Primitive camping options near Hubbard Lake provide access to northern Michigan's dense forests and inland waterways. The area sits in the northeastern Lower Peninsula within the Huron National Forest, characterized by mixed hardwood forests, small lakes, and limited light pollution. Tent camping Hubbard Lake vicinity offers opportunities for solitude with many sites requiring minimal hiking distance from trailheads.
What to do
Kayaking at Cathedral Pines: Access the shallow river near the campground steps for easy paddling suitable for beginners. Cathedral Pines provides an entry point for exploring the water. One camper notes, "The river is shallow by the steps so it's great for the kids" while mentioning this is "bear country" requiring proper food storage.
Hiking Reid Lake loop: Complete the 8-mile loop trail connecting several backcountry campsites with moderate terrain. The Reid Lake Foot Travel Area trail system is "not too hard and is perfect for everyone. It was only 4 miles for the whole thing. There is a lot of squirrels and is running everywhere."
Winter exploration: Experience the trail systems during cold months for a different perspective. The Hoist/Reid Lake Areas offer "gorgeous" winter hiking opportunities. A visitor reports: "Went 3 years back for a mid day hike in the winter and it was gorgeous with snow and ice!"
What campers like
Lake Huron shoreline access: Find beach camping along Lake Huron with swimming opportunities during summer months. Negwegon State Park Campground provides "beautiful little park, secluded and quiet. Every backcountry site has beach access which would be incredible in the summer."
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Test gear and build skills on shorter trail systems before tackling more demanding routes. At Huron National Forest Reid Lake Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area, visitors find "great beginner length trails of medium difficulty trails. I'd recommend this spot to try out different gear before longer treks."
Stargazing opportunities: Take advantage of limited light pollution for astronomy viewing. One camper at Negwegon State Park observed it's a "great spot to get kids out in the Backcountry. Also a dark sky preserve."
What you should know
Site availability systems: Understand reservation requirements vary by location. At Negwegon, "there are only 4 primitive sites" and "reservations are made by contacting Harrisville State Park."
Water purification requirements: Pack appropriate filtration systems as most sites lack potable water sources. Reid Lake Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized Area requires "good filtration, mosquito eggs coat all of the shorelines for the lakes."
Seasonal considerations: Prepare for temperature variations based on proximity to Lake Huron. For Negwegon's Site 4, "I would recommend sites 1-3 for that time of year because they are protected from the wind. We stayed at site 4 which is the most secluded but also the most windy."
Tips for camping with families
First backpacking experiences: Choose shorter hikes for introducing children to overnight hiking. Negwegon offers an ideal entry point as "If you're looking at getting into backpacking or unsure if backpacking is for you, Negwegon is a great place to start. First of all, each of the sites are only a mile or two away from the parking lot of the park."
Equipment for beach sites: Bring wheeled carts for easier transport of family gear to distant sites. One experienced camper mentions, "Having a wheeled cart is nice for bringing in large family-sized tents and other heavier items."
Safety precautions: Store food properly in areas with wildlife activity. At Pine River Campground, the sites are "great sites where you don't feel like you are on top of other campers" providing safety and space for families.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Look for campgrounds with adequate distance between sites for privacy. Pine River Campground gets high marks as campers note it's "quiet and just peaceful" with sites well-separated from neighbors.
Access limitations: Be aware many sites require walk-in or hike-in access unsuitable for RVs. Most backcountry campgrounds around Hubbard Lake require foot travel, like Hoist/Reid Lake Areas where "trail is easy enough and there are so many different spots to camp along the way. It is foot travel only and most sites are a decent hike to get to."
Seasonal campground operations: Check operating schedules as many campgrounds close outside summer months. Many facilities maintain limited seasonal availability, typically April through November.
