The Upper Peninsula camping scene offers seasonal variety around Nahma, Michigan. Heavily wooded campsites provide shade during summer's peak temperatures but transform dramatically during autumn color changes. Most campgrounds in the region maintain open status through mid-October, with accessibility depending on road conditions after seasonal rain or early winter weather.
What to do
Night sky viewing: Fayette Historic State Park Campground offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. "Night skies were gorgeous," notes one camper, while another visitor specifically planned their trip around celestial events: "We'll be back for the next New Moon!"
Historic exploration: The 19th-century ghost town at Fayette Historic State Park provides unique after-hours access. "When you camp here you can visit the townsite at night. I'm a photographer and i love the challenge of taking night pictures! I love the history here," writes Brianne M. This differs from daytime exploration, as "although town buildings were locked at night, you could still walk the streets. Spooky but fun!"
Paddling opportunities: Portage Bay State Forest Campground creates ideal conditions for water sports. "Secluded dense wooded area along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, which most sites have a trail leading to. Great spot for any paddling sports in the warmer months," according to Chris F. The shallow, protected bay creates safer paddling conditions than open Lake Michigan.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Indian Lake State Park maintains well-kept bathhouses with modern amenities. "MI state parks generally have great, clean bathrooms, this one included," reports Eric H. Another camper specifically noted the beach house: "The beach house was stunning. There were many picnic tables and seating. It seemed like a great place, not only for lunch, but for crafts or even a nap."
Fishing access: Little Bay De Noc campground provides both shore and boat fishing opportunities. According to one camper, it's a "Good walleye, panfish, and bass fishing spot." Another visitor noted their site allowed multiple activities: "Could fish, swim or do boating from the site."
Waterfront sites: Manistique Lakeshore Campground offers premium lakefront camping with direct water views. "Fantastic little campground right on Lake Michigan. Well kept clean level sites with plenty of space between sites," reports Christian F. For budget-conscious campers seeking water views, one visitor noted, "Although $60 dollars, you can get your own private beach front lot."
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Site spacing differs dramatically between campgrounds. At BayRidge RV Park, "there is a varying amount of site size and privacy between sites," according to one camper. Sites range from extremely private to more communal arrangements.
Cell service limitations: Coverage depends on carrier throughout the region. One visitor to Portage Bay noted, "zero cell service or plugs (that we noticed) so pre download your music/entire entertainment and have battery backups." At BayRidge RV Park, campers report "zero cell service on Verizon and although free WiFi was offered, it was weak and we often had to reconnect."
Insect conditions: Bug populations fluctuate seasonally and by campground. Flowing Well Campground presents particular challenges: "We were instantly swarmed by mosquitoes. I'm not talking like a few, I'm talking a few thousand! It was insane!!!" Visitors should prepare accordingly with appropriate repellents.
Tips for camping with families
Beach selection: Camp Seven Lake Campground provides family-friendly swimming areas. "This is a fabulous campground! The water is clear and warm (perfect lake for swimming) and there is both sand and grassy areas on the fairly large beach," according to Kerri R. The beach also features picnic tables and benches for comfortable family meals.
Educational opportunities: Schedule time for Kitch-iti-kipi Springs near Indian Lake. One camper recommends "Kitch-iti-kipi Springs, Fayette State Historic Park, Canoeing on the Manistique River" as worthwhile family activities, all requiring under an hour drive from campgrounds near Nahma.
Campground activities: Some parks organize children's programs throughout summer. One visitor to Indian Lake noted, "They even do weekly events such as 'Traveling Trivia' for kids," providing built-in entertainment options requiring minimal preparation.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Gladstone Bay Campground requires careful site selection and equipment. "Have plenty of levelling equipment available!! Some are very level, some are not level at all. We were in spot 32 and 4" laterally and 19" longitudinally out of level to start with - at my max hitch jack limit and still 3" nose low," warns Alan B.
Road accessibility: Access routes vary significantly between campgrounds. At Flowing Well, three sites are pull-through, with one camper noting "smaller trailers or RVs should be ok." For Portage Bay, visitors should prepare for "7 miles down a road that quickly shrinks to a one lane dirt and gravel road," making large rig access challenging.
Hookup options: Electric-only sites often provide better views and spacing than full-hookup areas. At Gladstone Bay, "The sites in this section of the campground are very spread out and many have a view of the lake. The full hookup sites are a little more packed together."
