Christina A.
Scout
ScoutSunset Bay RV Resort and Campground
Amazing view of the sunset!! Rock hunting is cool! Owners are decent.
Tent Camping near Keweenaw Bay, MI
1 campground with availability this weekend
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Tent camping near Keweenaw Bay, Michigan ranges from free primitive shoreline sites to rustic beachfront campgrounds on Lake Superior. Lake Perrault offers several primitive tent campsites along the shoreline at no cost, while Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground provides five beachfront tent sites 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 in this region offers solitude on the Lake Superior shoreline. Lake Perrault provides lakefront tent campsites 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.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Keweenaw Bay (15)
1. Lake Perrault
"Absolutely amazing spring fed lake! Free camping, not sure on the stay limit, a few locals park their campers here all summer."
"Not a whole lot of space/privacy between sites once you enter the camping area, which is the only reason it did not receive 5 stars. Easy to get to and the road seemed well maintained."
2. Ojibwa RV Park
"Campground close to casino and lake Baraga. This is the best campground in the area."
3. Big Lake State Forest Campground
"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. Vault toilets and no shower. Very clean. Boat launch."
"The Michigan State Forest Campgrounds continue to delight us. For $15 a night you can experience camping like I did as a child – simple, unelectrified, and in beautiful outdoor locations."
4. Emily Lake State Forest Campground
"Several great sites to tent camp. Caught some blue gills. Good times"
"You will be able to hear your neighbors."
5. Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness
"Hike in camping"
"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"
6. Point Abbaye County Park
"For most of the warmer months the road is easily passable by most vehicles but there are some areas you may need to navigate around mud puddles."
7. Craig Lake State Park Campground
"The hike-in/paddle in camping spots are equipped with a picnic table and a firepit, everything else is up to you. I have been going here yearly for the last 10ys and absolutely love it! "
"Access is from 41 turn on the gravel road outside Michigamme coming from the East."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $108 / night
8. Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground
"Located on the southern side of the Keweenaw Peninsula just south of the Schoolcraft Township Park on Big Traverse Bay, this rustic campground has 5 huge sites right on Lake Superior."
9. Harts trail camp LLC
10. Paint River Forks NF Campground
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 2 min from Wausau, WI
- 3 hrs 4 min from Green Bay, WI
- 3 hrs 23 min from Appleton, WI
- 3 hrs 39 min from Duluth, MN
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Keweenaw Bay, MI
12 Photos of 15 Keweenaw Bay Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Keweenaw Bay, MI
301 Reviews of 15 Keweenaw Bay Campgrounds
Jay W.
LegendPoint Abbaye County Park
Point Abbaye County Park is located in Baraga County. Be prepared as cellphone service is unreliable here. It is located on the Abbaye Peninsula which offers other camping spots and sandy beaches along the way! If you come into L’Anse Michigan through downtown(Main Street/Skanee Road) continue up the hill out of town. Follow this for about 10miles until you come to Townline Road. Turn left here and go 5miles until you reach Point Abbaye Road. You can only go right here, DO NOT GO STRAIGHT! There should be signs but locals often damage these signs as they don't want visitors. If you follow this road it will take you to the end. It is about a 30 min drive to the end. In the spring Point Abbaye Road can be quite muddy in places. For most of the warmer months the road is easily passable by most vehicles but there are some areas you may need to navigate around mud puddles. Point Abbaye Road is not plowed all the way to the end in winter and drivers should use caution in the late-fall as may become sloppy quickly. Point Abbaye County Park is a mix of forest and rock and pertrudes out into Lake Superior. At the end of the road there is area for parking as well as a picnic area with tables and a well kept outhouse. A short hiking trail is baracaded with rocks to keep vehicles off the hiking trail. This trail takes you to the point.
The view from Point Abbaye is FANTASTIC from the Keweenaw Bay and Peninsula to the Huron Mountains. I have seen high water levels and low water levels here, just be careful! Low water creates steep drops into Lake Superior high water means caution with the waves! On the trail ( Which loops) there are 3 campsites free of charge first come basis. All have a picnic table and make shift fire rings that sit on the shore of Lake Superior 2 on the North side and 1 on the South. It is a short walk back to the parking area if you need to use the restroom or throw out your trash. just remember this is rustic camping at its finest and please leave no trace when visiting!
Juliana J.
RangerLake Perrault
Quiet, Clean and Beautiful
Beautiful lakefront camping with a few spots to choose from. Not a whole lot of space/privacy between sites once you enter the camping area, which is the only reason it did not receive 5 stars. Easy to get to and the road seemed well maintained. Verizon service was available.
- CCarmen S.Scout
Agate Beach Park Campground
Agate Beach
Nice quiet campground right on Lake Superior No electric sites
- rrichard D.
GuideLake Ste. Kathryn Campground
Beautiful in autumn
This is a typical national forest primitive campground. For me, it was the perfect middle point while driving along the seven hour plane crash trail. The sites along the lake are really beautiful. I did see a fifth-wheel camper at one of the sites so larger trailers can fit at some sites. Most sites are level but a few aren’t.
I could not find this campground in recreation.gov, so it may be first come first serve only, not sure.
There are pit toilets and hand pumps for potable water.
It’s $22 per night unless you have a senior pass, etc. they use the honor system so there is no one here at the pay station.
There are 24 sites and counting me there was only three or four in use on a Sunday night.
Ada R.GuideBrasswire Campground
Simple county campground
Nice grassy areas around spacious sites, though no trees or shrubbery between sites. Clean toilets and access to multiple trails in the adjacent forest.
- MMathew S.Guide
Lake Perrault
Decent Campsite for Free
Not a bad site but nothing special, a few clearly designated sites but mostly just open area by the lake. Nothing to complain about, it’s just not a site I’d spend much time at, great for a quick stay if you’re exploring the area and need a place to post up for a night or two.
Meghan B.LegendKing Lake State Forest Campground
King Lake State Forest Campground
Six FCFS sites make up this little slice of paradise. We arrived late afternoon on a Wednesday in mid-September and only two sites (Sites 1 and 3) were still available. Of the two, we chose Site 3, which sits up on a small hill overlooking the lake. It has a beautiful view and a short, somewhat steep path down to the boat launch. Sites 4 and 5 are the prime spots though, situated right on the lake and offering the best access to the water. The campground filled up on Thursday. After the crowds left on Sunday, we were finally able to grab one of the two lakefront sites--Site 5.
Pretty good privacy between most sites, but sound carries in this small loop. Two vault toilets. Currently $20/night. Okay cell service, surprisingly.
A small, peaceful campground with a beautiful setting made for tenters and small trailers—definitely worth getting there early if you want one of the best sites!
Just a heads up, Google Maps couldn't figure out the proper way to get here (from Marquette way, King Lake Road off of US-41). Our Garmin actually knew the best route in this instance. I recommend double-checking your route before heading this way.
- GGayle B.Guide
Agate Beach Park Campground
Busy little park
This is a very busy campground as it is in a popular park. But it still was quiet and peaceful. The bathrooms were very clean, and well maintained. I will definitely add this park to my return to list!
Guide to Keweenaw Bay
Dispersed camping near Keweenaw Bay in Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers secluded tent sites at elevations between 600-1,200 feet above sea level. The region experiences dramatic seasonal shifts with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F while winter brings heavy lake effect snow from November through April. Primitive camping options range from waterfront locations to forested sites with varied terrain.
What to do
Fishing for smallmouth bass: Craig Lake State Park Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities with one camper noting, "The lake has fantastic fishing for smallmouth, northern pike, crappie, walleye, and the occasional musky." Pack appropriate fishing gear and license.
Hiking the North Country Trail: The trail system connects multiple camping areas in the region. At Craig Lake State Park Campground, "North Country Trail skirts the lake and there are additional trails that branch on and off it, including trails that go all the way around."
Wildlife viewing: The Keweenaw Peninsula offers diverse wildlife spotting opportunities. One visitor to Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness mentioned, "Remote and not well traveled. I highly recommend heading over to nearby Silver Mountain."
What campers like
Natural water features: Many campers appreciate the river access at certain sites. A visitor to Burned Dam Campground shared, "Camp is right on a river and the rapids will draw you in. Follow the trail 20 yards and you can find a variety of boulders or logs to perch upon."
Secluded camping experience: For those seeking quiet tent camping, the more remote options stand out. At Emily Lake State Forest Campground, one camper explained, "Great view down a small hill at the back of the site. You will be able to hear your neighbors."
Foraging opportunities: Wild edibles add to the camping experience in late summer. At Big Lake State Forest Campground, campers enjoy "browsing deer and pheasants" in the "marvelous pine meadows and wetlands" surrounding the campground.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many dispersed camping areas require navigating challenging roads. At Lake Perrault, a camper warned, "Though this is definitely a local hangout, with trucks coming in and out almost all day and late into the night, everyone was respectful and quiet, and it was really peaceful overnight."
Winter arrives early: The Upper Peninsula transitions to winter quickly. A camper at Big Lake State Forest Campground reported, "In mid-October, we woke up to full on winter one morning, so be prepared for anything in the shoulder season."
Cell service inconsistency: Connectivity varies widely between sites. Paint River Forks Campground has very limited connectivity with one camper rating "Cell service is 1/10" while others report good service elsewhere.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for safety: When camping with children, choose established sites with basic facilities. One visitor to Emily Lake State Forest Campground noted, "Several great sites to tent camp. Caught some blue gills. Good times."
Activity planning: During summer months, family-friendly options include swimming and fishing. Big Lake State Forest Campground offers "a small beach" where campers enjoyed "listening to the sandhill cranes every morning."
Bug preparation essential: The region has significant insect activity. A camper at Burned Dam Campground warned, "BUGS. this campground was FULL of mosquitos and biting flies. Even with bug spray, the assault was nonstop. Bring a screen-printing popup shelter with you or you will suffer."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations for vehicles: Most dispersed camping areas near Keweenaw Bay have significant limitations for larger vehicles. Lake Perrault campers noted that while "There are a few spots suitable for a small travel trailer" most sites "are better suited to tents."
Clearance requirements: Many access roads require higher clearance vehicles. At Paint River Forks NF Campground, the best tent camping near Keweenaw Bay for RVs includes "5 or so campsites" that are accessible via "just a mile or so down the dirt road."
Seasonal considerations: RV campers should avoid late season camping when roads become treacherous. The best tent camping near Keweenaw Bay, Michigan for RVs typically runs from late May through early October before winter conditions make access difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Keweenaw Bay, MI?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Keweenaw Bay, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Keweenaw Bay, MI is Lake Perrault with a 4.2-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Keweenaw Bay, MI?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Keweenaw Bay, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Keweenaw Bay, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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