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Best Campgrounds near Trout Creek, MI

593 Reviews

The Upper Peninsula wilderness surrounding Trout Creek, Michigan features a mix of rustic and modern camping options within the Ottawa National Forest and nearby state lands. Sparrow Rapids Campground, located directly in Trout Creek, provides year-round tent and RV camping with basic amenities including vault toilets and picnic tables. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can access additional established sites like Bond Falls Campground in Bruce Crossing and Sturgeon River Campground in Watton, both offering varying levels of amenities. The region's camping landscape is characterized by forested sites near rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, with several campgrounds providing boat access to nearby waterways.

Weather conditions in Michigan's Upper Peninsula demand careful planning, particularly during shoulder seasons. As one camper noted, "In mid-October, we woke up to full-on winter one morning, so be prepared for anything in the shoulder season." Many access roads to remote campgrounds feature rough terrain with significant potholes that may require high-clearance vehicles. Black flies and mosquitoes present a notable challenge during summer months, with multiple reviewers mentioning that standard insect repellents offer limited protection. A screened shelter for eating areas is highly recommended. Cell service is limited throughout the region, and many campgrounds require Michigan Recreation Passports for entry, available at park offices or online.

Waterfront campsites receive consistently high ratings despite their typically closer spacing. The Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness area provides more secluded backcountry options for those seeking solitude. Campers frequently mention the spectacular night skies and wildlife viewing opportunities, with deer and various bird species commonly spotted. "The stars were gorgeous," noted one visitor to a nearby state park. Lake Superior shoreline campgrounds, though not directly in Trout Creek, are popular destinations within an hour's drive and offer dramatic sunset views. Winter camping opportunities exist at several year-round sites, with some locations offering yurts or cabins with wood stoves for cold-weather comfort. The North Country Trail passes through the region, making several campgrounds convenient bases for section hiking.

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Best Camping Sites Near Trout Creek, Michigan (144)

    1. Sparrow Rapids Campground

    14 Reviews
    Trout Creek, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 852-3500

    "This was a beautiful small campground with only 6 campsites arranged around a loop and are spaced well. Access to the campground is off of a gravel road which is somewhat narrow."

    "We were able to work and talk nice walks while we had free time.

    A few bars with Verizon and we can log on. Big plus."

    2. Bond Falls Campground

    16 Reviews
    Ottawa National Forest, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 827-3235

    "The lakes are stocked with brook trout and the fishing is amazing. Picnic areas are located near the falls and hiking in the surrounding areas is limitless."

    "In the morning, I walked the loop and found several others that we could fit(now that it was light out), and we moved over one site to W6."

    3. Bob Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    Nisula, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 884-2085

    "This is a small simple campground with lovely lakeside tent sites among rather dense trees. If you walk east you’ll find a sandy beach to splash in."

    "The forest roads gradually got smaller as we kept driving. Recent rain left muddy areas to be traversed. Trucks and equipment are working here too but on the weekend all was quiet."

    4. Burned Dam Campground

    3 Reviews
    Watersmeet, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 358-4724

    "Beautiful, quiet, free campgrounds right next to the Ontonagon River and Mex-i-mine Falls (you can hear the rushing water)."

    "We did look around and it’s a decent place.

    A couple sites are large enough for a small camper and screen room. Others will only fit a tent. There is a vault toilet but no water or garbage."

    5. Sturgeon River Campground

    8 Reviews
    Watton, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 852-3500

    "You wont know what is happening at the sites around you unless you looking for something to find."

    "I'm at site 3 easy access to the river not deep over here, you can post your chair in the river and not get your bum wet."

    6. Ottawa National Forest - Marion Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Watersmeet, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 358-4551

    7. Lake Gogebic State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Marenisco, MI
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 842-3341

    "This was a GREAT campground to stay at for checking out some of the numerous popular waterfalls in upper Michigan. Our grassy site was on the shore of the lake with lots of trees."

    "We loved staying at Lake Gogebic!

    There’s a beach a short walk through the campground and the site hosts are super friendly."

    8. Courtney Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    Nisula, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 884-2085

    $22 / night

    "Access road off highway is paved, unlike many other national forest campgrounds. Some sites are very spacious and/or on waterfront."

    "Stayed at Courtney lake CG while bear hunting nearby. Very quiet during the week with some campers coming in on the weekend. Water and toilets were available directly across from the campsite."

    9. Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness

    3 Reviews
    Watton, MI
    18 miles

    "I highly recommend heading over to nearby Silver Mountain."

    10. Sylvania (clark Lake) Campground

    7 Reviews
    Watersmeet, MI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 396-5428

    $22 - $26 / night

    "The are 4 campground loops and many campsites out around the lakes. We chose a spot in loop 3.

    Our site is large with plenty of space for our teardrop and screen room. Water is right next to us."

    "Access to the lake was easy, and the fact that tete are so few camp sites on the lake really makes it feel secluded. There are 2 nice beaches on either end, and easy portage to other lakes."

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Recent Camping Photos near Trout Creek, MI

210 Photos of 144 Trout Creek Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Trout Creek, MI

593 Reviews of 144 Trout Creek Campgrounds

  • Nancy May The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Laurel Lake Campground — Chequamegon Nicolet NF

    Another Excellent Camp-out at Campground 2 Laurel Lake

    Dark and quiet at night time. The site would be a perfect canoe landing, the water is within a few yards. The campground has three spacious sites, while the Campground 1 in the lake has eight. A vault toilet and clean water well. The autumn weather is bright and fresh!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Hancock Recreation Area Beach & Campground

    Great stop over

    Campground offers variety of type sites with mixed amenities and sun or shade. More secluded sites may not be suited to larger length camping units. Decent bath/shower house. Only one for whole park. Lower level sites near the canal would be great, but can be windy. The dump station is design with one lane, so can get a backup. Some site have had fresh gravel applied. It hasn’t compacted yet, so a bit coarse to walk on. Close to Hancock. There is a sand n gravel company nearby, so you do hear noise from that area. Have stayed before, and will again.

  • Nancy May The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Franklin Lake

    Season's Best at Franklin Lake

    We have had an excellent camp-out this year here. Maybe because our site is only a yard away from the water, and with ample living space for multiple tents and a vehicle. A fire ring and a picnic table. A set of vault toilets nearby. We didn't expect to find flushing toilets in a campground anywhere, but, we have a choice here to drive up further and use the facility. The wood forest is nicely maintained. Falling off branches are taken care of off the roads right away. And, that's all we care about in enjoying the outdoors this year.

  • Nancy May The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Laurel Lake Campground — Chequamegon Nicolet NF

    Laurel Lake Campground

    We don't have any RVs, no RV's cleaning and dumping facility required. It's good enough with its regular and standard trash disposal site. The wood forest is nicely maintained. I have no fear of falling timbers or branches at all times. And, the nicest thing about the campground is the few square-footages of level and compacted square on each site, ready to spread your tent on it. It's great! 👍

  • Lindsey R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Baraga State Park Campground

    Noisy spot

    Decided to drive north to stay on Keweenaw Bay. The only thing you couldn't tell is that the State Park was right on the road. Literally. No site is quiet. Traffic goes all day and all night. Park was curiously mostly full with families and ither campers set up fir the weekend?. Clearly a popular spot. Very clean bathrooms and showers a lovely Park Ranger.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Van Riper State Park Campground

    Electrical hookups, about $35 per night

    Very expensive, but what can you do with a useless storm that doesn't go away?

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Franklin Lake

    Excellent sandy beach

    Private sites, great beach, beautiful buildings built by the CCC. There is even a small nature center. My family loves the nature trail that takes us through bogs and past maiden hair ferns. With a boat one can visit an island that once had a cabin. The best swimming is on a sandbar directly across from the beach.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Scott Lake

    Remote site on quiet lake

    The campsite is on a gravel road. There is access to a small lake. Across the road is a nice boardwalk to another lake. The Wilderness Headwaters trail is also close.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Indian Lake

    Single site on small lake

    The campsite is just off a paved road making it easily accessible. It’s intended for tents, but a small trailer might fit in the parking area. Many hiking opportunities are nearby.

Guide to Trout Creek

Camping near Trout Creek, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the outdoors: The area is surrounded by stunning nature. Many campers enjoy hiking the nearby trails. One visitor at Lake Gogebic State Park Campground mentioned, "There are some state park hiking trails access from the campground."
  • Water activities: Fishing and boating are popular here. A reviewer at Bond Falls Campground said, "Beautiful sites, some very private and right on the lake. Boat launch nearby."
  • Wildlife watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Sparrow Rapids Campground noted, "Quiet, no frills campground by a river out in the woods."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Union River Big Bear Campground said, "The sunsets are outstanding. There's a free beach across the street."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A reviewer at Ontonagon Township Park Campground mentioned, "The grounds are very clean and well maintained."
  • Friendly staff: Campers appreciate helpful hosts. One guest at L'Anse Township Park & Campground shared, "Spent the 4th of July here... Grounds are very clean and well maintained."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds do not take reservations. A camper at Twin Lakes State Park Campground said, "They do not take reservations, so it’s a gamble to just show up."
  • Noise levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near highways. A visitor at Baraga State Park Campground noted, "The campground is right next to the highway and the traffic noise goes on all night."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds are more rustic. A reviewer at Sturgeon River Campground mentioned, "The small rustic campground doesn’t have all the frills so this is for the rustic campers."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at River Road RV Park said, "Nice size lots, clean, quiet."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Sparrow Rapids Campground mentioned, "Nice big level site with table & fire ring."
  • Check for nearby attractions: Look for local parks or attractions to visit. One camper at Lake Gogebic State Park Campground noted, "Facilities were pretty standard state park fair."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Union River Big Bear Campground said, "Some sites have more room than others."
  • Be aware of hookups: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A visitor at Baraga State Park Campground mentioned, "There are several full hook up sites (water sewer electric)."
  • Look for dump stations: Ensure there's a dump station available. A camper at River Road RV Park noted, "The campground seems to be well maintained and some of the sites are large."

Camping near Trout Creek, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at Trout Creek, Michigan?

The Trout Creek area offers several camping options with varying amenities. Courtney Lake Campground provides drive-in sites with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. For a more rustic experience, Bob Lake Campground offers boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access with basic amenities like water and toilets. Michigan State Forest campgrounds in the region typically provide simple, unelectrified sites with fire rings and pit toilets for around $15 per night. Most campgrounds in the area feature well-spaced sites surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ottawa National Forest, offering a peaceful camping experience.

Where is Trout Creek located in Michigan?

Trout Creek is located in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, near the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. It sits approximately 15 miles east of Ontonagon and about 25 miles west of Bruce Crossing. This small community is positioned in the Ottawa National Forest region, making it a gateway to numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. Sparrow Rapids Campground and Sturgeon River Campground are both located near Trout Creek, providing convenient access to the natural beauty of Michigan's UP.

What outdoor activities can I do near Trout Creek, Michigan?

The Trout Creek area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking opportunities abound, including trails in the nearby Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park where you can explore forests and waterfalls. Lake Superior is accessible for swimming, fishing, and beach walks. The Ontonagon Township Park and Campground provides lake access for water activities. Fishing is excellent in the numerous streams, rivers, and lakes, including opportunities for trout fishing. The region also offers wildlife viewing, photography, and spectacular fall color tours. Winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling on the extensive trail networks throughout the Ottawa National Forest.

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