Camping near Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

96% (27 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park adventure.

Michigan’s largest state park is an honest Porkies wilderness.

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Community favorites near Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

96%

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Secluded Lake Superior Camping

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · White Pine, MI

Located on a private Lake Superior beach just 4 miles from The Porcupine Mountains State Park. This is the perfect base camp for adventures in the Porkies or North Country trail. Enjoy your time walking the beach, swimming in the big lake and watching the sunsets. This is a rustic campsite. The pad for a small camper is 30’x 28’. Plenty of space near beach for tents.

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Eagle's Perch

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · La Pointe, WI

Secluded island paradise located on lovely Madeline Island with 300 feet of lakeshore and stunning views of the coveted North Channel. Seven of the 22 Apostle Islands are visible on a clear day and not one electric light is visible from the property at night. Enjoy dramatic morning fog while you sip your morning coffee, frequent sailboat regattas during the day, and stunning double sunsets as they reflect across over 5 miles of open water. (ps. this reflective effect is also in play for the northern lights if you're lucky) Amenities: ZERO! (well, other than two fire pits and propane grill) Expect a nicely mowed lawn with space for up to 8 tents located right on top of a 100 foot cliff leading straight down to lake superior. If needed, showers, bathrooms, etc. are located 1.2 miles away at Big Bay Town Park. (no entry fee required) There you can also find the best beach on the island and canoes for rent if you'd like to explore the massive lagoon behind it chalk full of fish. Pack in, pack out. Enjoy!

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Rockhound Hideaway on Black River

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Bessemer, MI

An outdoor enthusiasts dream awaits at Rockhound Hideaway, with opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, boating and everything in between. The property is situated on a two acre lot with three other rentals on the edge of the Ottawa National Forest, with my full time residence just a few doors away. Rockhound Hideaway is a short walk to Black River Harbor and Lake Superior, the North Country Trail, the scenic and wild Black River, and so many great outdoor adventures. The Black River is accessible from the property for those adventurous enough for a steep walk down the back of the property, or accessible from one of five parking areas along the stretch of road surrounding the property. Lake Superior is located 1 mile north up the road. Perfect for adventure seekers looking for a comfortable place to lay their head after a day exploring hiking trails, waterfalls, skiing, snowshoeing, and all the natural beauty the Ottawa National Forest has to offer. The property offers guests private space at each site, each site with its own charcoal grill, BYO charcoal, hammock, and fire ring. I provide 1 bundle of firewood per visit and more firewood is available at the common area for $5 per bundle. The restrooms for the property is a two stall outhouse for all guests to share located next to the common, which features a roofed sun room with picnic table, lounging area and fire pit. The common area, Kitchigami Commons is there for all guests to enjoy the outdoors in a different setting or enjoy the outdoors when it's raining. It has a fire pit, playing cards, yard games and two lake tubes for guests to take out and enjoy on the lake. This is also where I keep extra firewood and extra drinking water when the temps are above freezing. Please help yourself to the lake tubes, just return them to the Commons when you are done. There is a path from each site to the common area and outhouse. Kitchigami Commons is also where we cook down sap and turn it into maple syrup during the spring time maple season. I am still making improvements to the Commons to provide a more enjoyable shared space, but you are welcome to use it, explore it and access the floaties and games. Please just be aware I may be present there and actively working on improvements, though I keep anything loud limited to when guests aren't present.

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Superior Lake Effect

1 site · RV, Tent8 acres · Ontonagon, MI

Happy almost fall campers! So many views and so little time here in the western Upper Peninsula. Fall colors expected to peak first weekend October (as of 9/30/24)! Check out Porkies State Park chairlift rides 10/5, 6 and 12. 10 to 430 ET each day, 10$ plus recreational passport. Copper Peak also offers amazing views of fall colors. Open daily from 930-430 CT, check out copperpeak.net for pricing and details. Enjoy 400 ft of Lake Superior private sandy beach frontage with access to more than 1.5 miles., Beautiful sunsets, and a chance to witness the northern lights, in your private dark sky park; bring your telescope. Search for agates and yooper rocks; bring a black light. Situated on 8 acres of old growth forest, your short walk to the lake is through a park like preserve. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as you cross the boardwalk to the beach. Bring your kayak and or paddle board for a unique experience. A boat launch 1/2 mile away can easily accommodate 16 ft motor boats if fishing is of interest. Enjoy waterfalls? Bond, Agate, Bonanza, and O Kun-de kun and many more are all within an hour. ATV trails are abundant as well and all county roads allow both ATV and snowmobile traffic, with appropriate permits.

Year Round Yurt Village + Sauna

1 site · Lodging15 acres · Boulder Junction, WI

Immerse yourself in the peaceful woods of Northern Wisconsin while staying in one of our cozy yurts. These canvas wrapped circular dwellings are fully insulated and equipped with central heat, electricity, and plumbing. Complete with a living space, bedrooms, a full kitchen and bathroom. These luxury Yurts provide our guests with the opportunity to escape North north at all times of the year, while offering all the amenities of home. Woods, waters and trails surround the yurt village for unlimited outdoor activities. Additionally, the Sauna House offers the perfect way to wind down after a full day. We understand the dog is part of the family, and we are pet friendly. Conveniently located 10 minutes north of Minocqua on HWY 51 right on the snowmobile trail.

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Gentle Breeze Camping

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Houghton, MI

This is a private campground on Sandy Lake. Very quiet, private dock, sandy beach, great for fishing, kayaking or just relaxing. ATV's by approval, there will be no load ATV's, no running ATV's other then entry and exit, if there are complaints from other campers you will be asked to leave New this year is a sauna with shower, this is an electric sauna , use will be by donation. Sauna is not part of base fee, additional cost for sauna Learn more about this land: Open fields and woods with lake access. There is a private dock with swimming, great for kayaking There is a near by public fishing site, 3 miles from General store from other lakes nearby with public access as well. We look forward to hosting you! We are located in Twin Lakes Michigan , 2.3miles south of M-26 on 29839 Pike Lake Road Very private setting There is no electricity on site Campers responsible for garbage removal There is now a outhouse toilet on site Enjoy the relief! There is a limit of 2 dogs per site, Dogs to be on leash if not friendly to people or other dogs

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Pure Air Paradise

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents19 acres · Ontonagon, MI

Pure Air Paradise is your destination for year round fun in the beautiful Upper Peninsula. The property offers a mobile home, 5th wheel camper, 2 camp sites on 19 acres along a state highway. This property features a large loop driveway, small pond and private walking trails. Located 6 miles from Lake Superior and a short drive to the Porcupine Mountains, Adventure Mine and many other attractions.

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River's Edge Adventure Company

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Mercer, WI

River's Edge is a four season adventure company in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, outfitting adventurers with equipment and guidance. The property is located on the Manitowish River, Heart of Vilas County bike trail, and Iron County snowmobile trails. Campsites are located on the west end of the property, in proximity to all the activities, and include full hookups, a picnic table and fire ring. Bathroom is available for campers, however there is no shower. Campers get a discount on rental equipment.

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Presque Isle Campground

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Presque Isle, WI

Our quiet, secluded campground is located on beautiful Stateline Lake deep within the northwoods in Presque Isle (A.K.A. Wisconsin's Last Wilderness) We offer premier full hookup RV campsites and tent campsites as well as cabin lodging and RV lodging - all right on the lake. Amenities include: - Campers and Cabins available to rent - Docks and private boat slips available to rent - Full hookups available - 30 Amp electrical with 50 Amp available on select sites - Women's and Men's Showers - Two sets of women's and men's restrooms - Boat landing access included - For non-guests, boat landing day access can be purchased separately - Wilderness - Wildlife - Fishing - Privacy - Seclusion - Peace and quiet The campground has been in operation for more than 50 years and is in the forest on a peninsula between two lakes with plenty of shade. Fish, boat, waterski, relax by the fire, and enjoy nature and the spectacular wildlife in this gorgeous natural paradise. Address: 8458 Balsam Dr, Presque Isle, WI 54557 Innumerable beautiful hiking and nature walks surround our site, including Wisconsin's treasured Van Vliet 400 acre Hemlock Preserve - one of the largest old-growth Hemlock forests in the country. We are just one hour south of the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park. Docking is included for campers and available for non-campers at a daily rate. Our site is situated on one of the most prized lakes for muskie fishing. Enjoy sunny days swimming at the lake beach, activities and crafts for children with our camp hosts, and community campfire song night.

The best camping near Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park guide

Overview

About

With almost 60,000 acres of forested mountains, woodlands, and waterfalls on the southern brim of Lake Superior, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigan’s largest—and wildest—state park. Some of the best views are found at the Summit Peak Observation Tower and the Lake of the Clouds, but more than 90 miles of trails also await for hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing, depending on the season. Camping in the Porkies is an adventure, whether you prefer a forest yurt, rustic cabin, modern RV site, or backcountry camping in the heart of the woods.

Notable campgrounds

Best for RV campers: Union Bay Campground has beachside tent/RV sites, including yurts, cabins, and the park’s only electric hook-ups.
Best for getting back to nature: Presque Isle Rustic Campground has 60 drive-in and walk-in sites at the mouth of the Presque Isle River.
Best for hikers: White Pine Outpost Camp has eight rustic sites suitable for tents or small campervans, close to the Summit Peak Scenic Area.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve Porcupine Mountains campsites and lodging via the Michigan State Park & Harbor Reservations website.
Campsite reservations open six months in advance.
Campsites and cabins can book up fast over summer and holiday weekends, so reserve at least three months in advance.

When to go

Whether you’re heading to the lakeshore in summer or hitting the ski slopes in winter, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness welcomes adventurers through all four seasons. Arguably the most magnificent time to visit is in fall when the old-growth forests are ablaze with red, orange, and yellow foliage. The park’s developed campgrounds are open from May through October, with first-come, first-served camping only in November. Backcountry campsites stay open year-round, but road access may be limited through winter.

Know before you go

The Porkies are set on the southwest shore of Lake Superior, a short drive from Bruce Crossing.
A Recreation Passport is required to visit all Michigan state parks. Camping reservation fees also apply.
Park facilities include a Visitor Center, restrooms, and picnic areas. Cell phone service may be patchy, but the Visitor Center has wifi.
Black bears live in the Porcupine Mountains, so keep food and garbage secure in camping and day-use areas. Follow the park’s bear safety guidelines.
Accessible campsites, restrooms, and picnic areas are available. The Lake of the Clouds viewing area is also accessible.