Best Cabin Camping near Wakefield, MI

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.

The hiking is great and it has a majestic feel camping on top of a bluff looking out to Lake Superior. This is my kind camping. It doesn't get five stars because it lacks some amenities but it is secluded and there are plenty of open campsites.

The park is clean. There are trees everywhere with a large canopy providing a lot of shade. There is plenty of parking for your vehicle. The only downside to the campground is the campsites are very open and not very private, but there is a lot of space.

The Park is a little difficult to find if you have never been there before. It is about 17 miles from Wakefield and highway 28. Just follow the signs and you will get there.

FYI: While you are in Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park make sure you checkout Union Bay campground, it is right on the shore of Lake Superior.

Don't miss the hiking trails!

Two campgrounds in this state park - South and North but only a total of 56 sites between them, 23 of them with electric. Saw it was filling up even on a weekday in September so made a reservation but still could not get an electric site. Sites were generous in size and most has good separation with lots of trees. Nice hiking on the North Country Scenic Trail to Red Granite Falls and the Doughboys Trail to see the park’s namesake falls plus another and a cascade. We came from camping in Michigan State parks which are much nicer so we were a bit spoiled. My rating would have been higher if there was a bath house with showers in the North campground; the pit toilets were ok but it was too long of a walk to the south campground where there are flush toilets and showers. They were ok but not great (not as nice as Michigan State parks). Lots of hungry mosquitoes as it has not gotten chilly yet so bring bug spray! Very spotty cell service.

Have not camped here yet but the whole area is amazingly beautiful. Yurts and Cabins available. Definitely Seasonal. the road is not plowed completely in winter.

This campground is wide and very open. We arrived on a Sunday and the weekend crowd had cleared out, so nice and quiet. One thing is— do not plan on doing laundry on a Monday. The personnel use all the machines to wash linens and towels from the cabins after folks check out. One dryer did not heat very well. The entry to the laundry is a step up and I stubbed my toe because the threshold was not secured.

This small - off the beaten path - campground is wonderful. It has all the amenities you would need of a large campground without all the commotion. It sits on the shore of Long Lake, allowing for fishing, swimming or relaxing with cocktails at sunset. It's just south of Copper Falls SP and just a tad further to Lake Superior, which makes the location great for hitting up all the attractions this area of the Northwoods has to offer. RV water/electric sites, tent and cabin options.

We stayed in a rental trailer here and were very impressed! There is a good mix of open and wooded sites. The weekends it gets busy, but the sites are for the most part spaced well enough apart that you don’t feel packed in. The owners/management were very friendly and responsive to all of our requests. You are close to all of the activities Eagle River has to offer, although not directly on the chain of lakes. They have a nice walking trail on the property, in addition to a bunch of activities geared toward the kids. We definitely plan to go back here again!

If your from Wisconsin this sits at the very north of the State. If your looking for areas to visit while camping here you may have a little bit of a drive. The park features some of the best waterfalls in the State and the trails surrounding those falls can get you pretty close for some spectacular photos! The North Country Scenic Hiking runs through the park. This is the longest hiking trail in the county and stretches over 4500 miles. The park does have a beach but if you have a four legged friend with you the pet beach isn't the best as your subject to the boat landing area and isn't very inviting. You can walk through this park and never get bored of the scenes. If you like being surrounded by green this is the place! A nice park to get away from any amenities or thoughts of the city!

I can't say enough awesome things about this park. The hiking trails and scenery are top notch, the variety of camping options are extensive and the quality of the sites are excellent.

If you just want to get away to some beautiful seclusion, this is the place. Even the RV camp site is nicely laid out, not far from the main doughboys hiking trail. In summer, the pads looked good, fairly level and mud free. The sites were heavily wooded and though near the main camp road, it didn't feel like a major throughfare.

I was actually really blown away by he handicap accessible site which was situated right near the top of brownstone falls. You could fall asleep listening to the water crashing down.

The trails were well maintained, especially the waterfall trail (Doughboys). Lots of overlook platforms and a selfy station. If getting away from people is your jam, there are lots of trails away from the hustle and bustle of the main trail. Dirt and turf with some lower muddy spots if you take the trails less travelled.

The swim beach is nice, just a short walk from the parking lot at the ranger station. Plenty of bathroom facilities. The main lot has flush and vault bathrooms, a little nature center (closed for covid), lots of picnic areas and a large spread out feeling.

I never felt crowded at this park which is saying a lot, given how popular it is. The drive there through the Chequamegon forest is even a joy!

This is a larger campground with a good mix of seasonal and weekend campsites. The majority of the weekend campsites are located near the prime activity locations; the pool, playground and lake areas. There are full sun and full shade sites available. The Shady sites are amongst the evergreens, so they tend to be sandier. The full sun sites are all grass. All of the sites have a gravel pad to park on; the exception to this are the lakeside sites which are concrete pads. There is a camp store and a good sized bar & grill. The weekend we were here it rained non-stop, so we did not get to use any of the available canoe/kayak/fishing boat/pontoon boat rentals. We did make ample use of the mini-golf, playground, and heated swimming pool though. The pool was warm enough that even the non-stop rain did not cool it down enough to be uncomfortable. The seasonal campers I met and talked with were all friendly and did not have the “why are you here” attitude I occasionally come across when staying at seasonal heavy resorts. I did see several people fishing in the rain and pulling keepers out of the lake to be cleaned and cooked. They were fishing from the docks. Our kids are 7 & 10 and they were never bored. There were a couple trails within the campground that were good for nature hikes. If it were a little closer to home, this campground would be on the shortlist of places to have a seasonal site at.

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. It felt quite secluded and the park wasn't too busy. The facilities were clean and the park rangers were very friendly and helpful. We like trying new campsites on each trip, but this was pretty ideal so we might be back next year!

Bond Falls is a little difficult to figure out if you haven't done your homework before visiting. You will show up to Bond Falls looking for a campground. You will see a self-registration board at the falls but it has NOTHING to do with camping. It is only to register your vehicle for the daily admittance pass if you have not already done so. Problem, it is the same form and envelope in every other Michigan State park so you will see the line for camping fees on the form and it can be a bit confusing.

The falls are very pretty and worth checking out. There is no "campground" per se. There are campsites strung along the banks all around the lake, there are even a few camp sites on some islands in the middle of the lake. The camp sites are managed by a power company. They have a visitor center right off the main road outside of the park entrance where you can get all of the information you need.

Do your homework before you commit the time and resources to camping at Bond Falls.

If you're a person who loves waterfalls, then I recommend you don’t miss this campground.  Presque Isle Campground is located at the southern edge of the Porcupine Mountains State Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  This campground has bluff overlooking Lake Superior, there is a walkway and stairs that take you down the bluff to the shore.  Walking distance from the campground is the Presque River you can hike along and see all the beautiful waterfalls this river has to offer.  This is a Rustic campground that has vault toilets, and hand pump drinking water. The campground, restrooms and surrounding area’s were kept very clean. There are 50 campsites that are equipped for tents, trailers, and RV’s.  Each site has a fire pit, and picnic table.  There is no electrical hook up, and part of the campground is generator free.  Six of the sites are walk in sites, there are parking spots for these sites, you park and walk in a little ways to your site.  I recommend a site that is located on the outer sides of the campground loop.  They are larger sites and more privacy from your neighbors.  Inner loop sites are closer together and open.  Be prepared for mosquitoes and blackflies.  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.  They are more active when it is humid, and down by the water.  These flies seem to be common up here along the shore.

There are many things to do around the campground close to your site and others are a little bit of a drive from your site in the Porcupine Mountains State Park.  If you like to stay close to your camp, you can hang out on the beach, hike along the Presque Isle River and discover the Manabezho Falls, Manido Falls, and the Nawadaha Falls.  Also the Lake Superior Trail and North Country Trail are right by the campground.  These trails will connect you with other trails in the Porcupine Mountains.  The Porcupine Mountains have lot’s to offer anyone stopping to visit.  We took and day and seen The Lake of the Clouds, and Summit Peak.  They both are gorgeous areas to explore.  

Campground Review:

There are a couple of camping options in the Porcupine Mountains of northern Michigan. Presque Isle is a primitive campground on the western side of the park. There are 50 sites, with generator and non-generator sites clearly separated (although that didn’t stop 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). On the non-generator side sites on the outside of the loop back to either the woods or the lake and have great hammocking options. Sites on the inside of the loop are kind of in the open, with no privacy and just a few hammocking trees. All of the campground is well shaded. The vault toilets were clean, but in need of being pumped out. There is a steep trail to the lake (some of this is covered in staircases, but the last scramble is down a steep slope). The trailhead to the waterfall trails is located in the generator side of the campground. There is also a trail to the lake and a small beach where you could swim.

Product Review:

As a Ranger for The Dyrt I get to review products from time to time. On this trip I got to review the Matador DL16 Backpack. I found this to be a really handy day pack to have around for this trip. While I brought my Osprey Talon daypack, I never used it, instead grabbing this little guy time and time again. This was a super convenient pack to toss in my gear tub and pull out (literally) when I wanted a small lightweight option.

Here’s what I liked:

1. When packed up in its little bag it fits in the palm of my hand. That means it easily fits in my gear tub for storage.
2. It weighs nothing. This was especially nice when my body was sore and tired from all of the hiking I was doing.
3. The side mesh pockets expanded to hold my nalgene water bottles with no problem. I have had other small day packs that can’t handle a 32 ounce bottle. This one handles two with no problem.
4. The front pocket is deep! Usually a front pocket is really shallow and barely holds your keys, let alone your phone. On the Matador DL16 Backpack I was able to put my key, phone, map, and granola bar in the front pocket with room for more, even with the main compartment full with my camera and rain gear.
5. The shoulder straps look flimsy but were able to handle the load without cutting into my shoulders. They also never seemed wet when I sweated through. Quick dry to the rescue! They also had easy adjustment straps that never seemed to be hanging down in the way.

Here are the things I think could be improved:

1. It would be nice to have one or two loops to clip on extra items.
2. I wish it had either a sternum strap or hip belt to help carry the load better.

Overall, I really liked this for carrying a light load on a day hike.

We were able to stay here in the fall during the leave changing season...greatest thing was we were all alone practically. Not many people in October 2014. It was very close to some great hikes and the Lake nearby was a nice feature. Had some great cover and unique campsites back in the trees a bit. Amenities/facilities were limited to toilets, but we made due.

Pretty rolling hills and water in leaf peeping season. Amazing trails out on the peninsula and throughout the park. Lots of birds and critters. Tent sites are very wooded. No one else was here when I was in October. Obey bear rules! Didn’t see any porcupines or mountains despite the park name!

Porcupine mountains wilderness area is truly amazing!! I recommend a few nights backpacking so you can stay at both presque isle and the lake of the clouds area of the park. Late summer early fall is nice time to visit. Lake Superior has an absolutely beautiful flat rock lake shore. I've seen moose and black bear here. If you're brave enough for fall weather camping in the northwoods I promise you the colors are worth it. Happy Adventuring!

Far enough from town to feel a million miles away. Large wooded camp sites. Rather basic state park setting & facilities, “rustic” is a good word but it’s still taken care of. Some small trails leave from the camp site, many backpacking options nearby. If you’re in the area you need to check this one out.

Both of the campgrounds, in the park, are extremely nice. I prefer the northern end of the park, with camping right on the shore of Lake Superior. Spring time scavenging, on the shores of Superior, can lead to all kinds of artifacts washing up on shore. The facilities were clean, and park rangers very nice, taught us a lot about the history of the area. Nice hiking trails, hilly, and so worth it.

I decided to try camping on my own here. It's fairly easy to get to... just long drives of nothing but beautiful forests and coastlines. Once I arrived, I had already missed check-in hours but was still able to set up in my reserved site. They still would have allowed you to set up in one of the open sites for the evening and to pay for it in the morning. The campground was small, but not crowded. The sites were spaced far enough apart to not feel like you were camping with your neighbors. There are plenty of hiking trails and things to see. The views here are just breathtaking. Between Lake Superior and the waterfalls there is so much to see. Compared to some parks this one doesn't have many extras. It's mainly hiking and camping. It truly is a gem and I plan on returning many times.

This was our second time camping at the porkies rustic camp sites. This time we stayed in one of the walk in sites, which are great if you are planning on staying more than one night. Was a bit of a trek to set up for the one night we stayed. It was however more away from people and I would chose it again. The bugs were dine this time but the first time we were there a couple of years ago the biting flies had just hatched and it may have been one of the most miserable experiences ever. I like how close this campground is located to multiple waterfalls, and not a very difficult walk as long as the beige isn't flooded! This is a great place to stay while you explore the rest of the park.

Later in the fall, high winds off the lake, great location

I had a great time here, the campground is very secluded and the closest town is about 15-18 miles away Porcupine mountains is a huge area to explore and there’s so much around it that you kinda jump around trying to see everything. You should probably make sure you have a full tank of gas when you hit that last town before you get here there is a lot of miles between the campground and civilization. I have AT&T and didn’t have phone signal which is very nice I don’t like phones disturbing my Adventures

Well maintained campground. No service with Verizon phone. Went in early june and very cold because of lake superior, so bring sweatshirts. Has divided campgrounds for generator and non-generator sides for people who like the quiet. Great hiking around the area for all ages, kida loved it

So the drive-in sites are literally all right next to each other, no privacy at all. There are some drive-in sites next to the shore (enscarpment) and those looked nice with trees and a bit more privacy. The walk-in sites have some distance between them, but not visual privacy, as the tree canopy is very tall. Walk-in was not too far, we kept our food in our car and walked back and forth for it. Bears visited a few of the walk-in sites on our last night, so be very good about keeping food, etc. in your car. No bear boxes in this park. Beautiful Lake Superior sunsets! Because it's on the border of the Eastern time zone, day light lingers for a long time in the summer. Water and pit toilets were close by. Water was clear and cold! Many families, children, and dogs present and everyone was quiet and well-behaved. Will definitely be back. The biting flies were a bit much and caused us to literally run out the last morning we were there, but that happens. We will definitely be back!

Great little campground on the south end of the park. Campground was quiet at night and everyone camping was very friendly. The vault toilets were clean and not smelly. Make sure to bring bug spray that works for both mosquitos and biting flies though!

This a great rustic campground. If you are looking for real out door experience with no common amenities except running water this is the place for you. Enjoy amazing waterfalls, rugged camping and gorgeous lake Superior sunsets... About as perfect as it gets!