Best Tent Camping near Keweenaw Bay, MI
Dispersed camping options near Keweenaw Bay, Michigan include Lake Perrault, a free tent camping area with several primitive sites along the shoreline. Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground offers five beachfront tent sites on Lake Superior with vault toilets nearby. Both locations provide opportunities for tent campers seeking more remote experiences away from developed campgrounds, while state forest campgrounds like Emily Lake and Big Lake offer additional tent camping options within driving distance.
Access to Lake Perrault requires navigating a rough dirt road with large potholes, so high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Most dispersed tent campsites feature basic rock fire rings but lack amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, or toilets. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all trash. A review mentioned, "There are a few spots suitable for a small travel trailer, but most of them are better suited to tents." Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground requires permits obtained from Lake Linden about 10 miles west, with limited office hours.
The backcountry tent camping experience in this region offers solitude and natural beauty. Lake Perrault provides lakefront sites with good fishing opportunities and relatively quiet surroundings, though local traffic can be present during peak times. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, Schoolcraft Township sites are "located just behind the beach with a small hill affording a tiny bit of protection from the wind." Late August visitors may find wild blueberries and huckleberries near their tent sites. Weather can change rapidly in the Upper Peninsula, with winter conditions possible as early as mid-October, so tent campers should prepare accordingly. Cell service varies significantly between locations, with some areas offering good coverage while others have minimal or no service.