1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula near Mohawk, Michigan offer secluded wilderness experiences along Lake Superior and inland forest lakes. Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground provides beachfront tent camping with five spacious sites directly on Lake Superior's shoreline, while Lake Perrault offers dispersed tent camping options approximately 20 miles southwest of Mohawk with lakeside sites in a more remote setting.
Most tent sites in the region are rustic with minimal amenities. At Schoolcraft Township, campers must obtain permits in Lake Linden before arrival, with limited office hours requiring advance planning. Sites typically include basic fire rings but few other services. The Lake Perrault access road features significant potholes requiring slow driving, with several visitors noting the rough entry conditions. Most dispersed camping areas lack bathroom facilities, drinking water, or trash collection. Permits are required at several locations, including the remote Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay camping area, where high-clearance 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended.
Tent campers in the Mohawk region experience true wilderness with sites positioned on natural terrain, often with direct water access. The campgrounds provide excellent bases for hiking, fishing, and exploring the Keweenaw Peninsula. Emily Lake State Forest Campground, located south of Mohawk, offers tent camping with vault toilets and hand-pumped water from May through November. Big Lake State Forest Campground provides another option with spacious, private sites and boat access. A visitor to Lake Perrault noted, "Nice small lake, easy access from the main road. It's a dispersed area with some sites with fire pits that are cleared and open for camping, maybe about 6 spots or so." Campers frequently report abundant wildlife, including deer sightings, sandhill cranes, and excellent fishing opportunities at many of the lakes.
"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."
"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."
"The nearby town of Copper Harbor is very cute. Check out Jamsen's Bakery for some delicious donuts! You can buy a state park pass at the nearby Fort Wilkins Historic State Park if you need one."
"Started out right next to the water, so close that the wave spray was hitting the camper, but ended up moving as the winds off the lake reached 30 mph that night!"
"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."
"Several great sites to tent camp. Caught some blue gills. Good times"
"You will be able to hear your neighbors."
"Campground close to casino and lake Baraga. This is the best campground in the area."
"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."
"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."
from $20 - $108 / night
"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"
ScoutIdk if we hit the most busy weekend, but the campground was so over crowded, people all over the place, our site was almost smaller then our car... and someone got hit crossing the bridge next to our site. Showers were flooded. It happened to be a very rough weekend to camp there.
ScoutAmazing view of the sunset!! Rock hunting is cool! Owners are decent.
LegendPoint 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!
RangerBeautiful 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.
ScoutNice quiet campground right on Lake Superior No electric sites
GuideHad all the amenities. No cell coverage but slooooooooowwwwww WiFi. Location is everything. Amazing place.
GuideThe a large primitive campground located very near copper Harbor in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Although it is very close to Lake superior, you cannot see it from anywhere in the campground. There is a large man-made pond at the center of the campground. The best part of this campground is its location. With easy access to High Rock Bay and Brockway Mountain overlook, and lots of places to go trail riding with your 4x4.
We were there for KOAR 2026 sponsored by Northology. It was a blast and the campground worked very well for that purpose.
The grounds are kept in good condition and the pit toilets were clean. It looks like they are installing another pit toilet now.
I have included some pictures from the general area around Copper Harbor that we visited.
GuideNot 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.
GuideThis 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!
Tent camping options near Mohawk, Michigan concentrate in the western Upper Peninsula's forested terrain, where elevations range from 600 to 1,000 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures regularly drop below 0°F, while summer highs typically reach the mid-70s. Most dispersed sites lack amenities and require visitors to pack out all trash, with many access roads remaining unplowed during winter months.
Fishing opportunities: Big Lake State Forest Campground provides boat access directly from the campground for anglers. One camper noted, "The lake was nice and there was a small beach. Enjoyed listening to the sandhill cranes every morning."
Wilderness hiking: Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness offers challenging terrain with significant elevation changes. A visitor described the experience: "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!"
Kayaking and paddling: Craig Lake State Park maintains a motor-free lake perfect for non-motorized watercraft. A visitor explained, "Access is from 41 turn on the gravel road outside Michigamme coming from the East. Do not recommend coming or going from the access road on the west... it's a VERY bumpy road."
Remote solitude: Most sites at Big Lake State Forest Campground provide substantial privacy. A camper mentioned, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Emily Lake State Forest Campground offers encounters with local wildlife in a secluded setting. A visitor reported, "Several great sites to tent camp. Caught some blue gills. Good times."
Waterfront locations: The best tent camping near Mohawk, Michigan often includes direct water access. One camper at Craig Lake State Park shared, "So amazing - I almost want to give this campground one star and discourage people because it is so amazing, and I'm selfish. For someone who GREATLY values hidden gems where you can get really out and remote, this place is a an absolute heavenly oasis."
Road conditions: Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay requires appropriate vehicles for access. A visitor warned, "DO NOT BRING A STANDARD CAR DOWN HERE! Road was incredibly rough and no cell service. That being said, risking my lifted 4WD SUV was well worth it."
Camping logistics: Many sites require permits obtained in advance. At Lake Perrault, a visitor described the situation: "Nice small lake, easy access from the main road. Road to the lake isn't paved and there are huge potholes so go slow. A couple of the campers looked like they're long-termers, but there was still plenty of room."
Site selection timing: During peak summer months, arrive early to secure preferred locations. At Big Lake, one visitor observed, "Recent logging removed some of the charm. This area is being logged so many trees are gone. This makes it less pleasant now but that will change over time."
Accessibility considerations: When camping with children, check road conditions before departure. At Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, the terrain presents challenges: "Remote and not well traveled. I highly recommend heading over to nearby Silver Mountain."
Water safety precautions: Lakes in the Mohawk region vary in temperature throughout the season. A Craig Lake visitor noted, "Here in late July and lake was quite warm, not sure I'd trust it to be swimmers itch free. I suspect it's a shallow lake."
Wildlife education opportunities: Lake Perrault offers chances to observe local fauna. One camper shared their experience: "There was some strong winds when I was there" while another mentioned, "Some interesting animal calls overnight as well. There was good cell reception for Verizon and ATT."
Site selection for larger vehicles: Most dispersed camping near Mohawk cannot accommodate large RVs. At Lake Perrault, a visitor observed, "There are a few spots suitable for a small travel trailer, but most of them are better suited to tents."
Supply planning: No hookups exist at most sites, requiring self-sufficiency. For the Keweenaw Peninsula, one camper advised, "Make sure to check the weather before you go. If it had rained overnight, I probably wouldn't have been able to make it out."
Season considerations: Many forest roads become impassable during spring thaw or after heavy rain. A Big Lake camper warned, "In mid-October, we woke up to full on winter one morning, so be prepared for anything in the shoulder season."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mohawk, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mohawk, MI is Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mohawk, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Mohawk, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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