Tent camping spots near Ontonagon, Michigan deliver authentic wilderness experiences within the western Upper Peninsula's dense forests and waterways. Most sites sit at elevations between 600-1400 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F days and 50-60°F nights. Winter camping requires extensive preparation with temperatures frequently dropping below zero and significant snowfall accumulation between November and April.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Union River Mine Trail connects directly to campsites at Union River Rustic Outpost Camp, providing an easy 1-mile post-dinner exploration opportunity. "Keep walking past campsites and over the bridge. Take the right trail and it connects with the Union River mine trail. It's 1 mile long and perfect for relaxing after dinner," notes camper Art S.
Lake paddling: Sylvania Wilderness offers beginner-friendly canoe camping without requiring difficult portages. "We did it the easy way, loaded our canoe, crossed the lake to our campsite and set up camp. No portaging with our gear," shares Ann M. about her experience at Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping.
Fishing access: Emily Lake State Forest Campground provides direct shoreline access for anglers seeking panfish. "Several great sites to tent camp. Caught some blue gills. Good times," reports Adam, highlighting the fishing opportunities at this secluded site.
What campers like
Old-growth forest camping: Big Lake State Forest Campground features spacious sites surrounded by mature forest. "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," writes Tracy W. about Big Lake State Forest Campground.
Riverside rapids ambiance: Burned Dam Campground sits directly alongside rushing water. "Beautiful, quiet, free campgrounds right next to the Ontonagon River and Mex-i-mine Falls (you can hear the rushing water). In-ground firepits, picnic table, and a hanging post for trash on each site," explains Kyle K., noting the site's natural amenities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campsites throughout the region offer chances to observe local wildlife. "Enjoyed listening to the sandhill cranes every morning," reports Amy K. about her stay at Big Lake State Forest Campground, while other campers mention deer sightings along access roads.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many secondary roads leading to the best tent camping near Ontonagon suffer from severe pothole issues. "The road in is a bit rough but it isn't too long," mentions Art S. about Burned Dam Campground, while Chuck M. states about Lake Perrault: "The road in is AWFUL. But slow driving is the cure for that."
Site selection considerations: Finding level tent pads can be challenging in this region. "If you were tent camping, you would likely be sleeping on a slope of some kind," warns Scott D. about Union River Outpost, while Sylvania backcountry campers note: "Finding a truly flat spot free of any small mounds of moss or decayed nurse logs can be a challenge."
Insect preparation requirements: Biting insects present consistent challenges throughout summer months. "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," warns Kyle K. about Burned Dam Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Small campground selection: Union River Outpost provides exceptional privacy for families. "This site only has three sites, so you are fairly private," notes Scott D., while another camper describes it as "very wooded and quiet camp area - only 3 sites total in this loop!"
Water access considerations: Some sites offer direct water access beneficial for families with children. At Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, Rebecca P. shares: "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!"
Day trip planning: Established forest service campgrounds can serve as bases for regional exploration. "This would be an amazing place if the flies would leave us alone," notes Art S. about Burned Dam Campground, suggesting families might use sites primarily for sleeping while spending days exploring other locations with fewer insects.
Tips from RVers
Clearance requirements: Low-clearance RVs should avoid certain access roads. "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," warns Shari G. about Big Lake State Forest Campground.
Site positioning strategy: Some sites require creative positioning for optimal RV placement. "The gravel drive was uphill so we ended up turning the camper 90 degrees," explains Art S. about Union River Outpost Camp, demonstrating how adaptability helps overcome site limitations.
