State forest campgrounds provide the best tent camping near Naubinway, Michigan for campers seeking remote experiences. Most sites lack electricity and modern conveniences but offer prime fishing access at lakefront locations throughout Lake Superior State Forest. The region contains multiple small lakes connected by portage trails, creating an interconnected network for paddlers and anglers across generally sandy soil.
What to do
Fishing the Two Hearted River: Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground connects directly to Lake Superior and offers excellent angling opportunities. "The North Country Trail runs right through the campground, there is a boat launch suitable for small boats and kayaks... The fishing opportunities here are equally amazing with brook trout and steelhead in the river and lake trout, steelhead and salmon in the lake, just to name a few," notes camper Samantha B.
Kayaking between lakes: Pretty Lake State Forest Campground serves as a paddling hub with trails connecting to multiple nearby waters. "This campground has 18 sites, lots of little walking paths, as well as hiking trails that lead you to other nearby lakes that don't have access for vehicles. Those other lakes also allow for hike-in camping for a more remote setting," reports Tyler N. The campground sits within the Pretty Lake Quiet Area which prohibits motorized watercraft.
Swimming in Lake Superior: The beaches around Naubinway offer summer swimming opportunities despite cold water temperatures. "We really enjoyed the lake, the water is beautiful," writes Andrea B. about nearby Luce County Park. The shallow entry points warm more quickly than deeper sections, making late July through August the most comfortable swimming period.
What campers like
Sunset views: Lake Superior State Forest Campground offers direct beach access with spectacular evening skies. "You will not find a better place for sunrises and sunsets. Also, on clear nights, Star Gazing is Fantastic. I have never seen so many stars at one time as I did along Lake Superior," explains Michael C. Most lakefront sites have unobstructed western views across the water.
Wildlife encounters: The forests around Naubinway harbor diverse animal populations including bears, deer and smaller mammals. "When leaving in the morning we stumbled upon a black bear sow and her two cubs in the middle of the road. Pure Michigan goodness!" reports Madison D. about Lake Superior State Forest Campground. Most wildlife sightings occur at dawn and dusk.
Spacious campsites: East Branch of Fox River State Forest Campground provides generous tent spaces with privacy. "Large sites with plenty of flat ground for tenting. Think there were 19 primitive sites in total," notes Kevin D. The campsites feature a mix of sun and shade with most offering partial tree cover.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require traveling unpaved roads with varying conditions. "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," warns Robert M. about access to Two Hearted River campground.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds with most having minimal or no reception. At South Gemini Lake, "AT&T was too spotty for internet use (around 2 bars, 3 at best)," according to Nikki P. Verizon sometimes performs better with campers reporting: "Verizon doesn't get data but at least one bar to send SMS messages" at Lake Superior State Forest Campground.
Map requirements: GPS and online maps often provide unreliable navigation to remote campgrounds. "Do not rely on Google maps as it can send you in the wrong direction... Google is also good at directing you down, what I would describe as trails that don't deserve their road names," cautions Robert M. Physical county road maps remain essential for navigating to many sites.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible water sites: Garnet Lake State Forest Campground offers child-friendly lakefront options. "Great little campground. A few campsites on the water. Sites are spaced out decent and plenty of privacy. Vault toilets were clean and stocked. Decent fishing on the lake," reports Mike K. The lake has gradual-entry shores suitable for younger children.
Bring insect protection: Mosquito populations peak from June through August, particularly near water. "However the mosquitoes are quite rough. If you plan on doing any of the hiking trails you'll definitely need a bug net by far none," warns Christopher L. about Pretty Lake. Bug nets, repellent, and long sleeves remain essential even during mid-summer.
Pack drinking water: Not all campgrounds provide potable water sources. "No hookups but there are widely spaced, level sites ringing the lake. It was a pleasant place to spend a night for $10," notes Eddie N. about Garnet Lake which lacks drinking water. Visitors should bring 1-2 gallons per person per day during summer months.
Tips for RVers
Size restrictions: Most state forest campgrounds accommodate smaller trailers only with limited turning radius. "We loved this as a stop for Pictured Rocks/Tahquamenon Falls, but we had no idea it was off a dirt road. It's a few miles on the dirt road to get to," explains Ysabelle Y. about Lake Superior State Forest Campground, which can handle smaller RVs despite access challenges.
Limited hookups: Naubinway area campgrounds typically provide no electrical connections or water hookups. "It's a rustic campground about halfway between Seney and Grand Marias, so there is no cell phone service at all there," explains Maria L. about East Branch of Fox River campground. Generators should not be used in most state forest campgrounds that prohibit them.
Road clearance requirements: Access roads to remote campgrounds may require higher clearance vehicles. "Would advise for anyone wanting to bring a camper as the road is extremely washboarded. Would only recommend a trailer that has good suspension or something small and rugged," notes Christopher L. regarding Mouth of Two Hearted River campground.
