Brevoort Lake Campground offers rustic lakefront camping within the Hiawatha National Forest. Located near Moran, Michigan, this U.S. Forest Service site provides access to lake activities with most sites available May through October. The Upper Peninsula setting combines dense forest surroundings with lakeside opportunities at 672 feet elevation, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions.
What to do
Lake activities on Brevoort Lake: Camping near the lake provides swimming and fishing opportunities. "The lake is beautiful, good for swimming and fishing. The town of Escanaba is nearby with good restaurants and Lake walks," notes a Brevoort Lake Campground visitor. Bring water equipment for full enjoyment of the clear waters.
Explore local hiking trails: Wooded trails offer walking options around campgrounds. "Nice visitor center at Hiawatha National Forest entry. Hiking trails," reports one camper. Most trails remain accessible through mid-October depending on weather conditions.
Visit Mackinac Island: Take a day trip to this car-free island using ferry services. "We took two trips out to Mackinac Island - the ferry companies have free pick up at the KOA," shares a Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping guest. Ferry rides run approximately 30 minutes each way with multiple daily departures.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer tree coverage between sites. At Little Brevort Lake North, "Quiet campground with feeling of privacy due to sites being wooded and spread out. Access to lake and to rustic pit toilets close by," reports a camper. Most sites include fire rings and picnic tables as standard amenities.
Lake Michigan beach access: Direct access to Lake Michigan shoreline provides swimming and sunset viewing. A visitor at Lake Michigan At St. Ignace states, "Beautiful dunes and beach. Traffic noise from highway is an issue." Beach areas typically provide sandy entry points with gradual water depth.
Convenient ferry shuttles: Several campgrounds provide transportation to Mackinac Island ferries. "The shuttle for the island ferry picks you up right at the campground," notes a Tee Pee Campground visitor. These shuttles often include bicycle transport service, eliminating parking concerns.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most glamping facilities and campgrounds operate May through October only. "Open 5/21/2020 - 10/31/2020" applies to many facilities, with peak season in July and August when water temperatures reach their warmest points.
Bathroom facilities vary: Rustic campgrounds typically offer vault toilets without showers. "Bathrooms are stocked by DNR but were FULL of flies. No individual trash cans, dumpster only," reports a Little Brevort Lake North State Forest Campground visitor.
Highway noise impacts some sites: Campgrounds near major roads experience traffic sounds. "The traffic from highway 2 was louder than the waves at the beach," notes one camper. Eastern campsites typically experience less highway noise than those on the western side of most facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Family-friendly campgrounds offer play equipment for children. "This campground is pretty rustic and secluded from other people. If what you're looking for is privacy, you get it here!" shares a Brevoort Lake camper. Most playgrounds cater to ages 4-12 with standard equipment.
Beach swimming conditions: Lake Michigan beaches offer swimming but conditions vary. "The lake was crystal clear and cool water," notes a Castle Rock Lakefront Mackinac Trail Campground visitor. Water temperatures typically reach 65-70°F by mid-July, remaining swimmable through early September.
Campground recreation options: Some facilities provide on-site activities beyond swimming. "They have a nice heated pool for them to swim in. Camping spots are shady. Most are pull through," shares a Mackinaw City KOA visitor. Structured recreation programs operate primarily during peak summer weekends.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up availability: Electrical and water connections vary by campground. "You can have power and water or pull throughs have sewer connections," notes a St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA visitor. Amperage typically ranges from 30-50 amp service with most full-service sites requiring advance reservation.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require leveling equipment for comfortable setup. "In level pull thru overgrown with tree limbs. Cable not working. WiFi not working," warns one RVer. Bringing leveling blocks and extra stabilizers helps manage sloped sites common throughout the region.
Dumping station access: Not all campgrounds provide on-site sanitary disposal. "We had site #9. The site was really nice and had great direct access to the beach," mentions a Lake Michigan At St. Ignace visitor. Public dump stations operate in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace for those staying at rustic campgrounds without this service.
