Tent campsites near Skanee, Michigan sit within the Ottawa National Forest at elevations averaging 1,200 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing by mid-October, with summer highs rarely exceeding 85°F. The forest terrain features a mix of hardwoods and conifers with significant elevation changes that create challenging access roads to many of the primitive camping areas.
What to do
Hiking the North Country Trail: Access multiple sections of this long-distance trail from Big Lake State Forest Campground, where the surrounding area features "pine meadows and wetlands with browsing deer and pheasants," according to camper Shari G.
Mountain biking: The trail network at Forestville Campground offers excellent mountain biking opportunities. One camper noted it's "the trail head to a network of snowshoeing, biking, and hiking trails" and "there's a massive bike race held every summer."
Paddling: Non-motorized water access at primitive sites provides excellent kayaking options. A visitor to Lake Perrault mentioned that despite the challenging access road with "huge potholes," they found "a nice small lake, easy access from the main road" where "a couple of the spots are right down at the water."
Wildlife viewing: The Upper Peninsula camping areas offer diverse wildlife observation opportunities. At Craig Lake State Park, Jeff P. reports that "wildlife include loons, eagles, bears, moose, deer and others," making it an excellent location for nature photography.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Many tent campsites provide significant distance between neighbors. At Emily Lake State Forest Campground, campers appreciate the "super secluded" atmosphere with "several great sites to tent camp."
Lakefront camping: Direct water access is available at many primitive sites. At Lake Perrault, Laura M. found that "a couple of the spots are right down at the water" and that "it was really nice and peaceful overnight" despite being "definitely a local hangout."
Seasonal berry picking: Late summer visitors find abundant wild berries near campgrounds. Bruce B. reported finding "tons of wild blueberries and huckleberries" at Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground "while we were there in late August."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes in the area provide good fishing options. Adam from Emily Lake State Forest Campground reported "caught some blue gills" while Mike S. from Craig Lake State Park noted "the bass used to bite every cast" though fishing "has gone downhill the last 3 years."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to remote campsites often require high-clearance vehicles. When visiting Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, Will H. found it "remote and not well traveled," while Shari G. warned about Big Lake's entrance being "full of HUGE flooded potholes (small ponds really). Not recommended for 2 wheel drive, low clearance vehicles."
Limited facilities: Most campsites have minimal amenities. Chuck M. described Lake Perrault as having "a few spots suitable for a small travel trailer, but most of them are better suited to tents" with fire pits "made of rocks."
Seasonal considerations: Weather changes quickly in the Upper Peninsula. Shari G. experienced "full on winter one morning" in mid-October at Big Lake, recommending visitors "be prepared for anything in the shoulder season."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense during summer months. Laura M. found at Lake Perrault that "the mosquitoes were too bad for me to try and hike" a nearby trail, while another camper reported using a "thermacell running" to manage insects.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection priorities: Choose established campgrounds for family camping. At Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay, Austin B. found "vault toilets but no other facilities" and noted nearby attractions include "Keneeway Rocket Range, Yooperlite Rock Collecting, Kayaking, Fishing, Hiking."
Water safety: Lake Superior shorelines can have dangerous conditions. A visitor to Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay experienced "strong winds" and observed "the water is crashing against the rocky shoreline."
Local recreation alternatives: Have backup plans for rainy days. Visitors to Forestville note that "Sugarloaf Mountain and Hogsback are only a short drive away" and "there are also numerous waterfalls within an hours drive."
Food storage: Proper storage prevents wildlife encounters. Jeff P. mentioned seeing bears at Craig Lake State Park, making proper food storage essential when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most primitive sites accommodate small trailers only. Camper Joshua L. advised that at Forestville Campground, "large RVs will not be able to access these sites! Only a one lane path with tight turns. The largest vehicle I saw during my few days here was a pickup truck with a bed-mounted camping unit."
Site leveling: Many rustic campsites require leveling equipment. At Forestville, a camper found their "site itself hardly fit one tent on a slightly uneven ground."
Supply planning: Stock up before arriving at remote sites. One camper noted that within "10 miles back on the highway is a large gas station/convenience store and café where you could get a hot meal or stock up on a few essentials."
Power considerations: No electrical hookups exist at primitive sites. Campers report relying on solar panels or portable power banks since generator use is restricted at most tent campsites near Skanee.
