Glamping at Ottawa National Forest provides a wilderness experience with basic amenities in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. The forest spans over 993,000 acres and includes nearly 500 lakes, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,800 feet. Most glamping accommodations are open from May through October, though winter options exist for cold-weather enthusiasts.
What to do
Lake exploration: Try Clark Lake in the Sylvania Wilderness Area for its pristine waters and secluded atmosphere. "We hiked around part of Clark Lake. It's a beautiful trail and also has some backcountry campsites," notes a camper at Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground. The lake offers excellent opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.
Waterfall viewing: Visit Bond Falls Flowage for easily accessible cascades. "Bond Falls is beautiful! The campground is tidy but busy... The trail system is fabulous and some trails are handicap accessible," says a reviewer at Bond Falls Campground. The boardwalk around the falls provides multiple viewing angles.
Winter activities: Experience snow-covered landscapes throughout Ottawa National Forest. "I visited the falls in the wintertime when some of it was frozen, and the ground covered in snow. Very pretty that time of the year," shares a visitor about Bond Falls. Cross-country skiing trails become available once snow accumulates.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Enjoy seclusion at many forest campgrounds. "Shady private sites with ample mosquitoes. We were in a tent so did not appreciate the asphalt, but this site would be great for a small trailer," mentions a reviewer about Sylvania's Clark Lake area. Most sites include standard fire rings and picnic tables.
Lake Superior shoreline: Access the Great Lake at Porcupine Mountains. "There is a nice picnic area and a boat ramp. This is a solid park for enjoying the lake," notes a camper at Lake Gogebic State Park Campground. Many sites offer direct lake views or short walks to the shoreline.
Wildlife viewing: Spot native animals throughout the forest. "We were the only campers there for the weekend & had a couple of times where a deer walked right past our camp; saw more turtles than people in the campground & surrounding area, saw a handful of trumpeter swans in the area," shares a visitor at Moosehead Lake Campground. Early mornings and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Seasonal insects: Prepare for mosquitoes, especially in early summer. "Bugs were not a problem during the day but the second that sun goes down have the bug spray ready," warns a camper at Lake Gogebic. Many visitors recommend bringing multiple types of repellent.
Limited cell service: Expect minimal connectivity in most areas. "We had one dot of Verizon cell signal in camp but full service in Watersmeet, a short drive away," notes a visitor to Sylvania Wilderness. Download maps and information before arriving.
Varying campsite quality: Research specific sites before booking. "A lot of the sites are kinda uneven, and some are grass, some are sandy... definitely do your research before you pick a site," advises a camper at Lake Gogebic. Sites on higher ground tend to stay drier after rain.
Remote location: Stock up on supplies before arrival. "Since Watersmeet is a VERY small town, groceries and other essentials are costly, so come already packed," recommends a visitor to Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park. The nearest large grocery stores may be 30-60 minutes away.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Choose campgrounds with swimming areas. "The beach area was nice with a nice big sandy beach for the kids," shares a camper about Lake Gogebic. Porcupine Mountains also offers accessible shoreline areas for children.
Nature exploration opportunities: Look for educational trails. "The moss-covered old growth forest provided an excellent tent site & entertained our 2 boys under 8 until they tired," notes a family at Sylvania's Clark Lake area. Many trails feature interpretive signs about local ecology.
Weather preparedness: Pack for temperature swings. "Very cold this time of year on this side of the lake," mentions a Lake Gogebic camper in spring. Nights can drop below 50°F even in summer months, so bring warm clothing for children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Research utilities before booking. "We were able to purchase firewood. Should you need to purchase any other supplies, I would recommend doing so beforehand, as there are not a lot of options nearby," advises an RVer at Lake Gogebic. Most wilderness glamping sites offer limited electricity.
Site leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks. "Many of the sites are a tight squeeze if your rig is large, opt for the pull-through," suggests a visitor to Union River Big Bear Campground. Sites throughout the national forest tend to be less developed than private campgrounds.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management accordingly. "The dump/fill station is efficient and clean," notes a Lake Gogebic camper. Not all campgrounds offer sanitary dumps, so check availability when planning multi-day stays.
