Hikers and anglers have direct trail access from camp here, with a bridge at the edge of the loop connecting to a riverside trail and, as Art S. notes, a path that "connects with the Union River mine trail." The Union River Rustic Outpost Camp sits within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and holds just three sites, which keeps the area noticeably uncrowded. No cell service reaches the camp or the surrounding roads, so arriving with downloaded maps and a paper park map is worth the effort.
The three sites vary in character. Site 1 has its own roughly 80-foot spur off the access road, giving it more separation from passing traffic. Sites 2 and 3 sit closer to the gravel road. Reviewers note that Site 3 runs on a slope, which can make tent placement awkward. The vault toilet and garbage can are located near Site 3, a short walk from the other sites. Bugs can be significant in late May.
Camping here is free, though reservations are available and worth making given the limited site count. Water is not available on-site; campers fill up at the main campground about five minutes away by car, where additional amenities are also accessible. Nearby options include Union Bay Campground — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and Lost Creek Rustic Outpost Camp for those who want to compare sites before booking. This camp works best for self-sufficient campers who want low-density surroundings and trail access without paying for a developed site.
Description
From the MI DNR Porcupine Mountains website:
Union River Outpost is a small three-site rustic campground located on the Union River. The campground offers solitude and a camping experience unlike a typical modern campground. Union River is a classic UP trout stream. The sites are ideal for tent, van or compact campers.
There is a vault toilet, but no running water is available at any of the outpost campgrounds. Fill up at park headquarters or visitor center.
Fee Info
Union River Outpost Rustic Camping $ 17 per night
Just $12 when purchased with your license plate registration renewal, the Recreation Passport is your very own key to exploring Michigan state parks, trails, historic sites, boat launches, and more. It’s the easiest way to support and protect these resources for the next generation. Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.
Michigan Resident Vehicle Passport When Purchased:
with Annual Plate Renewal via Secretary of State $ 12 at State Parks (Valid Until Next Vehicle Registration) $ 17
Michigan Resident Motorcycle Passport When Purchased:
with Annual Plate Renewal via Secretary of State $ 6 at State Parks (Valid Until Next Vehicle Registration) $ 11
Non-Resident Annual Pass $ 34 Non-Resident Daily Pass $ 9
Reservation Info
Registration Office (May 15-October 15): 8am-8pm
(October 16 -May 14): 8am-4pm
Check-in: 3pm, Check-out: 1pm • Quiet Hours: 10pm-8am
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Check in your campsite reservation and occupy your campsite no later than 3 p.m. one day after your scheduled arrival date to avoid being automatically cancelled. If you need to arrive later, you must adjust your arrival date by calling 1-800-44(PARKS) or by going on-line to www.midnrreservations.com . If you don't check in or update your arrival date, our system will automatically cancel your reservation and youll incur the loss of two nights' fees, the non-refundable reservation fee, $10 cancellation fee and the reduced-stay fee. Staff are unable to override this process.
Due to a structure fire, the Whitetail Cabin is closed until major repairs can be made.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsUnion River Rustic Outpost Camp is located in Michigan near White Pine
Directions
The eastside of the park is located on County Road 107 ___ 18 miles west of Ontonagon, MI, 20 miles north of Lake Gogebic, and 50 miles east of Ironwood, MI. From Hwy2/M28 take M64 north approximately 17 miles to CR107, turn west and drive about 3 miles to the park. From M38 head west into Ontonagon, continue for approximately 18 miles to the park.
Address
33303 Headquarters Road
Ontonagon, MI 49953-9087
Coordinates
46.79907499999999 N
89.623088 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Union River Rustic Outpost Camp — Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 39 min from Wausau, WI
- 3 hrs 12 min from Duluth, MN
- 3 hrs 46 min from Green Bay, WI
- 3 hrs 59 min from Eau Claire, WI
