Best Campgrounds near Ontonagon, MI
The western Upper Peninsula of Michigan surrounding Ontonagon features diverse camping opportunities along Lake Superior's southern shore. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, about 18 miles west of town, offers Union Bay Campground with 100 electric sites and lakefront views that require reservations up to six months in advance. Ontonagon Township Park Campground provides 76 sites with electric hookups and waterfront options within walking distance of town. For RV travelers, River Road RV Park offers full hookups and spacious sites near the Ontonagon River, while backcountry options exist throughout the Porcupine Mountains for those seeking more remote experiences.
Weather and seasonal conditions significantly impact camping experiences in this region. Summer brings warm days but persistent biting insects, particularly black flies that resist repellents. As one camper noted, "Bug spray was no match for the flies, so we were forced to spend most of our time in the screen room." Fall offers spectacular foliage but increasing precipitation that can create muddy trails and occasional flooding at lakeside sites. Winter arrives early in the Upper Peninsula, sometimes as soon as mid-October, with campgrounds like Union Bay offering year-round access including winter-ready yurts with wood stoves. Cell service remains limited throughout the area, with most campgrounds reporting minimal coverage.
Lake Superior dominates the camping experience with dramatic views and variable weather patterns. Lakefront sites at Union Bay and Ontonagon Township Park consistently receive the highest ratings despite their proximity to other campers. "The sunsets on Lake Superior were amazing, and we even saw an awesome storm coming in," reported one visitor to Union Bay. Campers frequently mention the Escarpment Trail in the Porcupine Mountains as a must-do hike for its panoramic views. Many sites experience strong winds off the lake, with inland sites offering more protection but less scenery. Backcountry campers should prepare for potentially muddy conditions, especially along the Lake Superior Trail, where wooden platforms at some sites help manage wet ground.
