Best Campgrounds near Naubinway, MI

Campgrounds near Naubinway, Michigan feature a mix of state forest and national forest sites along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior shorelines. Hog Island Point State Forest Campground offers primitive lakeside camping with direct access to Lake Michigan beaches, while Black River State Forest Campground provides more secluded woodland sites. The area includes both developed facilities with modern amenities and rustic camping areas with minimal services. Most campgrounds accommodate tent camping, with several also supporting RVs, and a few offering cabin rentals at locations like Wilderness State Park and Newberry Campground.

Access to many camping areas requires travel on gravel or dirt roads, particularly for more remote state forest campgrounds. "We showed up late Wednesday morning and just perfectly timed it when a couple had been packing up their camp, as there are only 6 or so sites and all were full," noted one camper about a nearby site. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October, though some remain open year-round with reduced services in winter. Cell phone coverage is limited or nonexistent at more remote locations, particularly at sites like Mouth of Two Hearted River and Reed & Green Bridge campgrounds. Visitors should be prepared for mosquitoes and black flies, especially during summer months, and should check ahead for potable water availability as many rustic sites offer only hand pumps or no water service.

Waterfront camping represents the most sought-after experience in the region, with Lake Michigan and Lake Superior sites receiving consistently high ratings. A visitor commented that Hog Island Point State Forest Campground "was clean. The sites were spaced out perfectly. Our site was just steps from Lake Michigan. Others were tucked in the woods." Campers frequently mention the spectacular sunsets and beach access as highlights of their stays. More secluded forest campgrounds offer greater privacy but may have more issues with insects. Wildlife viewing opportunities include black bears, particularly in the eastern portion of the Upper Peninsula. Campgrounds closer to St. Ignace provide views of the Mackinac Bridge, while those farther north offer more remote experiences with fewer amenities but greater solitude.

Best Camping Sites Near Naubinway, Michigan (115)

    1. Hog Island Point State Forest Campground

    17 Reviews
    Naubinway, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 635-5281

    $15 / night

    "Our site was just steps from Lake Michigan. Others were tucked in the woods. The out house was clean and we’ll stocked. There was a pump for water but no electricity."

    "the spots on Lake Michigan are the best, if you are in the wooded sites it can be buggy, can have secluded spots with paths right out to the lake"

    2. Big Knob State Forest Campground

    11 Reviews
    Naubinway, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 635-5281

    "Rustic campground along the shores of Lake Michigan. 23 sites. Hand pump for water available. Beautiful spot on Lake Michigan with no signs of life for miles down the beach. Pets are welcome."

    "Sites are a little small, and are moderately close to other sites. heavily wooded makes it feel cozy. Some sites have "private" trails to the beach, approximately 50-75yrds away."

    3. Black River State Forest Campground

    2 Reviews
    Naubinway, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 635-5281

    "Pretty cramped and not next to anything. It was okay."

    "It was bit of a drive about 3 miles north of highway 2 but it's worth it if you are looking for peace and quiet. Primative and private, there are no dumpsters or trash receptacles here."

    4. Wilderness State Park Camping

    77 Reviews
    Cross Village, MI
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 436-5381

    "Pretty secluded campsites with trees surrounding each site. Private little sandy trail from the site down to Lake Michigan allows for good distancing from others. Can’t beat the sunsets."

    "You are within walking distance of Lake Michigan and the beach is nice and sandy. The sites are well maintained but there is not much distance between them so be prepared for that."

    5. Newberry Campground

    6 Reviews
    Newberry, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 293-5762

    "The staff was very friendly and they actually had campsites that were more private then almost all the Michigan state parks we have stayed at."

    "Easy drive to the falls, nice clean grounds, and right next to ATV trails"

    6. Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

    2 Reviews
    Naubinway, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 635-5281

    "Decent fishing on the lake."

    7. Brevoort Lake Campground

    18 Reviews
    Moran, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 203-9872

    $26 - $48 / night

    "Very nice lakeside campsites. Little on the pricey side for me. Edging a little bit towards the style of the Michigan state parks, which isn't my scene."

    "We choose this campground for its close-ish proximity to St. Ignace and the Labor Day Bridge Walk."

    8. Straits State Park Campground

    75 Reviews
    St. Ignace, MI
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 643-8620

    $22 - $42 / night

    "We reserved site 83A for our family of 5. we were in close proximity to the newly constructed bathhouse complete with dish washing stations. it was a full campground on the Friday night that we were there"

    "The Straits State Park in Michigan's Upper Penninsula sits on the North end of the Mackinaw Bridge in St. Ignace."

    9. Epoufette Bay Campground

    3 Reviews
    Naubinway, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 292-5517

    "Lake Michigan kayak access but too overgrown for a boat."

    10. Lower Falls Campground — Tahquamenon Falls State Park

    57 Reviews
    Paradise, MI
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 492-3415

    $28 - $32 / night

    "Showers and a modern toilet are available in the modern portion of the campground which is a short walk through a playground and separating trees."

    "A must if you live in Michigan. Portage camp is a walk from the lower falls. Brand new and clean bathrooms. Sewage dump is a mile at hemlock camp. Get water there before you go to your site."

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Recent Reviews near Naubinway, MI

848 Reviews of 115 Naubinway Campgrounds


  • Dan H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Big Knob State Forest Campground

    Nice away from it all

    Great, site 5 does not have a picnic table. Sites are large, varied, some not too level, $20, envelope system.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Tee Pee Campground

    Fine for the area

    It’s a basic public campground in a busy town. Not much privacy and plenty of drunk RV’ers but I found a nice spot and had a good night. I found a nice long trail to hike that started in town.

  • Lindsey R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Seney Township Campground

    Nice little Spot

    After a sleepless night previously we needed a quiet spot. This filled the bill! Just 2 miles off the East West Rt 28 in middle of UP it was convenient and quiet. Even had 20 Amp or a less crowded park like site also available. Vault toilets too. Needed a bit of cleaning. But a great quiet ( though the electric side of park mostly filled) place to park for night.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Carp River Boat Launch

    Free place to park, no trash, no water, no gray dump.

    This place has a lot of people driving through it, but it's a nice place to park. The beach smells like fish, but overall it's pretty nice.

  • Robert M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground

    The Campground is 5-star but getting there is another matter.

    Two-Hearted is a 5-star, rustic campground, with easy access to the water including a boat launch; for hikers, there is also access to the "North Country Trail". The sites have ample space with a firepit and picnic table. The privies were clean and well-kept as is the whole campground, and potable water is available. There is a scenic foot bridge over river. It is a short walk from any campsite to the river, or Lake Superior at the river’s mouth with fantastic sunsets from the beach. 

    There was a friendly host when we were there. He was heading out one morning and offered to shuttle us and our kayaks to point where we had a nice paddle back to the campground. I had to slip a twenty into the console of his pick-up as he refused any in-hand donation for his gesture.

     ANOTHER MATTER.

    Unless you enjoy extreme vibration, the journey to the campground is quite a trial, as are all dirt roads in the area. You may want to acquire an athletic mouth guard, because the deep ripple of the washboard road surface creates a teeth-chattering ride. I don’t know if that depends on the time of the year. My, “I survived the road to Crisp Point” decal was well earned, and I should have received the same in regard to the 2-Hearted River.  I had to replace 4 self-threading bolts that vibrated out of my kayak trailer, luckily, they weren't securing anything structural. You should also keep an eye out for sand traps. It took the removal of my kayak trailer, some foot scraping and brush beneath my rear wheels for me to get me out of one.

    When traveling in this area I strongly recommend a good map that shows and identifies each county road. Do not rely on Google maps as it can send you in the wrong direction, that’s how I ended up way out at Crisp Point. (Although the lighthouse was nice.) Google is also good at directing you down, what I would describe as trails that don't deserve their road names, more suitable for off-road vehicles, preferably dirt bikes. 

    The landscape in this is area is kind of spooky, a ghost forest, thanks to a wildfire a few years back. 

    This was one of the early adventures with my 18’ Class-B camper van.

  • Evgeniy D.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Wilderness State Park Camping

    Clean, rustic, beautiful

    The staff member at check-in was very pleasant even though it was past her shift time. Stayed at walk-in site 113. It was clean and had sufficient privacy especially with site 114 being vacant. Vault toilet was clean and not far.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Manistique Lakeshore Campground

    Clean, well-kept campground

    The campground itself is very nice, with concrete pads and very clean. I'm only giving it lower stars for two reasons. First the "lake view" sites don't actually have a view of the lake unless you count being able to see between a few branches. Second, the beach is way too polluted to use. There must be a paper mill or some other wood processing plant near by because the beach and the water filled with ground up wood shavings piled in every direction. We brought our kayaks but there was no way you could go in the water. However, if you just ignore the lake, it is a very nice campground.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    East Branch of Fox River State Forest Campground

    Spacious

    Found on way to another campsite. Large sites with plenty of flat ground for tenting. Think there were 19 primitive sites in total. There’s a water pump but no electrical. Each site has a picnic table and a fire pit. Does technically require a Michigan recreation passport ($40 out of state annual, $11 out of state daily, or $12 in state annual) and a $20 campsite fee but did not appear to be enforced late in the season when I was there.

  • J
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Castle Rock Ponds

    Perfect Hidden Gem

    We came in Mid September, the weather was still warm but 60/70. No bathrooms or hook ups, but perfect for tent or car campers. There was one other camper with a pop up camper and looked to be doing great. The road was long but worth the drive back!


Guide to Naubinway

Camping near Naubinway, Michigan centers on Lake Michigan's northern shoreline in the Upper Peninsula. The area sits at a relatively low elevation of 600-700 feet above sea level, with a humid continental climate that brings warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Most state forest campgrounds in this region operate without reservation systems, requiring campers to self-register upon arrival with payment envelopes at information kiosks.

What to do

Lake Michigan fishing: Access at Hog Island Point State Forest Campground where shallow waters extend hundreds of feet from shore. "This campground is amazing! It is primitive with vault toilets and well water - no showers but you are right on the shores of Lake Michigan," explains one visitor who appreciated the direct water access.

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing: Winter activities at Lower Falls Campground — Tahquamenon Falls State Park offer quiet winter exploration. The park maintains several miles of winter trails. "Snowmobiled, snowshoed, hiked, cross countries, oh and nice waterfalls," notes a winter visitor who enjoyed multiple cold-weather activities.

Stargazing: Limited light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "Simply the best experience short of backpacking," mentions a camper who enjoyed river views and dark skies. The area between Naubinway and Paradise offers some of the darkest night skies in the Lower Peninsula, with minimal commercial development.

What campers like

Waterfront privacy: Lake Michigan sites with natural screening. "The spots on Lake Michigan are the best, if you are in the wooded sites it can be buggy, can have secluded spots with paths right out to the lake," explains a camper at Hog Island Point. Many waterfront sites include natural vegetation barriers between sites.

Uncrowded beaches: Big Knob State Forest Campground offers secluded shoreline access. "There are 2 or 3 vault toilets around the campground. Sites 3-7 have a path to the Lake Michigan beach, which takes less than 2 minutes to get to. The water is calm over here, and cannot be heard from the campground. NO ONE was on the beach when I visited," reports one camper.

Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds report regular sightings of deer, eagles, and waterfowl. "This campground offers awesome views of Lake Michigan from the U.P. I camped here on a night where I could hear storms rolling over the lake which was pretty neat to fall asleep to," notes a visitor to Hog Island Point, highlighting how natural sounds enhance the experience.

What you should know

Self-registration required: Most state forest campgrounds operate on first-come basis. "This is a first come/self check in campground. We were able to snag a site right on the lake by arriving in the morning as several campers were leaving," explains a visitor at Hog Island Point. Arrive before noon midweek for best site selection.

Limited amenities: Garnet Lake State Forest Campground represents the typical basic setup. "This small campground on Garnet lake was a nice surprise. No hookups but there are widely spaced, level sites ringing the lake. It was a pleasant place to spend a night for $10," notes one camper about the value and simplicity.

Road conditions: Access roads to remote campgrounds deteriorate after rain. "Long drive off HW2, felt longer than 6 miles. Sites are small but some to back up to Lake Michigan but not flat," reports a camper about Big Knob State Forest Campground. Most access roads remain unpaved and subject to seasonal maintenance.

Seasonal crowds: July and August weekends fill quickly at all lakeside sites. "It takes about 20 minutes from the main road to the campground, and the road is gravel with some pot holes," writes one visitor about Big Knob access, indicating that more remote locations may require additional travel time but provide more availability.

Tips for camping with families

Playground options: Newberry Campground offers family-friendly facilities. "Been here twice now. Always a quiet and beautiful stay. There's a playground a pool for kids. Large wooded sites and friendly staff," reports a family who visited the campground. The heated pool operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Beach selection: Choose sites with gradual water entry for safer swimming. "This is my son and mines new favorite getaway...quite, clean and peaceful!" shares a parent about Hog Island Point. Water temperatures remain cool even in summer, rarely exceeding 65°F.

Wildlife education: Morning beach walks reveal tracks and signs. "We camped here on a night where I could hear storms rolling over the lake which was pretty neat to fall asleep to," mentions a camper who enjoyed natural elements that can engage children's interest. Local rangers sometimes conduct nature programs during peak summer weekends.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Bring extra blocks for uneven terrain. "Small state campground right on Lake Michigan. Rustic sites with pit toilets and water," explains an RVer about Hog Island Point, noting the basic amenities. Most sites require some leveling, especially those closer to lakeshores.

Cell service considerations: Brevoort Lake Campground offers better connectivity than most. "We did have cell service but not enough to really do anything with," notes a camper about a different remote location. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, with Verizon typically providing the most consistent coverage.

Size restrictions: Many forest roads limit larger rigs. "It's a rustic campground far off the beaten path, about 6 miles of a country road. Vault toilets were pretty clean and there was a path to access the beach," reports a visitor about navigating the access roads. Most state forest campgrounds accommodate RVs up to 32 feet, though some sites can handle slightly larger rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What outdoor activities can you do while camping in Naubinway, MI?

Naubinway's pristine natural setting offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Water enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, fishing, and paddling at Little Brevort Lake North State Forest Campground, which features a non-motorized boat launch perfect for kayaking around the lake. For beachcombing and spectacular sunsets, Lake Michigan At St. Ignace provides gorgeous shoreline access where you can watch both sunset and moonrise over the water. Hiking trails weave throughout the region, offering opportunities to explore dense forests and lakeshores. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with chances to spot deer, eagles, and various waterfowl. The area is also ideal for stargazing due to minimal light pollution, and during winter months, activities expand to include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.

Where are the best camping spots in Naubinway, MI?

Naubinway offers several excellent camping options along the stunning Upper Peninsula shoreline. Hog Island Point State Forest Campground provides clean, primitive sites with perfect spacing—some just steps from Lake Michigan and others tucked into the woods. For lakeside camping, Black River State Forest Campground near Naubinway offers basic amenities including water and toilets while accommodating larger vehicles. Other notable options include Garnet Lake State Forest Campground for a more secluded experience and Epoufette Bay Campground for a variety of access options (drive-in, boat-in, and walk-in sites). Each provides a unique UP camping experience with varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites to those with more facilities.

When is the best time of year to camp in Naubinway, MI?

The prime camping season in Naubinway runs from late May through early October when temperatures are most comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer (June-August) brings warm days (70s-80s°F) and cool evenings, making it ideal for swimming and water sports at places like Brevoort Lake Campground. Early fall (September-early October) offers spectacular foliage and fewer crowds at destinations such as Wilderness State Park Camping, where you'll find more privacy and brilliant autumn colors. Even during peak summer season, many Upper Peninsula campgrounds remain less crowded than those in lower Michigan, especially on weekdays. For the best combination of pleasant weather and availability, consider visiting in early June or after Labor Day when temperatures remain comfortable but the summer vacation crowds have diminished.