Best Tent Camping near Skanee, MI
Tent campgrounds in the rugged wilderness near Skanee, Michigan offer diverse camping experiences, particularly at Craig Lake State Park and Lake Perrault. Craig Lake State Park features walk-in tent sites that require a quarter-mile hike from the parking area, with additional sites accessible only by boat or by hiking portions of the North Country Trail. Lake Perrault provides dispersed tent camping options with fire rings constructed of rocks, offering primitive lake-front opportunities for backcountry camping enthusiasts.
Most primitive tent sites in the area feature minimal improvements beyond basic fire rings. Access roads can be challenging, with Lake Perrault campers noting "huge potholes" requiring slow driving and high-clearance vehicles. Craig Lake State Park prohibits motorized boats on the lake, creating a quieter experience for tent campers. Water sources are limited, with Craig Lake State Park providing hand pumps while Lake Perrault has no potable water facilities. Vault toilets are available at some locations, though Lake Perrault lacks bathroom facilities entirely. Weather conditions change rapidly, with early winter conditions possible by mid-October.
Tent camping areas around Skanee provide excellent access to hiking, fishing, and paddling opportunities. Campsites at Craig Lake State Park offer notable privacy, with one camper reporting "no one camped at the sites near me" during a two-night stay. The North Country Trail winds through the region, making these tent sites ideal starting points for section hikes or multi-day backpacking trips. Lake Perrault provides direct water access with some sites positioned right at the shoreline. Wildlife viewing opportunities include loons, eagles, deer, and occasionally bears. A visitor described Craig Lake State Park as "an absolute heavenly oasis" for those who value remote tent camping experiences away from crowds.