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The western Upper Peninsula surrounding Wakefield, Michigan features extensive camping options within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Located approximately 17 miles from Wakefield along Highway 28, Presque Isle Campground offers rustic camping on bluffs overlooking Lake Superior with access to waterfalls along the Presque Isle River. Union Bay Campground provides more developed facilities with electric hookups, modern bathrooms, and shower facilities. The region supports diverse camping styles from lakefront sites with stunning views to secluded backcountry locations accessible only by trail, with options for tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and yurts.
Reservations are essential for popular sites, particularly during summer months when lakefront locations book up to six months in advance. Cell service throughout the area is spotty, with many campers reporting the need for signal boosters. Black flies and mosquitoes present significant challenges, especially in humid conditions near water. As one camper noted, "Blackflies bite, and bug spray does not affect them. I found keeping a hand towel or fly swatter moving around me helped keep them away." Spring and fall visitors should prepare for muddy conditions on trails and potential flooding at some campsites, particularly after storms. The closest town with supplies is Ontonagon, approximately 18 miles from Union Bay Campground.
Lake Superior views rank among the most valued features at campgrounds throughout the region. Campers consistently praise the sunsets and shoreline access despite the trade-off in privacy at waterfront sites. "Beautiful Lake Superior sunsets! Because it's on the border of the Eastern time zone, daylight lingers for a long time in the summer," reported one visitor to Presque Isle. Wildlife encounters include bears, particularly at walk-in sites where proper food storage is critical. The extensive trail network, including the North Country Trail and Lake Superior Trail, connects to numerous waterfalls and the popular Lake of the Clouds overlook. Fall visitors experience spectacular foliage colors, while winter camping options include heated yurts and cabins with wood-burning stoves.
"Presque Isle is a rustic campground in the Porcupine Mountains on Lake Superior in Michigan. Not to be mistaken for the Presque Isle campground in WIsconsin."
"So the drive-in sites are literally all right next to each other, no privacy at all."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $21 - $120 / night
Check Availability"There are tons of hiking trails that start right In the campground. My favorite hike is to the waterfall and walking up the steps to get to the top of it."
"Right next to Black River. Sites sit back from highway so easy access and quiet. Open year round. Showers. Owner is friendly and very helpful."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"No firewood to purchase nearby. Big sites. Great fire pits. Clean Pit toilets. It was a peaceful spot right next to Lake Superior! Close access to beaches. Amazing hiking. The most beautiful sunsets."
"We had easy access to nicely maintained vault toilets, and had there been water available this year there were plenty of spigots—no hand pumps here."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"Saw a deer walking through camp. Nearby brewery was a nice treat! Sites we stayed at were pull through sites with full hook ups."
"Stayed two nights as the location was convenient for my stay in town. Older park with mature trees offering shade on most lots. Power pedestal upgrades to 30 and 50 amp to majority of lots."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"This was our first time camping in Michigan and we loved being so close to Lake Superior. We're used to MN state parks, so we found the campsites in MI to be a bit small and too close to each other."
"We could walk to the visitor center via a short wooded trail, walk or drive to a small convenience store with firewood, and step over to Lake Superior each evening for sunrise."
from $41 / night
Check Availability"This campground is one of the best in/near the Ottawa National Forest. Sites are large and there are lots of trees creating privacy. We loved the hiking trails surrounding the area!"
"A beautiful harbor on Lake Superior surrounded with by a cornucopia of natural beauty."
"Campsite LS-14 had a lovely location on the lake, but was very muddy/previously submerged with water. It immediately abuts site LS-13."
"We camped at Mirror Lake and along the Big Carp River Trail."
from $20 - $140 / night
Check Availability
ScoutTh upper camping area has 3x the number of sites there is space for. The lake and perimeter sites are much better. In the upper space, it's like a group camp on a large patch of grass. Firepits are only 10 feet apart in most areas. Shameful for a state park facility. Staff was very friendly though.
TravelerThe whole way is paved except for the driveway that leads you into a singular site with central fire pit. Practically on the side of the road, so it can be noisy with the occasional traffic which is not much. Almost unnervingly quiet at night, no crickets, nothing. Looks like you can go further down the unpaved road, but it was really overgrown with vegetation, dipped into what looked like a ditch and it looked like no one has been down that way in a long time. Good for a single night stay if you want to drive that far into the forest.
ScoutHappy to come upon this spot! Minutes from downtown bayfield. There is a trail that will take you down to the lake. Nice benches. Our electric box didn’t work unfortunately. Sites are close together and a little uneven. There is a steep hill to get down to the lower campsites. Clean pit toilets. Not a bad spot!
ScoutTerrific for rugged tent campers and smaller rigs. Sites are close together and uneven but surrounded by woods and a view of the lake from the bluff
RangerAlthough it does not have any amenities, it is the perfect spot to stay the night. There is one place to camp when you first pull off the highway and further down the trail there are 2 spots next to each other.
TravelerWe are in an electric only campsite. There are a number of trees between sites, but not particularly private. The park is clean and beautiful. Would stay here again.
TravelerLovely quiet campground. Boat landing and beach are okay. Theres a big sandbar and the lake stays less than hip deep decently far out. Only busy around holidays and early season.
Legend10-2-25,
I stayed in the stargazer yurt and it was remarkable. Flawless check-in and perfect spot. The yurt is about 150 yards from the lake and secluded.
A fire pit, two beds and a couch. Rocky my hound enjoyed his rest on his pillow bed.
RangerWas enticed by the possibility of hearing Timberwolves at night, but rain and the sound of the falls nixed that. Gorgeous, but insanely buggy. Day traffic was nominal. Not many options for site setup.
The western Upper Peninsula surrounding Wakefield, Michigan sits at an elevation range of 1,200-1,900 feet with an average annual snowfall exceeding 200 inches. The region forms part of the ancient Penokean Mountain range, with heavily forested terrain dominated by maple, birch, and hemlock trees. Camping spots near Wakefield, Michigan remain accessible from late May through mid-October, with primitive sites open year-round in some locations for winter camping enthusiasts.
Waterfall hiking trails: The Black River Harbor Campground area features a series of five major waterfalls within a 3-mile stretch. "The real gem here is all the waterfalls nearby. Exhausting but breathtaking," notes Kristy G., who recommends timing your visit for "second week of August" to minimize biting insects.
Cross-country skiing: Winter visitors to the Porcupine Mountains can access heated yurts and cabins at Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping. The area maintains over 42 miles of marked ski trails. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful northwoods and lakeshore... I have seen black bear here on numerous occasions."
Rock hounding: Lake Superior beaches near campgrounds provide excellent opportunities for agate hunting. Anthony K. reported, "Beyond hiking we had a great time hunting for agates on the beach and enjoying the marvelous spectacle of Lake Superior, including its unpredictable weather!"
Lake Superior sunsets: Sites along the shoreline at Union Bay Campground provide direct lake access. "We could walk to the visitor center via a short wooded trail, walk or drive to a small convenience store with firewood, and step over to Lake Superior each evening for sunrise," explains Christine C.
Secluded camping spots: For a more remote experience away from crowded areas, Lydia T. describes Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park as "Super secluded." Another camper shared, "The walk-in sites were a short walk from our cars. These were definitely the best sites for tree cover and privacy with a separate trail to each campsite."
Old-growth forest: The Porcupine Mountains contain one of the largest remaining stands of old-growth northern hardwood forest in North America. Sam F. describes it as "The Porkies are my favorite forest to explore on the continent. The vegetation is so much more lush than what you find out west, and all the old trees seem to have stories."
Black flies and mosquitoes: Insect activity peaks from late May through July. According to Anton T. at Lake Gogebic State Park Campground, "A big minus for me were the millions of mosquitoes, but I guess that comes as part of the 'nature package'." Bug nets and physical barriers work better than chemical repellents.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have minimal to no cell coverage. As one camper noted about a backcountry site, "Make sure to bring plenty of water with you, the closest water source is next to the Chayboga creek parking lot which is quite a hike if you are tired and dehydrated."
Trail conditions: Spring and early summer often bring muddy, sometimes impassable trails. Hilary S. reported, "I was grateful to have trekking poles to help balance on logs, branches, roots and rocks to try to keep my boots as dry as possible in the parts of the trail that were submerged."
Beach access: Sunday Lake in Wakefield offers family-friendly swimming areas with gradual entry points. At Eddy Park & Campground, families can enjoy "a nice spot right on the lake, fire pit was 10 feet from the water." While sites are close together, the convenience of lake access makes it popular with families.
Junior Ranger programs: The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Visitor Center runs educational programs for children during summer months. One visitor mentioned, "The park has a ski lift we rode to check out the views from the top of the mountain, as well as an 18 hole disc course."
Easy hiking options: For families with young children, the half-mile boardwalk trail to Lake of the Clouds provides accessible viewing without strenuous hiking. "The hiking throughout this park is unparalleled in its beauty. The campground is close to the Presque Isle river trail which is waterfall after waterfall," shares Stacia R.
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds separate generator and non-generator areas. Annie C. noted, "There are 50 sites, with generator and non-generator sites clearly separated" at Presque Isle Campground, though she warns about potential noise issues from inconsiderate campers.
Site leveling challenges: RV sites throughout the region often require leveling. Sam C. observed at Alpine Campground & RV Park, "Our pull thru sites where just long enough for our 35' trailer and truck to stay connected. Sites were grass, a little un-level but were very spacious."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer dump stations. According to Bill S., "NO DUMP STATION, they removed it years ago" at Black River Harbor Recreation Area, requiring RVers to plan accordingly for waste management during longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Wakefield, Michigan?
The Wakefield area offers several excellent camping options. Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park provides sites close to Lake Superior with convenient access to hiking trails and a visitor center. For those seeking rustic experiences, Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park offers camping on bluffs overlooking Lake Superior with majestic views and waterfall access. Other nearby options include Black River Harbor Campground and Alpine Campground, both offering drive-in access and basic amenities. The region's campgrounds typically feature access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and water recreation.
What amenities are available at Eddy Park Campground in Wakefield?
Eddy Park Campground in Wakefield offers several practical amenities for campers. The campground provides boat-in and drive-in access, making it convenient for both water travelers and road trippers. Basic facilities include water access and toilets. The campground is big-rig friendly, accommodating larger RVs and campers. For those seeking alternatives with additional amenities, Ontonagon Township Park and Campground is relatively nearby with 76 sites including electric hookups (both 30-amp and 50-amp options), though it operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. The campground's location provides good access to local recreation opportunities.
What are the seasonal camping options in Wakefield, Michigan?
Wakefield area camping generally follows Upper Peninsula Michigan's seasonal patterns, with peak season running from late spring through early fall. Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping offers spectacular experiences during peak fall colors, typically in September and October, though trails can be muddy during wet periods. For winter enthusiasts, Copper Falls State Park Campground in the nearby region offers year-round options with 56 total sites between two campgrounds. Most Wakefield area campgrounds have limited or no services during winter months, with full operations typically from May through October. Check with specific campgrounds for exact seasonal opening dates, as they vary based on weather conditions and staffing.
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