Best Tent Camping near Naubinway, MI

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan offers primitive tent camping opportunities near Naubinway, with several state forest campgrounds providing rustic accommodations for tent campers. Lake Superior State Forest Campground and Garnet Lake State Forest Campground feature tent-specific sites with minimal amenities. These campgrounds are situated within the Lake Superior State Forest, providing access to both lakefront and wooded settings approximately 30-45 minutes from Naubinway proper.

Most tent campsites in the Naubinway region feature dirt or sand surfaces with basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets are standard at established campgrounds, though drinking water availability varies. Garnet Lake State Forest Campground lacks potable water, while Lake Superior State Forest Campground provides hand pump wells. Access roads to many sites are unpaved, with some requiring travel on dirt or gravel roads. A visitor commented, "The roads are rough getting there," particularly for remote locations like Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground. Campers should note that most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration and require a Michigan Recreation Passport.

Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for fishing, hiking, and paddling activities. The Pretty Lake State Forest Campground connects to multiple lakes via portage trails, making it ideal for tent campers interested in exploring by canoe or kayak. Areas farther from main roads offer deeper seclusion and less noise, particularly at smaller campgrounds like Canoe Lake with only four sites. A recent review noted, "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." Walk-in tent locations at some campgrounds provide additional privacy, though mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near water. Summer weekends see higher occupancy rates, while weekday camping typically offers more solitude and site availability.

Best Tent Sites Near Naubinway, Michigan (23)

    1. Garnet Lake State Forest Campground

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

    "Sites are spaced out decent and plenty of privacy. Vault toilets were clean and stocked. Decent fishing on the lake."

    2. Luce County Park & Campground

    1 Review
    Seney, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 586-6460

    "We really enjoyed the lake, the water is beautiful."

    3. Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground

    21 Reviews
    Paradise, MI
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 492-3415

    $20 / night

    "Fire ring and picnic table Easy access over the bridge to the beach. Calvin was our camp host and was a great guy. We stayed Sept 25&26 2023 Vault toilets were clean."

    "The walking bridge over the Two Hearted River takes you to the Lake Superior beach. It has small rocks near shore and lots of sand near the river. Vault toilets and a water pump are available."

    4. Lake Superior State Forest Campground

    13 Reviews
    Grand Marais, MI
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 293-3293

    $10 - $20 / night

    "To date this is my favorite rustic campground I've been to in Michigan. Being in the UP and on Lake Superior makes this place one of a kind."

    "Grand Marais is very close if you need gas, firewood or an awesome burger from the best burger in Grand Marie (can’t miss these)."

    5. Pretty Lake State Forest Campground

    7 Reviews
    Grand Marais, MI
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 293-3293

    "This is one of my favorite campsites in Michigan. We happen to stumble upon it after endlessly searching for a spot at Pictured Rocks."

    "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."

    6. Beaver Island Bill Wagner Memorial Campground

    1 Review
    Beaver Island, MI
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 732-3541

    "Private, quiet, and easy access to the beach (pebbly). Clean outhouses, nice fire rings, and a water pump. Very windy so prepare by packing the right gear. No crowds which are very nice."

    7. South Gemini Lake State Forest Campground

    13 Reviews
    Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, MI
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 452-6227

    $15 / night

    "its in the middle of nowhere, on a lake, super freaking beautiful and theres hardly many people around. i cant wait to go back honestly. vault toilets & no showers, no electric either. super rustic"

    "Great little campground in the middle of nowhere. 15 minute drive off the beaten path keeps the crowds away. Couple spots right on the water. Vault toilets were fairly clean and stocked."

    8. East Branch of Fox River State Forest Campground

    2 Reviews
    Seney, MI
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 452-6227

    "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."

    "Both sites are beautiful and private... as long as no one sets up camp right next to you, because each one does have two other sites on either side."

    9. St James Township Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Beaver Island, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 448-2014

    $20 - $30 / night

    10. Fox River Campground

    1 Review
    Seney, MI
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 452-6227
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Tent Camping Reviews near Naubinway, MI

784 Reviews of 23 Naubinway Campgrounds


  • Madi R.
    Sep. 13, 2021

    Lower Falls Campground — Tahquamenon Falls State Park

    Beautiful, quiet area

    Great getaway place for a no-service weekend! Clean showers, bathrooms, and access to plenty of convenience stores and gas stations nearby. We stayed at the Rivermouth campground which was not too far from the Lower Falls area. Good hiking spots close by (Clark Lake and the falls). Clean area that was not too cold at night with a blanket and sleeping bag. Had an incredible time. Beware of woodpeckers and chipmunks!

  • Alexxus S.
    Aug. 21, 2018

    South Gemini Lake State Forest Campground

    loved it!

    its in the middle of nowhere, on a lake, super freaking beautiful and theres hardly many people around. i cant wait to go back honestly. vault toilets & no showers, no electric either. super rustic, and honestly lovely.

  • Kendra H.
    Oct. 16, 2023

    Little Brevort Lake North State Forest Campground

    Small rustic campground with boat launch

    Stayed here in early June and had the pleasure of having the whole campground to ourselves. Sites are close to one another and has vaulted toilets. This is a beautiful campground with access to the water via boat launch but not easy access from a few sites. Most sites are wooded and provide great shade and wind protection. Can be quite buggy. We kayaked and enjoyed beautiful sunrises and sunsets to escape the bugs. I did come back later in the season, early August, and sites were packed with multiple tents per site, and kids were riding their bikes around the loop all evening. I like to camp more secluded and this was just too busy and loud for my liking. I ended up leaving and staying at hog island state forest campground that trip.

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 26, 2019

    Straits State Park Campground

    Unique View from camp

    We camped here two nights in July. The campground is very easy to find and is an incredible location if you want to ferry over to Mackinac Island. It is convenient to groceries, restaurants and other amenities if interested. The park appears well maintained with three separate camping areas. We tent camp, and had one of the best sites in the park (in my opinion). Site 1A is in the lower East section of the campground. The site is only a tent site & it is HUGE! It was much more private than the other sites, located on the shore of Lake Huron & has a fantastic view of the Mackinac Bridge. There is a small beach area within the park, a one mile trail to a viewing platform of the bridge, and a playground. The bathrooms were clean. Our campsite had a standard picnic table and fire ring. Campsites were moderately priced, but a Michigan Recreation Pass is also required, as in all MI state parks, so it gets a little more pricey. If I was returning to the area, I would camp here again.

  • Bev B.
    Sep. 30, 2023

    Reddmann's Sleepy Hollow

    Really perfect in off season

    Got here the weekend it was closing for the season and aside from the beginning of duck season and the firing of lots of shotguns on my next to last morning here, it was a really peaceful place. Best sites 17, 26, 27 otherwise somebody will set up a tent right next to your van or tent. Good artesian well and very clean vault toilets in this small family campground. They sell firewood and have nice moveable picnic tables and lots of trash receptacles sprinkled about. Lovely sunrise views of Lake Huron. $15/night without electrical

  • Alex A.
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Clear Lake Campsite

    RV camping doesn't get much more beautiful and secluded than this

    This was such a gem of a site. I couldn't believe it was available as late as we reserved it. Only 20-30 minutes from the National Lakeshore and reserved for $8 on Recreation.gov.

    No hookups, no trash, no water, but so worth it for the landscape and isolation.

    It's right on a gorgeous lake, and you're the only ones there. Perfect place to set up camp!

  • Tanner G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2021

    Hog Island Point State Forest Campground

    Camping with a view

    Second time camping here. Last time was Labor Day weekend 2020. Approx 50 sites. With just shy of 1/2 waterfront. We had a water front site. Came in mid day on the 1 st. Stayed for the weekend. No electric. No shower house. Vault toilets available. Spring water available. Perfect for tents, truck campers, and smaller campers. 1 pull through site. A few sites are available for slightly larger units. Sandy beach and picnic area. One of our favorite boondocks camp sites.

  • Moe R.
    Jul. 14, 2018

    Lake Michigan At St. Ignace

    On the lake & right off the highway.

    This campground is exactly as it’s named; right on Lake Michigan.

    While it is directly off of US-2 and road traffic is noticeable and slightly distracting while sleeping, it’s a perfect spot to set up camp for a day or two!

    We reaeved a site on the road side of the grounds but after further exploration, a lake-side site is a must. Most had pathways to the beach, just a short walk to the water from the actual site.

    Camp sites each had a fire ring and picnic table and rustic pit toilets were pretty well spaced out through the entire campground.

    Would recommend if you’re just looking for a spot for some swimming! Bring earplugs for the trucks and traffic at night.

    *** Newberry bear ranch is about 45 mins away and absolutely worth thr drive/money.

  • Mike B.
    Sep. 3, 2018

    Lake Superior State Forest Campground

    Amazing beach on Lake Superior

    To date this is my favorite rustic campground I've been to in Michigan. Being in the UP and on Lake Superior makes this place one of a kind.

    The beach is rocky and has lots of driftwood from the high lake levels a few years ago. The ice took down a lot of the trees on the shoreline.

    Swimming is always cold in Lake Superior but getting in was refreshing.

    Picnic tables and fire rings are on each site. Vault toilets are available as well. We found all the firewood we needed right in the campground.


Guide to Naubinway

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Naubinway, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Naubinway, MI is Garnet Lake State Forest Campground with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Naubinway, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Naubinway, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.