The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Wakefield, MI

620 Reviews

Tent campers visiting Wakefield, Michigan have access to several secluded wilderness areas within the Ottawa National Forest and surrounding regions. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers the Union River Rustic Outpost Camp with just three tent sites set in dense forest, while Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping provides more remote tent camping experiences approximately 30 miles southeast of Wakefield. Both areas feature primitive tent sites with varying levels of accessibility and amenities.

Most tent sites feature natural forest floor surfaces with minimal site preparation, requiring campers to find level spots among pine duff, moss, and occasional tree roots. The Union River sites include fire rings and access to vault toilets, while backcountry areas like Sylvania Wilderness require permits and have stricter regulations, including no-fire zones in some sections. Water access varies significantly between locations, with many backcountry campers filtering water from nearby lakes and streams. Sites at Burned Dam Campground provide access to the Ontonagon River but lack potable water sources. A review noted that "finding a truly flat spot free of any small mounds of moss or decayed nurse logs can be a challenge" at Sylvania Wilderness.

Walk-in tent sites throughout the region offer greater seclusion than drive-in campgrounds, particularly at locations like Wabasso Lake Recreation Area in nearby Wisconsin. These areas feature tent pads situated away from parking areas, creating quieter camping experiences with less vehicle noise. Backcountry tent camping in the Porcupine Mountains provides access to extensive hiking trail networks, with some sites connecting directly to wilderness paths. The three Union River Outpost sites are particularly valued for their isolation, with one camper describing it as "a perfect, secluded spot" that "really felt like nobody else was out here." Summer months bring moderate bug activity, particularly mosquitoes and biting flies, making protective measures essential for comfortable tent camping experiences.

Map showing campgrounds near Wakefield, MichiganExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Wakefield, Michigan (21)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Wakefield Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Wakefield, MI

18 Photos of 21 Wakefield Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Wakefield, MI

620 Reviews of 21 Wakefield Campgrounds

  • Stephanie F.
    Jul. 3, 2017

    North Trout Lake Campground — Northern Highland State Forest

    Fewer amenities, but great trade-off

    We arrived on a Thursday and were able to snag one of the much-coveted lakeside sites for a private view of the sunset. Sites were level and clean and it never got busy for the weekend, which is just the way I like it. Although there are tons of other state campgrounds nearby with more amenities, I would gladly trade all of that for the no-electric, vault toilet, water pump solitude of North Trout Lake. The campground has a nature trail and is also located on a paved bike path that runs between nearby towns and connects to the other camping areas.

    Amenities: nice/clean vault toilets, water from pump tastes fantastic, swimming beach, firewood for sale onsite, no electric, no showers.

  • Nona A.
    Aug. 10, 2017

    Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park

    Great Campground for exploring, and for those who love waterfalls.

    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.  

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park

    Stunning landscapes

    We camped at Presque Isle in the Porkies for a long weekend in October. The color change was amazing! This campground is rustic with only vault toilets and no hookups. There is a section that allows generators during certain hours of the day, a non-generator area and a few walk-in sites. There are a few sites which are along the cliff side looking down to Lake Superior, we were lucky enough to reserve one of those, site 2. It was a very large site, equipped with the standard picnic table and fire ring. Many of the sites back up to the woods, which were smaller and a little soggy while we were there. This campground is one of two in the park, Union Bay is the other more modern campground located right on the lake. The sites there are much smaller and crowded. I prefer the more remote Presque Isle campground by far. Less amenities but far less people. 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. 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. It’s the hiking and rugged beauty of the area that is the main attraction, especially catching the fall colors surrounding Lake Superior.

  • A
    Aug. 19, 2020

    Black River Harbor Campground

    Great campground in a beautiful location

    We stayed at Black River Harbor Campground last week, in a year that the water supply was never turned on due to Covid. Nevertheless, we had an amazing time. We stayed in one of the many first-come-first-served campsites (which seemed to be available late into the afternoon, but filled most nights) and enjoyed a large site, separated by a pretty dense forest in between our neighbors. 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. The fire rings were solid and had cooking greats on each one, and the picnic tables in many cases were new. If you are heading here during the wetter season, know that the ground will likely be soft, but every site we looked at had some effort taken to make sure it stayed dry.

    The real gem of this place is the location. The Black River Falls are an astounding bit of Michigan scenery just minutes away by car. We decided to take a 7 mile out-and-back hike that brought us past five of the falls—each one far exceeding the expectations of this downstater. Next door to the Black River Falls are the Presque Isle Falls (though next door still means about an hour drive due to following the valley roads). The Presque Isle Falls are part of the Porcupine Wilderness State Park, and are gorgeous and even more accessible than the Black River Falls.

    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!

  • Hilary S.
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

    Beautiful at peak fall color!

    I did a 3 day/2 night hike during peak color, starting at the Lake Superior Trailhead. I was warned the Lake Superior trail was muddy when I checked in, and the ranger was not joking - 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. 

    Campsite LS-14 had a lovely location on the lake, but was very muddy/previously submerged with water. It immediately abuts site LS-13. There was a wooden platform to put my tent on, but I had to bolster the corners so that it was big enough for my tent poles to have something to rest on. If I had gotten in before dark, I might have seen the small area near the trail side of the site that had higher, dryer ground. There is supposed to be a bear pole for these sites, but the group at the other site said there wasn't one. In hindsight, I think there probably was, away from the campsites, but since I had a canister, I didn't go looking for it after dark. The Lake Superior trail continued to be muddy until you got close to the Big Carp River mouth.

    Campsite BC-8 was a big upgrade - very large site, a little patch of open sky over the fire pit, easy access to the river for water. The big trees provided good shelter from a minor storm and high winds overnight. This site is right alongside the trail, but separated from the cabin and next site by a good distance. The hike out from here up the Big Carp River trail to Lake of the Clouds is a somewhat longer trek with a bit of elevation gain, but nothing too intense in my opinion.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2023

    Big Bay State Park Campground

    Nice Experience and some very nice sites

    Big Bay State Park Campground, WI: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Ferry Ride: $110 round trip with a 17’ trailer Overall Rating: 3.5 Price 2023: About $20 to $30 Usage during visit: Very full Site Privacy: Loop 1 - 29 Great site privacy. Loop 30 -60 some good sites. The overall privacy not as good. Site Spacing: Loop 1 - 30: Great. Loop 31- 60: Good Site surface: Gravel Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: People noise while here. Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Some sites Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Check out the campground map . The dump is on the way to the airport.
    Potable Water Available: Yes, at the bathrooms Generators: Not specified. We used a low noise generator. Bathroom: Clean pit toilets and flush toilets in the showroom.
    Showers: One centrally located.
    Pull Throughs: Mostly, if not all are back in. Cell Service (AT&T): Sporadic Setting: In a pine forest Weather: Highs are 70’s Bugs: Some mosquitoes. I think they are decreasing. Have bug spray if you hike. Solar: No Host: They are short a host Rig size: Rigs I’ve seen are under 35’ Sites: The sites in Loop 1 - 30 is the best loop, are most all very private. Loop30 - 60: Not as private. Site 42 has no under brush between site and parking for tent walk in sites. Other than that, pretty good. Sites 48, ad 50 are the absolute least private sites. Trailer sites in Loop 30 - 60 are generally not as deep and thus less site privacy than Loop 1 - 30. (35 - 41 are walk in tent sites,)

  • K
    Jul. 14, 2021

    Ontonagon Township Park Campground

    Life saver — if timed right !

    No reservations, that’s on us. Looked at several after driving around all day sight-seeing. We called the number on the listing; got a pre-recorded message from the township. Decided to check it out in person. First, camping is divided up; two loops on beach side of the road, two loops on the non-beach side. We nabbed the last place on the beach side and could see Lake Superior from the site. Camp hosts were very accommodating considering we roll in just as they’re locking up shop around 8:00pm. Got us checked in and sold us firewood. We quickly set up and were on the beach in minutes. The water felt so good, we ran back up and got into trunks to swim. Brisk but totally swimmable. The beach was sandy, the lake-bottom sandy/small pebbles (no aqua-socks needed). The beach wasn’t AS pretty as other places we’d been but still had spectacular views. The trash was nearby, showers and flushing toilets a quick minute walk to other loop. Fire rings in each site and power/water posts (no generators, yay!). It’s worth driving over to see if they have a spot!

  • Kim The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2020

    Chequamegon National Forest Beaver Lake Campground

    Great campground, bad reservation system

    After a long hard hike on the NCT, we hiked into camp ready for a meal and a good sleep. We had spot #7 reserved, easily the most beautiful camp spot on the lake. A wonderful strip of sandy beach, heavily treed site, nice flat tent pads, a picnic table and fire pit.

    Our hearts sank as we walked to the site only to encounter a big RV parked there and it appeared someone was set up for the weekend. We were baffled! I had my print out confirm and proof it was ours but there was no camp host or any kind of ranger on site. We were on our own.

    So the people who took our site shows up. They tried to explain to us that there was a mistake in the reservation system and they had the site reserved too. I have no idea if it was a fabrication or not. But we were willing to share the camp site since we were only there for one night anyway.

    We pitched our tent. Enjoyed the sunset over the lake and settled in for a nice sleep.

    Pros: Large treed campsites Close vault Excellent potable water Beautiful serene lake Close to the NCT trailhead Vault cleaned daily Dumpsters and bear lockers Quiet camp sites No light pollution. Clear skies Minimal bugs in late august

    Cons: No camp hosts No firewood for sale Gravel back roads far from town No contact with forest service for issues NCT stretch of trail through the campsite is not that great

    I would camp there again but drive and not hike in.

  • Danielle A.
    Sep. 27, 2016

    Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping

    Lovely, covered backcountry sites

    A lovely area with a good balance of open space and tree cover. Nearby Clark Lake is very pretty, good for swimming, and serves as the primary water source. The area is covered in soft pine duff but finding a truly flat spot free of any small mounds of moss or decayed nurse logs can be a challenge.

Guide to Wakefield

Tent camping near Wakefield, Michigan provides access to the Ottawa National Forest's 990,000 acres across Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. The region averages 180-200 inches of snow annually, creating lush summer vegetation and numerous waterfalls for campers to discover. Most backcountry sites range from 1,200-1,800 feet in elevation with variable temperatures even during summer months, requiring campers to pack layers.

What to do

Waterfall exploration: Multiple falls can be accessed from Union River Rustic Outpost Camp where a bridge leads to trails. "Take the right trail and it connects with the Union River mine trail. It's 1 mile long and perfect for relaxing after dinner," notes camper Art S.

Fishing opportunities: At Burned Dam Campground, visitors can fish directly off-site. "Camp is right on a river and the rapids will draw you in. Follow the trail 20 yards and you can find a variety of boulders or logs to perch upon," explains Art S., though he warns about persistent flies.

Canoe camping: The Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area offers boat-accessible camping 45 minutes south of Wakefield. "The Turtle Flambeau Flowage is dubbed the 'Boundary Waters of Wisconsin' and for good reason! The quality of the waters, vast array of channels, islands and camping spots is simply amazing," writes Kim.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: At certain locations like Union River Outpost Camp, site isolation stands out. "Site 1 was so secluded and private. It really felt like nobody else was out here. We had more than enough room to set up and could even have fit additional tents," notes Art S. about the three-site camping area.

Riverside camping: The sound of moving water adds ambiance to many sites. At Burned Dam Campground, campers report hearing "rushing water" from nearby Mex-i-mine Falls. Each site includes "in-ground firepits, picnic table, and a hanging post for trash," according to Kyle K.

Lake access: The Sylvania Wilderness Backcountry Camping area offers paddling-focused experiences. "We did it the easy way, loaded our canoe, crossed the lake to our campsite and set up camp. No portaging with our gear," explains Ann M., who rented equipment from Sylvania Outfitters.

What you should know

Limited site amenities: Most primitive sites require self-sufficiency. Kyle K. reports Burned Dam has "no running water" and "no trash service (pack out all you bring)," though there are basic facilities like fire rings.

Insect activity: Biting insects can be problematic throughout the region. At Burned Dam, one camper noted: "BUGS. this campground was FULL of mosquitos and biting flies. Even with bug spray, the assault was nonstop. Bring a screen-printing popup shelter with you or you will suffer."

Cell service limitations: Reception is unreliable or nonexistent at most wilderness sites. Big Rock Campground and other remote locations require planning ahead. At Union River Outpost, Jenna L. cautions: "Note that there is no cell service here or really nearby. Not an issue if you're prepared for that!"

Tips for camping with families

Book dual sites: For larger family groups at Sylvania Wilderness, consider reserving adjacent sites. Jess R. suggests: "Book both sites for the nights you're staying. At $15 a night per site, it still ends up being a cheap investment for peace and quiet."

Trail-accessible camping: Families appreciate Wabasso Lake Recreation Area with its walk-in sites. "The campgrounds here have a fire ring and table, and plenty of room to set up in. The lake is gorgeous and swimmable," reports Theodora M., though amenities are limited to "a vault toilet and water."

Specialized camping options: For families with members having mobility needs, consider boat-accessible sites. Janet R. describes Stockton Island's "stellar handicapped accessible platform campsite" as "the best and most accessible I've ever seen and would be perfect for a family member of mine with special needs and mobility issues."

Tips from RVers

Small vehicle accessibility: Most wilderness campgrounds limit RV size. Union River Outpost allows small RVs but requires careful navigation. "The gravel drive was uphill so we ended up turning the camper 90 degrees," reports Art S., noting site 1 has "its own 80 foot spur."

Water access planning: No hookups are available at wilderness sites. Art S. advises: "More amenities can be found at the main campground in the state park. We filled up with water there," referring to facilities at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park near Union River Outpost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wakefield, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wakefield, MI is Union River Rustic Outpost Camp — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Wakefield, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Wakefield, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring