camping permit fees or be refunded these fees depending on whether you increase or decrease your group size. If decreasing your numbers, you will receive a full refund of the backcountry camping permit fees for the numbers you are decreasing only. A change to the duration of the trip or campground may only be made through the Call Center. For changes to the duration of the trip, you may incur additional backcountry camping permit fees or be refunded these fees depending on whether you increase or decrease your number of nights. If decreasing your numbers, you will receive a full refund of the backcountry camping permit fees for the numbers you are decreasing only.To change your entry date, you must cancel your permit and reserve a new permit. All fees apply. No Show Policy: If you do not print your permit by 11:59 p.m. on the first day of your scheduled trip, your entire backcountry camping permit will be canceled. No refunds. Please cancel your reservation if you are unable to use it to open space for others.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
$15 / night
This rustic campground is situated on the shore of Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. Most campsites have direct access to the shoreline. Part of the shoreline is composed of large rocks, but could be hiked with caution. Near the picnic area, on the east side of the campground, there is access to the day-use beach. The beach is sandy and provides a nice area to swim and walk along the shore. There is parking for day-use visitors adjacent to the picnic area. The picnic area has tables, a fire ring and a charcoal grill.
There are 42 sites for tent and small trailer use. Campsites 7 and 32 are pull-through sites. Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. The campground is located 7.7 miles east of Naubinway via US-2.Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
$15 / night
The Indian River Campground is situated on a bluff overlooking the Indian River. There is a short trail leading down to the river. The campground is near the halfway point on the Indian River Canoe Trail, and is a convenient overnight stop for canoeists. Link to Campground Map
This rustic campground sits on the coast of Lake Superior. Located six miles west of Muskallonge Lake State Park and 12 miles east of Grand Marais, this campground is in a great location for a weekend of adventure. Explore the sandy beach of Lake Superior or take a hike on the 7.3-mile Blind Sucker Pathway which runs alongside the campground. The Blind Sucker No. 1 state forest campground is one mile southeast of the campground and is located on the Blind Sucker Flooding, which offers opportunities for fishing and paddlesports.
There are 18 sites for tent and small trailer use. Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. The campground is located 34 miles northwest of Newberry via M-123 and County Road 407. Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations.
$10 - $20 / night
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
This rustic campground is located on Lake Superior at the mouth of the Two Hearted River. The campground offers excellent opportunities for fishing, paddlesports and hiking on the national North Country Trail. There is a day-use area on the banks of the river that has picnic tables and a charcoal grill. A developed boat launch and skid pier are adjacent to the day-use area. Visitors can cross the Two Hearted River via a suspension bridge on the west side of the campground to reach the shores of Lake Superior.
There are 36 sites for tent and small trailer use. Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. The campground is located 31.5 miles northeast of Newberry via M-123 and County Roads 500, 414, 412 and 423. Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations.
$20 / night
There are many campsites on the Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts of the Hiawatha National Forest. Many are located on inland lakes and are in a rustic forest environment with few to no amenities and no drinking water. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience. All of these sites are nestled in hardwood trees and pines. All of them are on small inland lakes, which offer a wide variety of fishing opportunities.
Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these dispersed campsites. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters. Bruno's Run Hiking Trail weaves throughout the Ewing Point area, offering 9 miles of adventure for hikers. The trail is accessible at various locations, two of which are near the Ewing Point parking area. One section of the trail leads to Grassy Lake, while the other heads along the southeastern portion of McKeever Lake.McKeever Lake offers great fishing for musky, pike, bass and pan fish, and there is boat access in the parking area. Boats must be carried to the site by hand or through the water. Because the water is quite shallow, large boats are not recommended. The lake bottom is sandy and provides good wading opportunities. Be cautious when swimming because this area has not ben checked for possible hazards - swimming is at your own risk.
Ewing Point is a beautiful walk-in campsite located on the north side of the 132-acre McKeever Lake. The grassy site is 50 ft x 75 ft, surrounded by hemlock and cedar.
For local information, please call (906) 474-6442 or call (906) 387-2512 for general information.
$8 / night
Legend
General: 61 site campground; 11 are 20/30/50 amp pull-thru sites and the rest are back-in 20/30 amp. A surprise was seeing so many seagulls and they were, although annoying, also quite entertaining!
Site Quality: All sites are dirt/grass and level. The sites are close together with very little to no privacy separating them.
Bath/Shower: In addition to men’s and women’s restrooms, there are two all-gender shower rooms and two family restrooms with shower. Except for dead bugs, they were clean. The shower was very nice– spacious and had good hot water, although there was almost always a wait to use one.
Activities/Amenities: We camped here to take a self-guided tour of the ghost town, which took about two hours. There are several short-distance interconnecting trails that are mostly well-marked. Be aware, however, that after about a half mile, the Overlook Trail was no longer maintained – the grass was very tall and there was only a narrow footpath; I ended up turning back after going a short distance and seeing that it was not going to improve. There is also a boat harbor. It was quite a juxtaposition between the historical buildings and the loud groups of people partying on their boats!
Once we explored the ghost town (which was very interesting), one night was just enough time for us to spend here, and it looked like many others were doing the same. The campground was completely full on a Saturday in mid-June but by Sunday morning, it had emptied out.
Traveler
Great open sky site, next to the water. High winds, but local beach trail and historic town a short walk away with additional trails. FYI bathrooms, shower facility, water drops, and water dumpsite closes annually for winterization around Oct. 21. Keep this in mind when booking! Water was shutoff days after. arriving thankfully we filled up jugs before that. Electric and camp wifi on year round. 30A and 20A service at each site, worked fine. We'll be back for the next New Moon!
TravelerThe facilities here are top-notch, with clean bathrooms and showers that visitors rave about. Solar Many campers appreciate the electric hookups available at the sites, making it easier to enjoy the comforts of home while surrounded by nature.
Traveler
For those looking to explore, Solar Superior Times is conveniently located near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, offering stunning views and hiking opportunities.
Traveler
Very clean and hot showers, affordable, pretty views and super nice staff!! Would highly recommend!!!
GuideNew, clean bathrooms and showers. Showers are private and door locks. Campsites are very close together, little privacy. Walking trails that connect the campground to the old Fayette town on the coast are nearby.
Traveler
There is signs posted just about everywhere “no camping or overnight parking” don’t waste your time
Guide
Friendly staff. Clean park. And the reason you’re UP there, nature!
GuideStayed here beginning of September for a few days. Site 53 and 54. 53 is nearly at the top of the horseshoe and has trail access to Lake MI. Site 54 starts a series of smaller, back in slot type sites. This stretch of sites was primarily used by overnighters in while we were here, and might be tight for a family to stretch their legs. The campground was pretty quiet, despite being full. The beauty of this campground is the trail access to the beach and lakefront, along with the nice modern bathrooms and showers. One drawback to these particular sites is the wall of invasive cocklebur along the outside, and you would get absolutely covered if you got near them. You can see them in my photo. Note: the lake area near the campground is all rip rap rock, like the white rock in the sunset photo with trees. There is a trail that goes past the boat landing to nice sand beach.
Scout
The cleanest friendliest campground ever. Lots of canoe, kayak, and tube action going on. So much fun!
Legend
We chose #29 as it was unshaded and we need solar & Starlink & the weather is fairly cool. Could survive using generator & hotspot-but why?
Friendly & helpful hostess. We arrived w/o booking and lucked out on FCFS. This also let us book a day or two at a time, and avoid the $8 fee for online reservations. Conveniently the ‘America the Beautiful’ pass got us 50% off.
Water spigot provided water. Dumpsters scattered. No elec. Apparently there is a dump station - have not investigated
ScoutCampground was quaint and bathrooms were well attended to. Campsites were very small; your neighbor's sewer tube was right underneath your picnic table. Neighbors were quiet and respectful, but the campground was right off the highway with a lot of traffic noise.
Scout
Campground is older and I understand it was purchased a year ago. Some of the spaces are a little tight but managable. Hostess was very polite and helpfull! The last day they had updated the wifii and it worked great! Every site is close to the lake. We were there for 8 days and would stay there again. Didn’t use the bathrooms or the showers but they looked clean when I checked them out.
GuideThe campground is pretty wide open, so there isn't much privacy, but it is absolutely beautiful!
I had the luck to arrive when there was some heavy weather moving through the area, which made for some absolutely beautiful skies.
Scout
Busy weekend in the area, but this little gem had some openings. My wife and I grabbed a site next to the water. We were camping in a tent, but their would have been plenty of room for a sizeable RV. Decent shore fishing near the campground. Short hike or drive to Lake Superior beaches. Easy drive to Grand Marias if you needed something. No hesitation to stay here again.
Traveler
Campsites are pretty close and there is no shade, trees are planted just still very small! Bathroom was nice, shower house a little crusty but not the worst we’ve been too!
ScoutThere are several signs saying “No Camping” and “Day Use Only.”
Scout
This was such a gem of a site. I couldn't believe it was available as late as we reserved it. Only 20-30 minutes from the National Lakeshore and reserved for $8 on Recreation.gov.
No hookups, no trash, no water, but so worth it for the landscape and isolation.
It's right on a gorgeous lake, and you're the only ones there. Perfect place to set up camp!
Traveler
Love the campground but very strong gas smell. Hopefully will subside and I won’t get sick…headache etc but smell is in my camper since there is a nice breeze had windows open.
The campground is very nice….other campers friendly.
I am at electric site but not using it. Could not put my rv ambulance in tent spot.
Bathrooms are very clean…showers free!
Right on the water. Very beautiful!
Gas smell is only down side.
Luckily was for only the first night.
GuideLooks Like this, Campground has been remodeling for years. A lot of kids won’t need a lot of work. Do you only reason we stayed was for a shower But the shower design was small and water everywhere
TravelerBeen here twice and everytime was amazing. The place is super clean, the people are kind, the view is unbelievable. We will come again.
Traveler
First backpacking trip with my youngest son. We hiked around Beaver lake and along Lake Superior. We camped at Lowney crip and Beaver Creek. Enjoyed both sites. Of course Beaver Creek provide the better views sitting above Lake Superior. Bear boxes provided at both sites with a dedicated spot for fires
Traveler
Au Train is a very scenic area with a great lake. Caught fish off shore. Sites are large. There is a spigot on a little well house to fill your camper. You need to bring your own hose. No dump station but sign on well house states you can dump at nearby campground for free with proof of stay. Overall great time. Only negative is that the little day use swimming area isn't well maintained. Grass is nearly knee high.
RangerWe got a beautiful site right on the lake - big back-in with full hookups. If you’re not lucky and end up in the middle sections, just be aware that the water/electric hookups can be a bit tricky. (Hint - make sure to have extra cord and hoses.) Otherwise this is a perfect location right on the lake, about a 6 minute drive to all the attractions in town, clean and well-maintained. Will definitely return if the right site is available! At&T and T-Mobile service was fine, plus there’s passable WiFi.
Scout
Kewadin Casino Manistique? is a hidden gem in Michigan! This place has an incredible atmosphere for gaming and entertainment. The variety of games is mind-blowing, from slots to card tables. Also, the staff is super friendly and always willing to help you, and don't forget to try the food in the restaurant, it's delicious! But hey, if you are in Argentina and you prefer to play from the comfort of your home, I recommend you to try Casinoenlineahex.com/casinos-online/tarjeta-de-debito/. It is an excellent option to enjoy your favorite games online, don't miss it!
Traveler20 amp hookups on the grass, 30 on the pavement. $20 and $25. Park and pay at the gift shop. $5 back with receipt if you get a rewards card. Electric hookups only.
ScoutThis is a cool little retro campground with full hookup sites and lake access. It's close to a bunch of the UP attractions and the rates are very reasonable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hiawatha National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hiawatha National Forest is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Sites — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with a 4.8-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hiawatha National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 51 tent camping locations near Hiawatha National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
