2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Nisula, Michigan provides access to several campgrounds offering diverse overnight options in the western Upper Peninsula. The area features established camping areas like Courtney Lake Campground and Twin Lakes State Park Campground, which provide tent and RV sites with varying amenities. Cabin camping is available at Constellation Farmstead and Baraga State Park, while more remote options exist in the surrounding Ottawa National Forest. Most campgrounds in the region balance accessibility with a feeling of seclusion, particularly at sites like Emily Lake State Forest Campground and Bob Lake Campground, which provide opportunities for waterfront camping within a forested setting.
Road conditions to campgrounds vary significantly based on location, with some sites requiring navigation on increasingly narrow forest roads. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes affecting accessibility, with many campgrounds operating from May through October. Winter camping is limited to a few year-round facilities like Baraga State Park. Campgrounds frequently offer rustic amenities, with vault toilets and hand pumps for water being common at forest service sites. Cell service is spotty throughout the area, especially at more remote locations. A camper at Bob Lake noted, "Secluded deep in the woods. Plenty of campsites to choose from. And each site is pretty private from the next site."
Waterfront camping ranks among the most sought-after experiences in the area, with lakeside sites at Bob Lake, Courtney Lake, and Twin Lakes filling quickly during peak season. Several visitors mentioned the solitude and natural settings as primary attractions, particularly at smaller forest campgrounds. The area offers good opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking, with connections to larger trail systems including the North Country Trail. Mosquitoes represent a common challenge during summer months, mentioned in multiple reviews. Campers report high satisfaction with the spaciousness of sites and the peaceful atmosphere, particularly at locations like Courtney Lake Campground. The surrounding forest provides ample recreational opportunities, with numerous lakes, trails and the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness area offering additional exploration options.
"Nice view of the lake can see at least part of it from almost anywhere in the camp. Picnic table and fire ring on every site. There are several full hook up sites (water sewer electric)."
"There’s a 3/4 mile trail at back of park that well short, is quite nice. The campground itself is quiet, the noise from hwy 41 on the other hand, is noticeable yet not a dealbreaker. "
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 - $80 / night
"Many are situated 20-40 feet on hillside above. Heavy tree growth limits view of the lake."
"Access road off highway is paved, unlike many other national forest campgrounds. Some sites are very spacious and/or on waterfront."
from $22 / night
"This is a small simple campground with lovely lakeside tent sites among rather dense trees. If you walk east you’ll find a sandy beach to splash in."
"The forest roads gradually got smaller as we kept driving. Recent rain left muddy areas to be traversed. Trucks and equipment are working here too but on the weekend all was quiet."
"My family could not find anywhere to stay and this was the very last campsite on the map in the state of Michigan. We thought F it."
"Beautiful lake, great swimming, too many four wheelers. Local black bears. Close to Lake of the Clouds and the Porcupine mountains."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $32 - $80 / night
"This was a beautiful small campground with only 6 campsites arranged around a loop and are spaced well. Access to the campground is off of a gravel road which is somewhat narrow."
"We were able to work and talk nice walks while we had free time. A few bars with Verizon and we can log on. Big plus."
"I'm at site 3 easy access to the river not deep over here, you can post your chair in the river and not get your bum wet."
"Away from crowds, away from traffic, away from the hustle bustle of cities ... we found our Peace! Plus it's free!!!"
"Great small lake for kayaking and canoeing or just sitting and watching loon and eagles. Lakeside or wooded. Nice!!! Find a place and setup."
"We stumbled upon this location through this app."
"I highly recommend heading over to nearby Silver Mountain."
"Off the beaten path, older facility, that was so quiet & relaxing. Everything very clean and well kept. Lots of lawn areas, trees, and areas of viewing Lake Superior close by."
"Great site overlooking Lake Superior. Need to walk over highway to get to water. Very orderly and great Park Manager. Family & pet friendly with awesome playground."
GuideWhat a beautiful, peaceful spot. Site 14 was very level, and looked down on the blue waters of Ottawa Lake. Double dump station was clean, as were the bathrooms. Very well maintained campground. Can't wait to come back.
ScoutAmazing view of the sunset!! Rock hunting is cool! Owners are decent.
ScoutSite 28. Literally right on shore. Sleeping to the waves and waking up to endless water. T-Mobile says no coverage in Dyrt app, but I had two bars most of the time.
RangerSites are very close together but the area is beautiful. Maybe it was unusual but it was very windy for 3 days in a row
LegendPoint Abbaye County Park is located in Baraga County. Be prepared as cellphone service is unreliable here. It is located on the Abbaye Peninsula which offers other camping spots and sandy beaches along the way! If you come into L’Anse Michigan through downtown(Main Street/Skanee Road) continue up the hill out of town. Follow this for about 10miles until you come to Townline Road. Turn left here and go 5miles until you reach Point Abbaye Road. You can only go right here, DO NOT GO STRAIGHT! There should be signs but locals often damage these signs as they don't want visitors. If you follow this road it will take you to the end. It is about a 30 min drive to the end. In the spring Point Abbaye Road can be quite muddy in places. For most of the warmer months the road is easily passable by most vehicles but there are some areas you may need to navigate around mud puddles. Point Abbaye Road is not plowed all the way to the end in winter and drivers should use caution in the late-fall as may become sloppy quickly. Point Abbaye County Park is a mix of forest and rock and pertrudes out into Lake Superior. At the end of the road there is area for parking as well as a picnic area with tables and a well kept outhouse. A short hiking trail is baracaded with rocks to keep vehicles off the hiking trail. This trail takes you to the point.
The view from Point Abbaye is FANTASTIC from the Keweenaw Bay and Peninsula to the Huron Mountains. I have seen high water levels and low water levels here, just be careful! Low water creates steep drops into Lake Superior high water means caution with the waves! On the trail ( Which loops) there are 3 campsites free of charge first come basis. All have a picnic table and make shift fire rings that sit on the shore of Lake Superior 2 on the North side and 1 on the South. It is a short walk back to the parking area if you need to use the restroom or throw out your trash. just remember this is rustic camping at its finest and please leave no trace when visiting!
RangerThe only caveats to this place were lack of privacy on the lakefront (although there seemed to be a bit more privacy in the spots by the river, but that would take away from the beauty of staying here) and the fact it is an obviously well known place to camp. A bit windy, but I’m sure that’s to be expected in mid October. People were kayaking and fishing and while there were a good handful of people around, everyone was respectful and it was just an overall great experience.
RangerBeautiful lakefront camping with a few spots to choose from. Not a whole lot of space/privacy between sites once you enter the camping area, which is the only reason it did not receive 5 stars. Easy to get to and the road seemed well maintained. Verizon service was available.
ScoutNice quiet campground right on Lake Superior No electric sites
GuideThis is a typical national forest primitive campground. For me, it was the perfect middle point while driving along the seven hour plane crash trail. The sites along the lake are really beautiful. I did see a fifth-wheel camper at one of the sites so larger trailers can fit at some sites. Most sites are level but a few aren’t.
I could not find this campground in recreation.gov, so it may be first come first serve only, not sure.
There are pit toilets and hand pumps for potable water.
It’s $22 per night unless you have a senior pass, etc. they use the honor system so there is no one here at the pay station.
There are 24 sites and counting me there was only three or four in use on a Sunday night.
The best places to camp near Nisula, Michigan center around the Ottawa National Forest, which covers nearly one million acres of western Upper Peninsula terrain. Average summer temperatures range from 60-80°F with evening lows in the 40-50°F range. Forest roads leading to camping areas vary from well-maintained gravel to narrower access routes that can become challenging during spring thaw or after heavy rainfall.
Hiking trails: Access multiple trail systems from Sturgeon River Campground, situated near the Sturgeon River Wilderness. "The Sturgeon River is wide and beautiful. Just imagine sitting next to the rippling water. The road there is down some dirt roads with some bumps but it's drivable," notes Art S.
Water activities: Kayaking and paddling opportunities abound at Bob Lake Campground, which offers lakeside camping. "We found a spot with our own little beach front and got to watch the fireflies at night," mentions Hailey O., highlighting the campground's waterfront access.
Wildlife viewing: The region hosts diverse wildlife including sandhill cranes. "Excellent birding, including sandhill cranes, and wildlife," writes Dan N. about Bob Lake Campground, which connects to the North Country Trail system for extended hiking options.
Secluded sites: Courtney Lake Campground offers large, private campsites. "The sites are large, clean, and quiet. I didn't camp in the equine section, but would love to bring a horse. The trail is well groomed and 5 to 6 ft wide," writes Michele C.
Quiet atmosphere: Campers frequently mention the peace and quiet found at Sparrow Rapids Campground. "This is a beautiful small campground with only 6 campsites arranged around a loop and are spaced well," reports Dave. "Access to the campground is off of a gravel road which is somewhat narrow."
Waterfront views: Multiple campers praise the waterfront views at L'Anse Township Park & Campground. "Beautiful vistas and super friendly staff," notes Jared K., adding "Sites 7,8,9,10 have the best water views."
Cell service limitations: Service varies significantly between campgrounds. "Excellent att coverage," notes Bill F. about Sparrow Rapids Campground, while more remote locations have limited or no service.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate seasonally. "This campground feels very secluded in the woods. You have many spots to choose from right on the lake or further into the woods," writes Hailey O. about Bob Lake Campground, which operates from Memorial Day through September.
Bug protection: Mosquitoes present significant challenges during summer months. "The only problem we had were the mosquito's! Bring your bug spray!" advises Hailey O. regarding Bob Lake Campground, a common concern across multiple area campgrounds.
Playground access: L'Anse Township Park & Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Beautiful & clean. Great site overlooking Lake Superior. Need to walk over highway to get to water. Very orderly and great Park Manager. Family & pet friendly with awesome playground," reports Debra R.
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds offer kid-friendly water access. "Beautiful lake, great swimming, too many four wheelers. Local black bears," notes Jack T. about Twin Lakes State Park Campground.
Spacious campsites: Families appreciate the larger sites at Courtney Lake Campground. "Out of the way. Very private. Camped all the way in the back with only a few others in the campground," writes Audra F.
Site considerations: Twin Lakes State Park Campground accommodates larger rigs but site selection matters. "This site was okayed for a 35 ft trailer but we had some challenges positioning our 33ft trailer so beware of that!" warns Amy S.
Access roads: The quality of roads leading to campgrounds varies significantly. "The one lane dirt road that heads here is almost 5 miles long. With the road closed just after the campground, people only come out here on purpose," writes Art S. about Sparrow Rapids Campground, adding "It wouldn't hurt to check with them if you have a larger rig. The sites aren't that big."
Limited hookups: Most forest campgrounds lack electric and water hookups. "It is a great and mostly empty spot for primitive camping. There's a fire pit with built in rack for stove top/ grill stuff as well as a post and hook to hang things from and a picnic table," notes Sonny S. about Sparrow Rapids Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Nisula, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Nisula, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 84 campgrounds and RV parks near Nisula, MI and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Nisula, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nisula, MI is Baraga State Park Campground with a 3-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Nisula, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Nisula, MI.
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