Dispersed tent camping near Seney, Michigan offers access to over 100 miles of Lake Superior shoreline within a 50-mile radius. The Upper Peninsula's continental climate means warm summer days often followed by cool nights, with temperatures ranging from 70-85°F during peak camping months. Water temperatures at inland lakes typically reach the mid-60s by July, while Lake Superior remains much colder, rarely exceeding 55°F even in midsummer.
What to do
Kayaking from Little Beaver Lake: Launch directly from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Sites where "The lake itself is rather expansive and the campsite is situated along the shore, offering beautiful views of the calm water. This site is great for first timers or individuals seeking a mild hike."
Winter snowshoeing: Experience the solitude of winter at Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground where one camper noted, "Traveling in the winter by snowshoes requires more planning and skill. We brought a sled and embraced the weather. Did see a few large bear prints on the way to the bear canister. Seeing picture rocks in the winter is well worth the adventure and exhaustion."
Multi-lake kayaking: The Pretty Lake Quiet Area contains ten lakes connected by portage trails. "Many of the lakes have well marked and reasonably short portage trails, allowing kayakers and canoers great opportunities to explore. If you're on foot, well maintained and marked trails will take you from lake to lake and even beyond."
Brook trout fishing: Wade into designated trout streams with lightweight tackle during early morning hours. Focus on deeper pools and undercut banks where trout hold during warmer months. River levels are typically most favorable from mid-June through August.
What campers like
Lake Superior sunsets: Visitors to Lake Superior State Forest Campground consistently mention the spectacular evening views: "The sunsets from this campground are unreal. The walking bridge over the Two Hearted River takes you to the Lake Superior beach. It has small rocks near shore and lots of sand near the river."
Artesian well water: The water quality at certain campgrounds gets special mention for its purity and taste. One camper described their site as having "direct access to the beach and dramatic views. It serves as the perfect base camp for shoreline exploring & can be accessed by a moderately difficult hike."
Solitude at remote lakes: At South Gemini Lake State Forest Campground, campers appreciate the isolation: "Great little campground in the middle of nowhere. 15 minute drive off the beaten path keeps the crowds away. Couple spots right on the water. Vault toilets were fairly clean and stocked. Hand pump on site for water. 20 minutes from pictured rocks."
Wildlife encounters: Bear sightings are common enough to warrant proper food storage, but many campers enjoy the chance to see wildlife. "When leaving in the morning we stumbled upon a black bear sow and her two cubs in the middle of the road. Pure Michigan goodness!"
What you should know
Road conditions: The unpaved roads to remote campgrounds require patience and preparation. For Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground, "the deep ripple of the washboard road surface creates a teeth-chattering ride. I don't know if that depends on the time of the year."
Navigation challenges: GPS reliability is spotty throughout the region. "DO NOT USE Google maps, Apple maps or GPS to get here. It will be worth every bit to invest in an actual map. There are numerous ORV trails here which come up as the actual roads and I can tell you it can be quite stressful."
Bug protection: Different insects dominate depending on the season. At Pretty Lake, "the mosquitoes are quite rough. If you plan on doing any of the hiking trails you'll definitely need a bug net by far none. Most of the canoe and hiking sites look like they haven't been touched in a long time likely due to the remoteness."
Water filtration: Even at campgrounds with pumps, water quality can vary. "There is a hand pump for drinking water but since this is such a rustic setup, I wouldn't trust it to be potable without treating or filtering it first."
Tips for camping with families
Lake swimming access: Pretty Lake State Forest Campground offers family-friendly water access: "There is a beautiful sand bottomed lake for swimming on many sites are right on the lake. The lake also connects to several other small lakes in the area. You can kayak or canoe to each lake during the day."
Site selection for kids: Look for lakeside sites that offer both play space and natural buffers from neighboring campers. "The sites are large and comfortable with a short distance to pretty Pretty Lake. The fishing is also good."
Safety considerations: Wildlife encounters require proper preparation with children. "We did see a few large bear prints on the way to the bear canister." Teach children about food storage and what to do if they encounter wildlife.
Weather planning: Summer temperature swings can mean warm days but chilly nights. Pack layers for children, especially for lakeside camping where evening breezes can drop temperatures quickly.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most sites accommodate smaller RVs only. At Cusino Lake State Forest Campground, "Sites were very pretty, pull in sites. Small camper or trailer could probably fit. I tent camped so it was no problem."
Road access concerns: Washboard roads can damage RVs and trailers. "Would only recommend a trailer that has good suspension or something small and rugged. Be careful as Google maps can be misleading and trying to take you down a fire lanes that are not passable."
Leveling challenges: Sites are generally ungraded natural surfaces. "All of the sites are nice and decently level. They are separated into two sections, section #1 and section #2."
Self-sufficiency requirements: RVers must bring all supplies as services are extremely limited. "Make sure to bring everything you need, there is nothing forever which is yet another bonus to this fantastic place."
