Iron Mountain, Michigan's pet-friendly camping options span diverse settings from lakeside retreats to wooded enclaves. Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula at approximately 1,160 feet elevation, the area features moderately hilly terrain with numerous small lakes and the Menominee River creating natural boundaries with Wisconsin. Summer camping season typically runs May through October, with temperatures ranging 75-85°F during peak months.
What to do
Explore waterfalls and caves: Near Summer Breeze Campground, visitors can discover unique geological features. "Tons to do up here waterfalls caves and the iron mine tour," notes Jill G., who stayed for a week and only saw the nearby train twice.
Swim in clean lakes: Bewabic State Park Campground offers a well-maintained swimming area. According to Pat H., the "Beach area is very nice" with "flush toilets with showers that are centrally located." The park rents fishing poles, kayaks, and canoes at affordable rates.
ATV trail access: Trail riding directly from your campsite is possible at several locations. "Atv trails are across the interstate. It's was a great time!" reports Juliana R. about Summer Breeze Campground. The area connects to the 160-mile Blue Ox trail system accessible from West Bass Lake.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain high cleanliness standards. At Rivers Bend Campground, "The sites were level, had shade trees, nice paved roads, clean, quiet and right on the river! We had full hook up with cable! That was a nice surprise!" according to Tammi J.
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacing at many campgrounds. Adam A. notes that West Bass Lake sites are "spacious and spread out compared to other parks, and the area is pretty quiet."
Easy lake access: Carney Lake State Forest Campground provides secluded lake sites despite requiring a drive down a 7-mile gravel road. "We were lucky to get a site on the lake," mentions Megan B., though she cautions "the lake was pretty rocky and mucky" and recommends water shoes.
What you should know
Site variations: Quality and size differ significantly between campgrounds and even within the same park. At Bewabic State Park, "loop a is nice and wooded and private. the bigger loop has sites pretty close together," advises Brandon B.
Seasonal crowds: The demographic mix changes throughout the season. At Morgan Park, "Awesome county park with great staff, facilities and the sites are private and wooded. Nice beach on Timms Lake," reports David C.
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. At Lake Antoine Park, one camper noted: "Loud cars, trucks and semi's were traveling the roads outside of the park at all hours. Drivers took great pleasure in stomping on the gas and racing past at an almost ear deafening sound."
Shower options vary: Facilities range from modern to basic. Rivers Bend Campground has showers that "could use some updating, but was fairly clean," according to Lori N., who extended her stay from four to six nights.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature child-friendly play areas. At Lake Antoine Park Campground, "The beach was really nice and the playgrounds were great for the grandkids," according to Lynn K.
Swimming opportunities: West Bass Lake has "a large playground next to a small beach" with minimal light pollution making it "great for viewing stars and Northern Lights," notes Adam A.
On-site activities: Some campgrounds offer recreational amenities. Summer Breeze Campground has "a pool that wasn't open yet" but sites are "right across from the nice clean park," according to Sarah W.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. Kelli V. mentions that at Rivers Bend Campground, "The sites were a little uneven but not too bad," adding they are "VERY close together."
Full hookup availability: Keyes Lake Campground offers complete amenities for larger rigs. Bill B. noted their site "was privet and large enough for our 5th wheel and truck and boat" and praised the "spotless" bathrooms with "free to campers" showers.
Dump station access: When camping at parks without sewer hookups, plan accordingly. Bewabic State Park has "electrical hook-ups but no water hook-ups you have to fill before you come in. There is a dump station there," advises Suzanne B.
