Lake Superior's waves provide the soundtrack at Union River Big Bear Campground, where 50 sites occupy a grassy area across from Michigan's largest lake. The private campground sits at the entrance to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, making it a staging point for hikers heading to Lake of the Clouds and other park destinations.
Sites vary considerably in space and privacy. The perimeter sites back up to woods, while interior spots cluster more tightly together. Cynthia K. notes "The best sites over look the Union River," specifically highlighting sites 27, 28, and 29. Several pull-through sites accommodate larger RVs up to 45 feet. Campers consistently mention avoiding sites near the dump station, particularly 24A, 45, and 46.
The bathhouse draws frequent praise from reviewers. Cynthia K. describes facilities as having "Clean with hot showers" and notes they include music and decorative touches. A community fire pit area overlooks the lake, and stairs provide beach access directly across the road. The on-site store stocks firewood, ice, and camping supplies.
Each site includes water and electric hookups, though no sewer connections are available. A dump station serves RV campers. The campground allows pets and accepts reservations, which reviewers recommend booking early due to high demand during peak season. Cell service and WiFi can be spotty in this remote Upper Peninsula location. Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park sits just over a mile west for those preferring state park camping.
The location puts campers 20 minutes from grocery stores and supplies, with immediate access to Porcupine Mountains hiking trails and Lake Superior shoreline exploration.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Private CampgroundUnion River Big Bear Campground is located in Michigan
Address
107th Engineers Memorial Hwy
Ontonagon, MI 49953
Coordinates
46.81872961 N
89.61634897 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 36 min from Wausau, WI
- 2 hrs 49 min from Duluth, MN
- 3 hrs 45 min from Green Bay, WI
- 3 hrs 52 min from Eau Claire, WI
























