The camping spots near Kinross, Michigan range from shoreline sites with freighter views to inland lake campgrounds with swimming beaches. Within Hiawatha National Forest, many rustic sites feature hand-pumped water and limited cell service. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, with summer highs averaging in the 70s.
What to do
Watch freighters: At Aune-Osborn Campground, campers can observe massive ships navigating the St. Mary's River just downstream of the Soo Locks. "There isn't a lot to do in the park but watch the freighters but that's why we wanted to go. Minutes to town and the locks, tours and more," notes one visitor.
Explore waterfalls: Rivermouth Modern Campground provides access to Tahquamenon Falls with convenient trail connections. "The trails are paved so it's an easy walk," reports a camper. Rivermouth is "about a 20-30 minute drive to the main Tahquamenon Falls State Park."
Paddle inland lakes: Monocle Lake offers protected waters for kayaking and canoeing away from Lake Superior's sometimes rough conditions. A visitor noted the lake is "good for kayaking and paddling" with "clean beach and good water for bathing/swimming."
View the Mackinac Bridge: From Straits State Park, hikers can access multiple viewpoints of the iconic bridge. "There is an easy trail through the park that takes you to two overlooks," explains a camper who visited in 2025.
What campers like
Beach access: Bay View Campground offers prime Lake Superior shoreline with sandy beaches. "Enjoyed this clean campground with beach access at gorgeous Lake Superior. Camp host was very friendly and helpful. Firewood was available at campsite," mentions one reviewer who visited in 2022.
Privacy between sites: At Monocle Lake Campground, "sites are far from each other" and many are "backed up against the woods, away from everyone else," according to visitors. One camper specifically recommended "site 24, which was big, backed up against the woods, away from everyone else."
Clean facilities: Brimley State Park maintains well-kept bathrooms and showers. A reviewer described them as "nice and clean" and noted the park is "very close to a lot of cool things to go sightseeing."
Fishing opportunities: Search Bay offers shoreline fishing spots with multiple established sites along the water. "Tons of sites here and most are easily accessible with just about any car," reports a 2025 visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds close between October and May. "Be careful when selecting your site as there are many different sizes and some pull through sites as well. Water is throughout the park, but the only threaded faucets are at the dump station where you can fill up when you pull in," advises a Brimley State Park visitor.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense, particularly in forested areas. A Search Bay camper plainly stated it was "mosquito heaven," adding "if you go there it's mostly cedar and the swarms of skeeters are pretty bad."
Cell service reliability: Service varies significantly by location. At Monocle Lake, visitors report "pretty good AT&T service (3 bars) for the UP," while other forest campgrounds have minimal connectivity.
Water sources: Many rustic campgrounds have limited water access. At Reddmann's Sleepy Hollow, campers explain there is "no water at site but pit toilets and a well to fill receptacles."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Straits State Park offers structured activities for children. "Ranger programs for kids, nice playground," notes a visitor who ranked it as a favorite camping spot.
Easy swimming options: Brimley State Park provides safe swimming conditions for children. "The swimming is some of the best with a nice sandy bottom and no rocks," according to visitors.
Community resources: Bay Mills Casino RV Campground offers full hookups and amenities when weather turns poor. A visitor mentioned "clean, full or partial hook-ups and the price for $20 (partial hook-up) is a value." Another noted the campground has "free cable TV and wifi antennas every couple hundred feet."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds around Kinross provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "It's pet friendly and [has] freighter watching," notes an Aune-Osborn visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Most forest service campgrounds have tight access roads. At Monocle Lake, visitors caution "most bigger Campers and RVs can't stay here. There are many trees too close to roadways for turning corners, and many branches are hanging low overhead."
Hookup placement: At Aune-Osborn Campground, RV campers should be prepared for oddly placed utilities. "Some of the hook-ups at sites are crazy. Our water was nearly 50 feet away and some are on the wrong side."
Road conditions: Bay Mills RV Park offers level sites suitable for larger rigs. A visitor with a 46' fifth wheel reported the campground "fit our 46' fifth wheel with ease."
Seasonal sites: Casino campgrounds tend to remain open longer than state or forest service options. One Bay Mills visitor noted camping there in October when many other sites had closed for the season.
