Dispersed camping sites around Houghton, Michigan dot the heavily forested landscape of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The area receives an average annual snowfall of over 200 inches, creating a winter wonderland for cold-weather campers but also limiting access to certain areas between November and May. Most sites sit on sandy or rocky soil with mixed hardwood and conifer forests providing partial shade and wind protection.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Craig Lake State Park provides excellent freshwater fishing for multiple species. A visitor noted, "The lake has fantastic fishing for smallmouth, northern pike, crappie, walleye, and the occasional musky." Boat access is restricted to non-motorized vessels only.
Wildlife viewing: The Craig Lake State Park Campground area supports diverse wildlife watching opportunities. According to one camper, "The wildlife include loons, eagles, bears, moose, deer and others." Early morning and dusk offer the best chances for spotting animals.
Rock collecting: The northern reaches of the peninsula offer unique geological experiences. At Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay, visitors can search for fluorescent rocks. One camper mentioned "Yooperlite Rock Collecting" as a popular nearby attraction when visiting the northern tip of the peninsula.
What campers like
Remote solitude: The Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness provides significant separation from developed areas. A visitor described their experience: "This patch of wilderness within the Ottawa National Forest is unmatched. I didn't think I was in the Midwest. Remote and not well traveled."
Waterfront camping: Many sites offer direct lakefront access, with Big Lake State Forest Campground providing spacious sites along a smaller inland lake. According to one camper: "Way off the beaten path but the sites are HUGE! Quiet setting right on Big Lake. Probably my most beautiful site in the UP so far."
Scenic hiking routes: The area contains numerous trail networks with significant terrain variation. A camper at the Sturgeon River Gorge described: "The hike in was 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 you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to many of the best tent camping near Houghton, Michigan require high-clearance vehicles. At Lake Perrault, one camper noted: "The road to the lake isn't paved and there are huge potholes so go slow." Similar warnings apply to most dispersed sites.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. One camper at Lake Perrault reported: "There was good cell reception for Verizon and ATT." However, many of the more remote sites have no service at all.
Site availability concerns: Popular dispersed areas can fill quickly during peak season. A visitor to Lake Perrault observed: "There were 3 different people/groups set-up, all of which looked to have been there for several weeks. The area in front of the lake is completely cleared and fairly large."
Tips for camping with families
Consider established campgrounds: For families, Emily Lake State Forest Campground provides a balance of amenities and natural setting. A visitor noted it has "several great sites to tent camp" and mentioned fishing success: "Caught some blue gills. Good times."
Pack for changing weather: Temperatures can drop significantly at night, even in summer. One camper at Big Lake noted: "In mid-October, we woke up to full on winter one morning, so be prepared for anything in the shoulder season."
Plan water activities: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas or boat access. Lake Perrault has "a little trail by the water" though visitors should prepare for insects: "the mosquitoes were too bad for me to try and hike it."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed camping areas cannot accommodate larger RVs. At Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground, there are "5 huge sites right on Lake Superior" but access requires "a short walk to the sites with vault toilets near the lot."
Limited hookup options: No electrical or water connections exist at most sites. For tent campers converting to small RVs, note that one visitor to Lake Perrault mentioned: "There are a few spots suitable for a small travel trailer, but most of them are better suited to tents."
Consider seasonal closures: Many forest service and state park campgrounds close facilities during winter. Big Lake State Forest Campground operates from "May to November," though some sites remain accessible year-round for winter camping with proper preparation.
