Backcountry cabin and yurt camping near White Pine, Michigan offers outdoor experiences at elevations ranging from 610 to 1,958 feet above sea level. The western Upper Peninsula's continental climate brings cold, snowy winters with 200+ inches of annual snowfall and mild summers with average highs of 75°F. Winter yurt campers should prepare for nighttime temperatures that regularly drop below 0°F between December and February.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 3.5 miles of hiking trails lead to several cascades near Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park. "The Presque Isle river trail which is waterfall after waterfall" offers stunning scenery according to Stacia R., who notes the "hiking and rugged beauty of the area" make it the main attraction.
North Country Trail access: Trek sections of this 4,600-mile national scenic trail. Near Bond Falls Campground, the trail system extends through old-growth forest. "The trail system is fabulous and some trails are handicap accessible," notes Carrie C., though she warns "the pit toilet is pretty gross, only downside."
Winter snowshoeing: Follow marked trails through snow-covered forests. At Bond Falls, winter visitors see partially frozen waterfalls with "the ground covered in snow. Very pretty that time of the year," according to Danielle A.
Paddling Lake Superior: Launch from shoreline camps for kayaking adventures. "The lake was crystal clear and great for swimming," reports Ashley D. about her Lake Superior campsite, noting evening brought "a beautiful sunset" visible from their tent site.
What campers like
Old-growth forest immersion: The Porcupine Mountains contain one of the largest remaining old-growth northern hardwood forests in North America. According to Sam F. at Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping, "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."
Yurt accommodations with views: Year-round yurt camping in White Pine, Michigan offers sheltered options in remote settings. Anna C. describes her experience: "Mirror lake is tucked between ridges in an almost valley-like area and hiking there requires a bit of ascending then descending small hills. The hike takes you through one of the largest stretches of old growth forest in North America."
Wildlife watching opportunities: Multiple species inhabit the surrounding wilderness. "Deer, fox, coyote, hawks, eagles, brook trout and bear have been a pleasure to accompany me there," writes Sam F. about Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping.
Lakeside sites: Access to water directly from some campsites. At Lake Gogebic State Park Campground, Steven S. enjoyed "a great site right on the lake, fire pit was 10 feet from the water" and found that "most sites are large with trees but not many are very level."
What you should know
Bear precautions required: Bear activity is common throughout the region. Anna A. notes about Porcupine Mountains: "This state park is absolutely gorgeous and has so much to it. We stayed at a campsite on the Escarpment trail (ES-1)... it had a bear pole, a fire ring, and an ample amount of space."
Insects intensify May-July: Black flies and mosquitoes peak in early summer. A visitor to Twin Lakes State Park Campground reports: "Bugs were not a problem during the day but the second that sun goes down have the bug spray ready."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across the area. At Black River Harbor, Jim W. reports: "There are no camp hosts, no cellar coverage, and the Rangers do not answer knocks on the door at their offices about 20 miles away. You are on your own."
Winter access restricted: Snow impacts travel to remote yurt sites in White Pine, Michigan. Jen W. notes about Presque Isle: "Definitely Seasonal. The road is not plowed completely in winter."
Tips for camping with families
Look for accessible waterfall trails: Bond Falls offers family-friendly viewing options. "Bond Falls is beautiful! The trail system is fabulous and some trails are handicap accessible," notes Carrie C.
Choose developed campgrounds with amenities: For families needing facilities, Union River Big Bear Campground offers comfort near attractions. A visitor mentioned: "This is a beautiful campground at the foot of the Porkies... Clean facilities. You can hear the waves at night. Bathrooms and showers were clean and well kept."
Select campsites away from Lake Superior for wind protection: Inland sites offer more shelter from weather. At Presque Isle, Emily V. noted: "Sites are large and level with grass or packed sand and have a picnic table and fire ring."
Pack extra water containers: Rustic sites often have limited water access. One camper at Presque Isle mentioned: "There is water on site, but it is the hand pump style, so it would help to have a large open container to capture the water."
Tips from RVers
Reserve generator-friendly sites: Some campgrounds have generator-restricted areas. Annie C. notes about Presque Isle: "There are 50 sites, with generator and non-generator sites clearly separated."
Choose full-hookup options for longer stays: For extended RV camping near White Pine, Michigan, River Road RV Park, Campground and Bunkhouse offers complete services. "Nice pull through sites and full hookups. You can socialize or keep to yourselves," shares Teri I.
Expect uneven terrain: Many sites require leveling. Steven S. reports about Lake Gogebic State Park: "Most sites are large with trees but not many are very level."
Check seasonal road conditions: Spring access can be challenging. Josh M. notes about Presque Isle: "The amenities at the campground are basic and it is a bit of a drive to the main trailheads of the State Park but worth the effort."
