Cabin camping near Trout Creek, Michigan offers sites within the western Upper Peninsula's hardwood forests and lake country, situated at elevations between 1,300 and 1,600 feet. Winter temperatures in this region regularly dip below zero with heavy lake-effect snow, while summer days typically reach 70-80°F with cooler nights. Most cabin facilities in this region operate seasonally from May through mid-October due to road access limitations and harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 10-minute hike from Bond Falls Campground to view cascades. "The waterfall is a very short walk from the car, with longer hiking opportunities nearby. 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," notes a visitor.
Lake access: Swimming and boating available at multiple locations. At Van Riper State Park Campground, visitors have access to "a huge beach with volleyball net. Large bathhouse with private shower rooms. Huge playground. Overlook hiking trail was awesome, minus the bugs!"
Fishing: Brook trout in lakes and streams. According to a Bond Falls visitor, "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."
Iron ore history: Half-hour drive from Van Riper to historic sites. "During your visit to the park there are lots of scenic, historic, and recreational sites to visit. A few miles from the park is the location of where Iron ore was first found in the Lake Superior region," reports a camper.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Site separation varies significantly between campgrounds. At Bond Falls Campground, "The sites are mostly private and spread out with the exception of the loop which is more family oriented."
Beach quality: Sandy shores at several campgrounds. A visitor to Lake Gogebic State Park Campground noted, "The beach area was nice with a nice big sandy beach for the kids."
Site terrain: Natural ground conditions vary widely. At Bewabic State Park Campground, "The sites were very big and the bathrooms were clean. Hiking trails, the only negative thing is the mosquitos, (wear bug spray) the lake was beautiful and there people out boating on it."
Wildlife viewing: Morning birds frequently seen. "Being on the lake was nice, and we were entertained by a group of baby ducks that liked hanging out near our campsite," reported a Lake Gogebic visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal bug conditions: Mosquitoes and flies can be severe in early summer. At Bond Falls Campground, one camper reported, "Mosquitoes and flies were so bad that our dogs faces were getting bloody and bug spray and a fire did nothing for us. We packed up and canceled our whole trip after that."
Road noise: Highway proximity affects some locations. At Baraga State Park Campground, "The campground is right next to the road which is loud... No site is quiet. Traffic goes all day and all night."
Registration differences: Check-in procedures vary significantly. "Bond Falls is a little difficult to figure out if you haven't done your homework before visiting... There is no 'campground' per se. There are campsites strung along the banks all around the lake."
Drinking water availability: Source limitations at some sites. Regarding Van Riper State Park Campground, one camper noted, "There are restrictions on their drinking water so you need to haul in your own drinking water."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation: Inflatable water features for children at several parks. At Hi-Pines Campground, "The sites are nice and big and the pond has inflatables that are very fun."
Playground access: Multiple play areas at family-oriented sites. A visitor reports, "This campground is very clean and nice with tons of things to do! The sites are nice and big and the pond has inflatables that are very fun."
Organized activities: Scheduled events at some campgrounds. Hi-Pines offers "Great activities for kids…fishing presentation, movie, kickball. The site was full sun which got hot."
Bathroom proximity: Strategic site selection matters with young children. At Bond Falls, there are "a few port-a-potty's scattered throughout the campground, but no shower site."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Terrain varies between campgrounds. At Bewabic State Park Campground, "Sites were large and well cared for. Trails, parks, and a beach. Very affordable kayak and canoe rentals."
Hookup types: Electrical access varies by location. A visitor to Bewabic noted, "We drove up and got in and had a nice stay, the sites were very big and the bathrooms were clean... They have electrical hook-ups but no water hook-ups you have to fill before you come in."
Site spacing: Width accommodations differ significantly. At Chain O'Lakes Campground, a camper reported, "Nice big camp ground with boat ramp. Nice big site we had."
Generator rules: Noise limitations enforced at some locations. A camper at Presque Isle noted issues with "some idiot from parking his RV on the edge of the non-generator side and running his generator until 2am- the only one running a generator in all 50 sites."
