Best Tent Camping near Ironwood, MI

Recent Tent Reviews near Ironwood, Michigan

545 Reviews of 25 Ironwood Campgrounds

• 

  Jay W.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 19, 2018

  Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

  Camping Options Galore! A Deep Woods Experience

  This is a beautiful area to visit even if it is just for a day, but just a days visit will leave you wanting to comeback for more! The Porcupine Mountains is located in the Northwest tip of Michigans Upper Peninsula. There are multiple entrances depending on what part of the park you want to visit. One of the most popular sites in the park is Lake of the Clouds. I have never been fortunate enough to see it on a clear day in person so you may take your chances by cloud cover or the fog. There are campsites that do sit close to the lake but require a hike. This park offers many hiking trails that pass and cross numerous lakes and streams. If you are a backpacker this is an excellent place to go. I would suggest later August or Fall. The trails can be impassable at times during the late Spring and the black flies will disappear usually by August but they can stick around. Check trail conditions often!! You can either camp with your tent or rent cabins along the trail which are usually well kept, I can not say the same about the Yurt however. You should book these cabins or tent sites well in advance as this is a popular park. I prefer tent camping but on my week long hike I decided to rent cabins instead and I am glad I did. I did hike the second week of June and the trails were unkept and the tent sites were thick mud with not much of a choice but to sleep in the mud. The cabins do have wood burning stoves, beds and benches. You will have the occasional rodent but some of the cabins had traps in them and if you set one and catch one, you will be left alone for the rest of the night. I had set the trap and reset the trap twice in 30 seconds, after catching two and coming to the conclusion I could be up all night doing this, after the third trap I just left the rodent in the trap and it must have been a deterrent because I wasn't bothered the rest of the night.

  I really can't say enough about this park even though my hiking experience was miserable given the trail conditions. It is a challenge to hike but with such a vast are of wilderness there is so much more to do. Near by is the Presque Isle River Campground and Scenic Area which shouldn't be missed either.

• 

  Henry B.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 19, 2020

  Little Sand Bay Recreation Area

  This is a RV-centric campground

  Been there twice in the last few years. Last time, in late Sept, we had the place to ourselves. It was peaceful and lovely. This time (mid Sept) and it was a friggin zoo. The place was packed with large RVs, several of which had drunken, stupidly loud hooting and hollering yahoos taking it into the night. There is a separate tent camping area that is isolated from the main area by some trees but unfortunately not enough to block the noise.  The tent camping sites are not isolated from each other-just a long strip of lawn with about 6 sites or so. 

  Nice supply of quality firewood and pay to spray shower (closed this year probably due to the pandemic). There is a nice, new modern bathroom facility for the Little Sand Bay park right next to the campgrounds.

• 

  Melissa M.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 31, 2021

  Porcupine Campground

  Wilderness at its best

  Campground is very rustic and beautiful, easy trails to Lake Superior from the campground.

  RV and tent sites- some have electric and some do not.

  Clean and well maintained.

  If you are looking for a quiet rustic campground this is for you!

• 

  Amber A.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 31, 2016

  Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park

  Simple green site in true wilderness

  Pretty rolling hills and water in leaf peeping season. Amazing trails out on the peninsula and throughout the park. Lots of birds and critters. Tent sites are very wooded. No one else was here when I was in October. Obey bear rules! Didn’t see any porcupines or mountains despite the park name!

• 

  Tawni W.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 22, 2019

  Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground

  Pretty awesome

  Host was very accommodating when we needed to plug in our boat. The moss-covered old growth forest provided an excellent tent site & entertained our 2 boys under 8 until they tired. The swimming area Was under kept but we still enjoyed all day. Overall our Saturday- Monday visit was very pleasing.

• 

  Jon M.

  Guide

  

  May. 24, 2018

  Lake Gogebic State Park Campground

  Nice view of the lake

  Originally we reserved a space by the lake. But the people at the next site were taking up our space. So we moved to another. Which was fine with us as we were tent camping and it was pretty cold(40 degree range) and windy and being off the lake seemed better. The older couple that seemed to be the ones taking care of the place were very nice and understanding.

• 

  Kellysue H.

  Traveler

  

  May. 16, 2019

  Potato River Falls Campground

  Free camping

  The camp ground is off 169 south. It is very small maybe 5 sites No power and did not see water and there is one vault toilet Perfect for tent camping but not for big trailers. Easy walk to the upper Falls. Quite and pretty clean some trash in the fire pits but that would be my only complaint. I would stay again but would worry it would fill up fast on the weekends.

• A

  Anna

  Guide

  

  Sep. 19, 2020

  Big Bay State Park Campground

  Great Campground, fun island

  Big Bay State Park is a perfect place for your summer vacation. You can camp with a tent or RV at Big Bay State Park. Don’t forget to look at the cost of the ferry over if you’re bringing your RV. It can get expensive depending on length, but still a better deal than renting an air bnb. Easy walking trails and cliffs to jump off. There are a lot of fun places to visit on the island. Definitely recommend bringing a car if you’re planning to tent camp, the park is far from town.

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Feb. 16, 2023

  Eddy Park & Campground

  Lakefront camping but....?

  I overheard a woman in Ironwood, MI talking about how this campground used to be very nice but had recently gone downhill. I had no idea where it was but coincidentally, we ended up stopping to eat lunch in Eddy Park, which is right next to the campground. No one was in the office when I visited so I could not get information. A couple I spoke with who had reservations but decided not to stay had no luck getting in touch by phone with anyone in the office. This review is based only on my observations while walking around.

  The campground is located right on Sunday Lake and many sites are lakefront. As is typical of RV parks, the sites are very close together with no physical separation between them. There are tent sites across the street that do have more privacy. A few sites had concrete pads, but most were on gravel. The bathroom and shower looked to be very clean.

  Although not our preferred type of camping and despite what I overheard, this is a convenient location and I would consider an overnight stay.

• A

  Alexandra B.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 8, 2018

  Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park

  Well maintained and absolutely gorgeous

  The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful for starters. Also, the campground is gorgeous and there are a wide variety of sites suitable for trailer or tent camping including some walk-in sites that are very private. There are plenty of trees to shade you from the morning sun. The campground is located right on the shore of Lake Superior so each night prepare yourself for the most beautiful sunset you’ll ever witness. You’re also located near plenty of trails that lead to water falls.

• 

  Tim S.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 1, 2018

  Little Sand Bay Recreation Area

  Tent Site

  Tent “lakeside” site is an open court yard setting which is a little strange. All sites can face The lake. Try and avoid the other tent sites as they are behind fish house in the woods. Those sites are still less than 2 minute walk to lake. Showers are 2 dollars for 8 minutes. Great location for apostle island kayak tours or starting point.

  One bogus item or plus item.

  County ran so some people pull up and bandant camp.

• k

  ken W.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 18, 2018

  Little Sand Bay Recreation Area

  Nice campground right on Lake Superior

  This campground has a marina and a beach right on Lake Superior. We went in mid September and it was pretty empty. There were about 10 tent only sites and there were campers at only 1 of the other tent sites and they were there only 1 night. I think if it was busy it might feel too crowded because the sites are very close. You had to pay 2 dollars for the showers but the water was hot and you got a good amount of time. The bathrooms were clean.

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 11, 2020

  West End Thompson City Park

  Not the best for tent campers

  for short stay RV campers or seasonal campers, this might be a campground of interest due to its proximity to the Bay as well as into the town of Washburn. However, I am reviewing this from the perspective of a tent camper, and this campground proides bathrooms and menities etc, but this is not a reall desireable location for tent camping. Few trees, small campsites, close together, no privacy. The waterfront area needs a bit of work and maintanence too, in rough shape due to shoreline flooding. It would be more than adequate to stay here if nothing lse in the area is avaialble, or would be a decent place to stay overnight before launching out into the Apostle Islands, but not the best place as a destination camping area for tent campers.

• 

  David H.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 30, 2023

  Lac du Flambeau Campground and Marina

  A great place to camp.

  Site #7 was a bit sandy and sat on the highest mound overlooking the peninsula campground. Some seasonal, some weekly, and a couple of tent campers occupied about half the sites. The 2 bath houses were well maintained and freshened each morning. Showers were clean and hot and free. The lake water surrounding was very clean and refreshing; you're able to swim at your own risk wherever you choose. Tent sites were well shaded and all lakeside. We had tents but chose an electric site. The casino close by was immaculate, an unexpected pleasure. The wife's luck on the slots paid for our 2 dinner buffets, bravo my honey! PS: Bring your best mosquito defenses as they are thick in the morning and early evening.

• E

  Elizabeth F.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 14, 2020

  Prentice Park Campground

  Great for a City Park!

  Great location, few spots so first come first serve. $35.00 a day, water and electricity, also tent sites. A nice park for family away from the camping grounds, but close enough. We came up on Thursday evening from Baraboo, got there in the evening. Found our spot right away and it was GREAT for us and our dog. This was our second outing in our RV. We were close enough to Lake Superior you could walk there. The dumping station is at another park not far away.  We decided to come to this site  because we wanted to see our new puppy, a basset  hound. We will visit again!

• 

  Art S.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 8, 2021

  Wabasso Lake Recreation Area

  Walk-in only camping in a beautiful lakeside setting

  There are only walk-in tent sites here. We missed that before we headed here so we needed to look elsewhere. There are other campgrounds just a few miles away. The road in evokes that remote camping feeling - we loved the drive! 

  We walked in to see the sites and they are beautiful. Wabasso Lake is visible from campsite but step closer and it’s beauty awaits. The close campsites were taken mid-week but one group was heading out as we arrived. It appears to get moderate use. 

  The boat launch is also the camping parking lot. We love the look of this small lake but wonder if we could have camped a night in the parking area.

• 

  Kelly M.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 19, 2022

  Lake of the Falls County Park

  Not Much To It

  Stayed on side 1 (there are 3 sides). We were site 4. Campsites are right in a row and pretty close together. The mosquitoes were terrible. Not a lot to do with young kids (ours were 8, 6, and 18 months old). It's great for those that want to boat, kayak., canoe, or fish. Our family likes to hike and there aren't many hiking trails. The only playground for our littles was about 15 minutes away, but it did include a beach area. This was in the town of Mercer.

  Side 2 is all tent sites...I believe no electric.

  Side 3 had the showers and dump station. Be sure to take quarters fornthe showers.

  We most likely won't visit again.

• C

  Cathy J.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 20, 2020

  Lake of the Falls County Park

  Near Mercer, WI

  There are 3 separate loops for camping at this park. We stayed in #19 which is in area 2. We reserved through the park website the week before due to Covid, all sites had to be reserved ahead. It says these are tent sites but we had our truck camper no problem. We also pulled our boat right up to our site even though it said the site wasn’t waterfront. Great site, nice toilet, no showers. Boat landing very close by in another of the camping loops. Very close to waterfalls. Quiet. Lost a star because it’s very difficult to find, no signage along the road. Great body of water. Bar restaurant in sight of campground but no noise associated with that. We stayed 9/25/20 to 9/28/20

• 

  Annie C.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 15, 2018

  Prentice Park Campground

  Ranger Review: Matador Flatpak Soap Case at Prentice City Park

  Campground Review

  One of the things I love about Wisconsin is that there is a municipal campground in a lot of towns near major attractions. In this case, it’s Prentice Park in Ashland, WI, which is on Lake Superior and close to the Apostle Islands. If you come to the Apostle’s on a busy summer weekend, you may not find a place to camp. Ashland to the rescue. This is a fairly new, modern campground just off the the main drag, and a short hike (less than half a mile) to the beaches. There is a nice paved trail that takes you to the beach as well as around the wetlands in between. A short drive into town takes you to a cute downtown where you can see the murals painted on a dozen or so buildings depicting the history and people who have made this town. The campground itself has 9 or 10 tent only sites and about the same of RV/hookup sites, with most of the tent sites clustered on one side, the RV/Hookup sites in one group in the middle, and a few more spacious tent sites past that. Some tent sites are really large and set back from the road, with nice grassy areas for pitching the tent and a few trees for hammocks, and a few of the tent sites are very small, right on the road, and no room for more than a small tent, the picnic table, fire pit, and that’s it. There is one bathhouse that is new and very clean, with two all in one shower rooms (toilet, sink, and shower, very spacious) and what looked like two more standard bathrooms (they were locked the whole time I was there, and they are not coded like the shower rooms are). You will need to check in with the campground host in order to get the code for the shower rooms. One of the best features of this campground is the water. Yep, water. There is an artesian well in the day use area that pumps out the cleanest, tastiest water. Empty every vessel you have and fill up here! There is another artesian well house down on the beach and it was very busy with locals filling up.

  Product Review

  As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I occasionally get to test products. On this trip, I fell in love. With Matador’s FlatPak Soap Bar Case. This little “dry bag” for a bar of soap is a total game changer. In the past I’ve always brought tubes of shower gel with me camping. It’s the only time I use shower gels as I am a bar soap kinda gal. The gel’s always seem to be a bit of a mess for me as the lids don’t stay closed, or water or gel leaks out, or there’s just not enough, and it always means a special trip to the store to get just this one item that I don’t have normally at home. This Soap Bar Case means I can bring my own bar of soap which I know will last a while and can easily find another at any store in the country. This dry bag lets the soap dry out while magically keeping soapy residue inside the bag.

  Here’s what I LOVE about this case:

  1. While compact in size, it can hold a standard bar of soap. No need to squirrel away a bunch of those icky hotel soaps that you end up abandoning after a single use.
  2. Soap goes in wet, comes out dryer (but not dried out).
  3. The fabric breathes, so the moisture evaporates out through the fabric, but doesn’t get anything around it wet, and the soap residue doesn’t pass through the membrane. Everything in my dopp kit stayed completely dry and soap free. Soap stays in, moisture goes out. Totally mess free!!
  4. The dry bag closure is really simple to use. Just roll the bag down about three or four times and clip it closed. Simple.
  5. This could easily be clipped to your backpack and it wouldn’t be in the way or flop around as it is so small.

  There is only one thing I would want different:

  1. I wish this came in other colors besides black. A bright red or marine yellow would make it easier to see in my dopp kit and would make a person less likely to forget it/leave behind.

  This is a product I would happily buy for any of my camping buddies, and if/when Matador introduces the FlatPak Soap Bar Case in brighter colors, I will likely buy myself a second one. This would be great for taking to the gym as well as for kids going to summer camp or anywhere you want to get clean without getting soap on all of your gear.

• 

  Richard R.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 9, 2021

  Rohr's Wilderness Tours

  Five Star CG

  The owners, Jeff and Marcia are wonderful people, I'm fortunate to have stayed at their CG. RWT Campground is like no other, it's a private campground that has the look, feel and atmosphere of a State Park. They had planned and executed a CG design that embraces the hills, rivers, and forest.

  I highly recommend RWT CG if your camping style is "off the beaten path" then RWT Campground is waiting for you. RWT has all the camping arrangements; from walk in tent sites overlooking the Wisconsin River, walk in forest canopy, to savanna style. For travel trailer and motorhome style there are electric, water, and Sewer sites.

  The park has miles of hiking, biking, and cross country ski trails. Also for fun there is a Frisbee golf course too.

  This is NOT a complete review of all the features and amenities offered by RWT CG, just a short list as experienced personally

• C

  Corey D.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 10, 2018

  Indian Mounds — Northern Highland State Forest

  Simplistic, secluded, and great for kids

  Nestled on Lake Tomahawk, this small campground is comprised of drive-in and walk-in sites. Walk-in sites being tent camp only, which is the option we took. There is a small beach on site, and a number of lake front sites to choose from. Oh, can't forget.. The sun sets over the lake! Paved roads made it easy for my children to navigate the grounds on their scooters. There are electric and non electric sites, a water pump, but no showers. Your park pass will give you access to Clear Lake campground (couple miles down the road), which does has showers, another beach, and also firewood sales. We meant to take the boat on multiple lakes, but the fishing on Lake Tomahawk was spectacular! Hiking the trails near our site, you really get a sense of being in the northwoods. We could hear the birds, frogs, found salamanders, seen an otter, musk rat, loons, and more.

  The nearest town is Lake Tomahawk, where you can fuel up, get bait, or grab a bite to eat(maybe an ice cream cone for the kids).

  As I said in the description, the grounds are simple. However, we booked three nights but felt the need at the end of our trip to book another. We'll be coming back. Safe travels.

• 

  Art S.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 24, 2021

  Prentice Park Campground

  Nice campground near main road

  This is just outside of Ashland so you have access to supply runs. The campground felt like a park that blends into a camping area. We saw some nice walk in tenting sites. The rest are standard sites. The location is just off route 2 so it’s convenient when  traveling through this area. We drove over to the beach to enjoy a lunch picnic. Even though it is alongside the highway it was a popular place to be. This is a bit too centrally located for us but others may love the closeness to town.

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 2, 2019

  Kreher RV Park

  Access to Ashland

  For folks with RVs who want a camping spot close to the city of Ashland, this is a convenient spot close to the lake. NOTE however that reserving a campsite solely for tent camping is prohibited! Tents are only allowed at sites where the main occupants is an RV and tents for kids or extra guests are allowed. The park is well maintained and family oriented, with all the amenities RVers might want, and it is located right between a bay on the lake and the city center. Ashland itself has a lot to offer, as does the whole area with its fruit orchards, artisan studios, outdoor recreation opportunities, local festivals and more. Stop off at the Ashland-Great Lakes Visitor Center west of town to get the scoop on all the activities and exploring you can do https://www.nglvc.org The downside to this campground is a lack of trees and privacy between sites, which doesnt appeal to me, and the fact that a major construction project is currently going on adjacent to the park, so be prepared for the unsightliness of the worksite along with noise during regular working hours. The park is a great launchpoint for boating and kayaking though (you can bring your own or rent locally) and the water access and public landing is great. For folks who bring their dogs but occasionally want to do local events without Fido, there are some nice local dogsitters available through Rover.com, one I highly recommend is Judy who is located near the campground and often dogsits while folks go out on an afternoon kayaking or to a concert or something. So, this is a good all around spot to camp at with RV’s if exploring Ashland and vicinity

• 

  Roger W.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 18, 2023

  Big Bay State Park Campground

  Nice Experience and some very nice sites

  Big Bay State Park Campground, WI: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Ferry Ride: $110 round trip with a 17’ trailer Overall Rating: 3.5 Price 2023: About $20 to $30 Usage during visit: Very full Site Privacy: Loop 1 - 29 Great site privacy. Loop 30 -60 some good sites. The overall privacy not as good. Site Spacing: Loop 1 - 30: Great. Loop 31- 60: Good Site surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: People noise while here. Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Some sites Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Check out the campground map . The dump is on the way to the airport.
  Potable Water Available: Yes, at the bathrooms Generators: Not specified. We used a low noise generator. Bathroom: Clean pit toilets and flush toilets in the showroom.
  Showers: One centrally located.
  Pull Throughs: Mostly, if not all are back in. Cell Service (AT&T): Sporadic Setting: In a pine forest Weather: Highs are 70’s Bugs: Some mosquitoes. I think they are decreasing. Have bug spray if you hike. Solar: No Host: They are short a host Rig size: Rigs I’ve seen are under 35’ Sites: The sites in Loop 1 - 30 is the best loop, are most all very private. Loop30 - 60: Not as private. Site 42 has no under brush between site and parking for tent walk in sites. Other than that, pretty good. Sites 48, ad 50 are the absolute least private sites. Trailer sites in Loop 30 - 60 are generally not as deep and thus less site privacy than Loop 1 - 30. (35 - 41 are walk in tent sites,)

• 

  Dave G.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 13, 2016

  Big Bay Town Park

  Cool island campsite!

  Pretty nice campground that you have to take a 20 minute ferry from the mainland. Then you drive through the small harbor town to the campsite. Nice, clean showers and bathrooms. The tents sites are spacious and they're only a 10 or so minute drive from La Point. The island community is full of restaurants and art galleries. We went in July and were able to go to a film fest and do yoga on the beach. These amenities may not be at the campground, but staying on the island gives you access to them. By the main office, there's a trail that goes down to the beach where you can rent canoes and kayaks on an honor system.

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 10, 2019

  Stockton Island - Campsite — Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

  Superior camping on Stockton Island

  Stockton Island is one of about a dozen islands in the Apostle Islands archipelago. The Apostle Islands are managed as a national lakeshore by the National Park Service. Access to the islands is by water shuttle https://www.apostleisland.com/shuttles-camping/ or via your own watercraft. The islands are famous for a wilderness experience in a pristine part of Lake Superior offshore from Bayfield Wisconsin. Camping and kayaking in the islands is a spectacular experience. The season is short, from late June to Labor Day; traversing the lake lake is too unpredictable after that! We went in June and had a fabulous experience. Lots of sun, no bugs, gentle breezes, perfect temps in the 60’s. The water shuttle drops you passengers at a large dock in a natural harbor on the southeast side of Stockton Island. A short walk from the landing brings you to the Island’s ranger station and visitor center for an orientation and an intro to the island. A stellar handicapped accessible platform campsite is adjacent to the ranger station, the best and most accessible I’ve ever seen and would be perfect for a family member of mine with special needs and mobility issues. It would be completely do-able for folks camping with someone in a wheel chair, thank you NPS for your efforts! Additional walkin campsites are spread out further down the shore, under magnificent trees, along the sandy shore, with plenty of seclusion and a great rustic experience. Tent camping only, of course. No vehicles on the island! Lots of hiking, kayaking, nature watching and more, even swimming if you can brave the cold Superior temps. Be prepared with all the supplies you need for your stay as the water shuttle only comes to the island a few days a week and once you are there, you are there for the duration, no store or anything on the island. Coming here is a real adventure!

• 

  Mary H.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 25, 2019

  Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park

  Unpretentious and quiet

  We stayed in this rustic campground mid-week in mid-September and were glad to find it wasn't busy or noisy. I think we hit it just right post-summer and pre-autumn colors (although several patches of trees along the way were blazing with fall color!). Loved that it had a 'no generator' side to help with the quiet we were seeking. While I had first booked Site 19 because all the lake sites were taken and I liked its privacy tucked into the woods a bit, we found that it was almost all dirt and, with rain expected, we didn't want to hang out in a mud bowl. We went back to the ranger and he recommended Site 11, which was actually super nice--still somewhat private but also grassy and with a slight view of Lake Superior.  I think 18 would be great, too, if the lake sites are unavailable. All of those looked awesome, with my favorites being #10 and #6. Site 10 was right across from us and was vacant for the majority of our stay, which allowed us to set our chairs on the bluff overlooking the lake and read and enjoy the views. 

  The weather was unseasonably warm for mid-September and Lake Superior was oddly calm. This resulted in some flies, which was a bummer. Every night, though, the winds kicked up around dinner time and they were gone. When they were hanging around, though, (mostly mornings), they made cooking miserable and also the pit toilets buzzed with them, which was not fun. But I think once the autumn temps kick in and the winds sustain a bit, they'd be much less of an issue. 

  The park is in an amazing location, with the Presque Isle River running through it and phenomenal hiking trails/vistas right there. It was also an easy drive to Lake of the Clouds, Summit Peak, and Ontonagon. Just stunning forests, waterfalls, hills and drives and, of course, the incomparable Lake Superior all within easy reach. We also stopped at Bond Falls on our way to the Porkies from the east, which was beautiful. 

  Love the UP; love the remoteness yet accessibility (if that makes sense) of this campground; love tent camping on Lake Superior; love this place.