17 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Nisula, Michigan range from secluded forest settings to lakeside primitive areas, with several options for backcountry and dispersed camping experiences. The Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness offers hike-in tent camping with no amenities but provides pristine natural surroundings, while Lake Perrault features dispersed tent sites in a more accessible setting. Emily Lake State Forest Campground provides established tent sites with basic facilities for campers seeking a more developed option.
Most tent campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from May to November due to harsh winter conditions. Sites typically feature dirt or gravel surfaces with minimal to no grading. Primitive tent areas like Lake Perrault have rudimentary fire pits but lack toilets, running water, or garbage service. According to one visitor, "the road to the lake isn't paved and there are huge potholes so go slow." Even at more established locations such as Emily Lake and Big Lake State Forest Campground, facilities remain basic with vault toilets and hand pumps for drinking water. Campers should pack out all trash and bring adequate supplies, as services are limited throughout the area.
The tent camping experience near Nisula emphasizes solitude and natural surroundings. Big Lake State Forest Campground offers spacious sites with good separation between campers, providing privacy not often found at more developed campgrounds. The Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness delivers a truly remote experience with one camper noting it is "remote and not well traveled." Many tent sites in the region provide direct water access, with opportunities for fishing and paddling. Emily Lake campers report catching bluegill, while Lake Perrault offers tent sites overlooking the water. Winter arrives early in the Upper Peninsula, with mid-October sometimes bringing snow, requiring tent campers to prepare for rapidly changing conditions even during shoulder seasons.
"Several great sites to tent camp. Caught some blue gills. Good times"
"You will be able to hear your neighbors."
"Absolutely amazing spring fed lake! Free camping, not sure on the stay limit, a few locals park their campers here all summer."
"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."
"Hike in camping"
"The hike in was one of the most beautiful switch back type hikes, with breathtaking views of the gorge on the way down, a quick hike to the top of gorge once you’re down, then look down and see the waterfalls"
"Way off the beaten path but the sites are HUGE! Quiet setting right on Big Lake. Probably my most beautiful site in the UP so far. Vault toilets and no shower. Very clean. Boat launch."
"The Michigan State Forest Campgrounds continue to delight us. For $15 a night you can experience camping like I did as a child – simple, unelectrified, and in beautiful outdoor locations."
"Campground close to casino and lake Baraga. This is the best campground in the area."
"The hike-in/paddle in camping spots are equipped with a picnic table and a firepit, everything else is up to you. I have been going here yearly for the last 10ys and absolutely love it! "
"Access is from 41 turn on the gravel road outside Michigamme coming from the East."
from $20 - $108 / night
Check Availability"We had more than enough room to set up and could even have fit additional tents."
"If you were tent camping, you would likely be sleeping on a slope of some kind. Bugs were bad in late May."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
GuideNice campground, well maintained, next to a lake with a boat ramp. Ever site has a picnic table, fire ring, asphalt pad and drying stand. Vault toilets, very limited trash collection trash cans (2). No water or waste. Only a few pull through most are back in.
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!
GuideThis was our second time to this park and we stayed in one of the Yurts on the edge of the Union Bay Campground. Inside the yurt there are 2 bunk beds and a wood burning stove, along with a small table and chairs I believe. Outside there is a picnic table and fire ring - since we came at the end of the winter season, the campground provided some wood for us upon arrival. There is a food storage container outside as well so no bears try to break into your yurt.
We stayed at the end of April/beginning of May so the campground itself was not open meaning now access to water or restroom facilities which was okay for us. Additionally we were unable to drive all the way up to the yurt like you would in the summer time. We had to park outside the campground and walk across the entire thing with our stuff - we took 2-3 trips as we didn’t plan for this and packed as though we were car camping. The yurts are a great experience and perfect for a weekend away with friends.
The views of superior are amazing and just below the yurt you have access to the shoreline which is great to watch the sunsets on. Porcupine Mountain offers many trails, many of them longer backcountry trails, and some easier ones as well. It is a great park that I always love coming to!
LegendTwin Lakes MI SP: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 2-3 (A very clean campground, but old facilities, currently. A huge facelift in 2024 is being touted. New paving, new bath/shower rooms,and pavilion are coming. Shutdown during some of 2024 is anticipated. ) Price 2023: Usage during visit: 30% mid week Site Privacy: Poor Site Spacing: Poor Site surface: Blacktop Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Seems quiet Road Noise: Right along Hwy 26. Some sites back up to the Hwy. Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes Generators: Not needed Bathroom: Flush and pit Showers: Yes Pull Throughs: Some. Most are back in. Cell Service (AT&T): Very good Setting: Some tree cover in between the highway and Lake Roland Weather: High is I low 80s Host: Real nice young and helpful men manning entry booth Rig size: Large rigs Sites: Lakeside sites are the premium here and the only sites that would seduce me to visit. Good stop over place while
TravelerGreat find. Sunday night beginning of June. Only camper in the tent section. Quiet spot with good hosts. Close to the lake. Grass and gravel. Restroom share with the park/boat launch area. I would definitely stay here again. If there was a drawback would be sites have some slope toward lake. Being only one there I found flat spot to tent but if busy choice might be limited. No control over weather but woke up and had to pack up in the rain. Definitely check it out! Thanks to the Hosts!
GuideNo reservations, that’s on us. Looked at several after driving around all day sight-seeing. We called the number on the listing; got a pre-recorded message from the township. Decided to check it out in person. First, camping is divided up; two loops on beach side of the road, two loops on the non-beach side. We nabbed the last place on the beach side and could see Lake Superior from the site. Camp hosts were very accommodating considering we roll in just as they’re locking up shop around 8:00pm. Got us checked in and sold us firewood. We quickly set up and were on the beach in minutes. The water felt so good, we ran back up and got into trunks to swim. Brisk but totally swimmable. The beach was sandy, the lake-bottom sandy/small pebbles (no aqua-socks needed). The beach wasn’t AS pretty as other places we’d been but still had spectacular views. The trash was nearby, showers and flushing toilets a quick minute walk to other loop. Fire rings in each site and power/water posts (no generators, yay!). It’s worth driving over to see if they have a spot!
GuideI did a 3 day/2 night hike during peak color, starting at the Lake Superior Trailhead. I was warned the Lake Superior trail was muddy when I checked in, and the ranger was not joking - I was grateful to have trekking poles to help balance on logs, branches, roots and rocks to try to keep my boots as dry as possible in the parts of the trail that were submerged.
Campsite LS-14 had a lovely location on the lake, but was very muddy/previously submerged with water. It immediately abuts site LS-13. There was a wooden platform to put my tent on, but I had to bolster the corners so that it was big enough for my tent poles to have something to rest on. If I had gotten in before dark, I might have seen the small area near the trail side of the site that had higher, dryer ground. There is supposed to be a bear pole for these sites, but the group at the other site said there wasn't one. In hindsight, I think there probably was, away from the campsites, but since I had a canister, I didn't go looking for it after dark. The Lake Superior trail continued to be muddy until you got close to the Big Carp River mouth.
Campsite BC-8 was a big upgrade - very large site, a little patch of open sky over the fire pit, easy access to the river for water. The big trees provided good shelter from a minor storm and high winds overnight. This site is right alongside the trail, but separated from the cabin and next site by a good distance. The hike out from here up the Big Carp River trail to Lake of the Clouds is a somewhat longer trek with a bit of elevation gain, but nothing too intense in my opinion.
GuideThis was our first time camping in Michigan and we loved being so close to Lake Superior. We're used to MN state parks, so we found the campsites in MI to be a bit small and too close to each other. The fire ring for the site behind ours was very close to the bed area of our camper. Our spot was campsite #98. There's not a lot of shade or vegetation between campsites in that row, but it was easy walking distance to the modern restroom/showers and Lake Superior. Next time we would like to camp along the lake. The trail around Lake of the Clouds was well worth it!
TravelerThis campground is located just off the Sturgeon River in the Ottawa National Forest and is first come first serve with no reservations. From speaking with a local who frequents the campground, it is usually quiet with few sites actually in use at a time; it seems this year (2020) there have been more people out camping, though, so getting there earlier is better to ensure finding a site.
It is rustic -- there is no water pump, but there are pit toilets in the center of the site. If you don't bring enough water the river next to most sites can provide drinking water with the proper filtration. The national park website says there are 9 sites, but only 7 are actually available. My best guess is the MIA sites existed in the central part at one time.
Two sites can fit a camper, but they also happen to be the sites with the best view of the river. The remaining sites are tent-only due to a set of rocks blocking off the sites so vehicles do not drive in. From what I could tell with observations, 4 or 5 sites are either right on the river or have a short trail to get to the river.
The locations are sparse enough that the only thing really heard from other campers is the occasional shutting of a car door. The soft sound of the river drowns most noises out. Each site has a fire ring, most have a grate on the ring, a lantern hook, and a picnic table.
Tent camping in Nisula, Michigan takes place in the Ottawa National Forest region of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where elevation ranges from 1,200 to 1,800 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures regularly drop below 0°F, and annual snowfall averages over 200 inches, creating a short but intense camping season. The region's wetlands and hardwood forests support diverse wildlife including black bears, wolves, and over 300 bird species.
Hiking waterfalls: Trek to waterfalls near Emily Lake State Forest Campground for serene landscapes. In Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, "the hike in was one of the most beautiful switch back type hikes, with breathtaking views of the gorge on the way down, a quick hike to the top of gorge once you're down, then look down and see the waterfalls!"
Paddling pristine lakes: Bring kayaks or canoes to explore the quiet waters. At Craig Lake State Park Campground, one camper notes it's "my absolute favorite place to camp, hike, kayak, fish, and just get away from it all. If you want seclusion, you can find it here with many remote campsites that are only accessible through the water."
Fishing opportunities: Pack fishing gear for multiple species. At Big Lake State Forest Campground, visitors enjoy "listening to the sandhill cranes every morning" while fishing the lake. Another camper at Craig Lake notes "the lake has fantastic fishing for smallmouth, northern pike, crappie, walleye, and the occasional musky."
True wilderness solitude: Many campsites offer genuine isolation from crowds and noise. At Union River Rustic Outpost Camp, "Site 1 was so secluded and private. It really felt like nobody else was out here. We had more than enough room to set up and could even have fit additional tents."
Wildlife encounters: The region supports diverse animal populations. Craig Lake campers report seeing "loons, eagles, bears, moose, deer and others," making wildlife viewing a primary attraction.
Spacious, private sites: Unlike crowded campgrounds, tent camping in Nisula offers room to spread out. At Big Lake State Forest Campground, "the sites are HUGE! Quiet setting right on Big Lake. Probably my most beautiful site in the UP so far."
Budget-friendly options: Many camping areas have minimal or no fees. Union River Outpost is free but requires permits, and one camper appreciated that "this camp only has three sites! We stayed on UR2. It was wooded! We had two tents and one car."
Challenging access roads: Many campsites require navigating rough forest roads. For Lake Perrault, "the road in is AWFUL. But slow driving is the cure for that. There are a few spots suitable for a small travel trailer, but most of them are better suited to tents."
Insect pressure: Biting insects can be intense, especially in early summer. At Burned Dam Campground, one visitor warned: "Only real minus: BUGS. This campground was FULL of mosquitos and biting flies. Even with bug spray, the assault was nonstop. Bring a screen-printing popup shelter with you or you will suffer."
Preparation for isolation: Cell service is limited or non-existent in many areas. Union River Outpost has "no cell service here or really nearby. Not an issue if you're prepared for that!"
Weather variability: Even summer conditions can change rapidly. One Big Lake camper noted, "In mid-October, we woke up to full on winter one morning, so be prepared for anything in the shoulder season."
Select sites with amenities: For children, campgrounds with basic facilities make a difference. At Burned Dam Campground, there's "in-ground firepits, picnic table, and a hanging post for trash on each site. Easy to forage firewood here," though you'll need to "pack out all you bring, and no running water here."
Consider access needs: Some family-friendly sites require less hiking. Emily Lake offers "several great sites to tent camp" with easy access for kids carrying gear.
Plan water activities: Lakes provide entertainment for children. Big Lake State Forest Campground has "a small beach" perfect for family swimming and water play during warm summer months.
Pack for bugs: Families need extra protection from biting insects. Consider head nets, long sleeves, and enclosed shelters to make meals more comfortable, especially at sites like Burned Dam where bugs can be relentless.
Small camper considerations: Many sites can accommodate small trailers but require careful navigation. At Paint River Forks NF Campground, "sites were clean and well managed" but access roads can be challenging for larger vehicles.
Clearance requirements: Forest roads demand vehicles that can handle rough terrain. One Big Lake camper warned, "the entrance to this campground is not for low clearance vehicles...it is full of HUGE flooded potholes (small ponds really). Not recommended for 2 wheel drive, low clearance vehicles."
Site leveling challenges: Uneven terrain can complicate setup. At Union River Outpost, "Site was not that level. If you were tent camping, you would likely be sleeping on a slope of some kind."
Limited hookups: No tent camping areas near Nisula offer electric or water hookups, requiring self-sufficiency. Prepare for primitive conditions with proper water storage and power alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nisula, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nisula, MI is Emily Lake State Forest Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Nisula, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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