Camping near Hiawatha National Forest

92% (30 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hiawatha National Forest adventure.

This woodland wilderness borders not one but three of Michigan’s Great Lakes.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Hiawatha National Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Hiawatha National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Hiawatha National Forest

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Bear Tree Homestead

3 sites · Lodging50 acres · Trowbridge Park, MI

Bear Tree Homestead is nestled among the cliffs and ravines which drains the south face of Hogback Mountain located in Marquette Township Michigan. Hogback Mountain is one of the larger rock formations in the Huron Range, a surprisingly rugged, and diverse region of low mountains carved by glaciers. Each cabin is hand-built of log and stone using traditional Scandinavian building tools and techniques. Our buildings, gardens, and pastures are integrated into the forested landscape and are not your typical homestead. One of the most wonderful things we have to offer is the accessibility to thousands of protected acres surrounding us and the trails that bisect them. We are located 8 miles from downtown Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where there are many great restaurants, shops, and brewpubs. However, once you drive into Bear Tree Homestead and settle in you will not want to leave.

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(351)

Explore the U.P. from here!

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Newberry, MI

A simple PRIVATE and affordable campsite should be this easy! Two choices: Come sleep in a levitating tent already set up, at Sites 2,3, and 4. (Room for your own tent too if you prefer) OR Your own camper or tent. (Site1) in a quiet, private location. Campsite neighbors are out of sight, you have privacy here! All sites have their own private entrances, you can’t see any sites or buildings, and they are very spaced-out. My location is situated PERFECTLY central to the major UP attractions Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls and Kitchittikippi. And there’s even a convenience store within walking distance! Showers are also available in town (Pickelmans gas station).

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(397)

Superior Times Resort & Campground

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Au Train, MI

Hello, and welcome to Superior Times Resort and Campground! We would like to take a moment and introduce ourselves. Our names are Tom and Heather Holmstrom. We were married in 2016 and have four children as part of our blended family. We are both originally from the Upper Peninsula. Superior Times Resort and Campground was the result of us wanting to do something “outside of the box” that would allow us to raise our family and show them there is more out there than the traditional path. We also wanted showcase our love and respect for the beauty of the Upper Peninsula; the area that many refer to as “God’s Country.” In December of 2016, we mistakenly pulled into the driveway of this property. At that time, it was known as Coleman’s Paradise Resort. There was a For Sale sign marking the property. We both knew at that point our fate was sealed to become this property’s new owners. We learned that this property had been a family vacation destination for nearly 100 years. We could only imagine the special memories that had been made here over the years! We wanted to become a part of that deep history. Through the many years of the resort’s history, the owners had changed and the cabins were showing true signs of their age. We knew there was A LOT of work that simply had to be done. On a wing and prayer, we somehow made this great resort ours. In April of 2017, we opened what we named Superior Times Resort and Campground. We pulled up or sleeves and went to work! Thank you for choosing us and allowing us to be part of the memories that you create here. We know that you work hard for your own money, as we do. Knowing that you chose our resort to support, means a lot to our Superior Times and Resort family team. We truly appreciate your loyalty and give special thanks to our returning customers. There is nothing more rewarding to us than a return visit! It means to us that we have exceeded your expectations. Thank you for considering us for your next vacation! Tom and Heather Holmstrom

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High Swamp Camp

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Seney, MI

🌲Quiet🌲Dark🌲Private🌲Nature🌲Luxury🌲 🌲WI-FI🌲Laundry🌲Group Discounts🌲 🌲Warm Water Swimming In Grand Marais Bay🌲 🌲Wilderness Backpack Camping🌲 Very Close To The Pictured Rocks! Large Private Campsites! Flush-T. & Shower! Site 2 Group Disc.! Electric & Water Site! Guest room available. 1/4 mile from ORV Trail-88. Miles of Hiking Trails. Close to the Fox River Trout Stream. Close to the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. 1.5 hours to the Tahquamenon Falls. 1.5 hours to the Big Springs. 2 hours to Mackinaw Island. 2 hours to the Soo Locks. Please review details using show more before booking! Text for details.

96%

(40)

Surf Camp on Lake Michigan

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Manistique, MI

Best Hipcamp in Michigan Finalist Just 20 minutes from Kitch-iti-kipi, surf camp is the quintessential U.P. hideaway. Located on Lake Michigan’s Garden Peninsula, the east-facing beach is perfect for watching sunrises with your morning coffee. Enjoy evening campfires tucked in a cedar grove or take the kayak for a paddle to have an authentic Michigan experience. Perfect for writing or meditation retreats and family getaways. Conveniently located, it's a short drive to Kitch-iti-kipi (Big Spring), Fayette State Historic Park, and an easy day trip to Marquette or Pictured Rocks in Munising. The camper on site will be locked, but feel free to tent, car camp, or bring your own RV here as well. The site includes a self-contained privy. No electricity or water hookups make this a rustic experience.

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Ted’s Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Munising, MI

Learn more about this land: This is an old family farm site near the heart of all there is to see here in Munising. We love to share the history and hope you enjoy all there is to offer in the community. There are water adventures galore. Trails for hiking and trails for side by side adventures. Many fantastic restaurants, breweries and pubs. Gifts and memorabilia shops galore.

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AuTrain RV Sites By Pictured Rocks

4 sites · Lodging, RVs5 acres · Au Train, MI

These RV sites are located in a wooded area on the West Side of AuTrain Lake! Each RV site has full electric hookup, sewer, water, wifi, picnic table, firepit and chairs! The RV sites are drive through making this a relaxing stay! Just 2.5 miles from Lake Superior and 15 miles from Munising and the start of the Pictured Rocks Shoreline! You will be able to kick back and relax! The adventures are all around in this centrally located area!

99%

(115)

Hemlock Ridge Homestead

3 sites · Lodging10 acres · Marquette, MI

Welcome to the Hemlock Ridge Homestead! This custom log home built in the early 2000's was a dream of mine since I was 8 years old. Our family lives here year round and absolutely love it. These sites are on a seasonal road so travel in and out can be impeded at times due to weather or external forces, such as tree falls, wash outs, etc. This is a self sufficient homestead in the making. Our garden has progressed greatly, and our fruit tree orchards are starting to produce. The free range chickens are fun and quirky, offering farm fresh eggs. We just opened our second site, the Prairieview Chalet 2024 summer. Both sites offer great amenities. The Acorn Retreat cabin includes a hot tub, gas weber grill and other amenities. The bouchee outhouse is shared by both sites and is cleaned regularly. The new Prairieview Chalet is an exceptional adventurers haven! It has all the things you want after a day(s) out in the wilderness, with amenities like a hot shower, fully stocked kitchen, linens and more. Our property reflects our love of the land and space. We are always making improvements, such as the timber framed chicken coop. We now have a ping pong table for our guests, and still offer farm fresh eggs. Our motto is to make every place better than we found it and hope our guests will do the same. This is a zen, quiet place to heal, reflect and refill your cup of life:)

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Cabin/Campers on Lake

3 sites · Lodging130 acres · Rapid River, MI

Learn more about this land: Cabin on lake with no public access. Camper/RV with large deck on same lake approximately 1200 feet away. Another camper in grassy clearing within the forest, approximately 600 feet away from lake. Owner's home is out of sight and sound 1/4 mile away. Pasture and forest property borders 2500 feet of private lake front. Property also borders the Hiawatha National Forest. Great pike fishing on shallow lake with access to 10' jon boats with oars and single seat kayaks. Life vests available. Cabin is one open room with bunk beds that sleep 4 plus a full size futon. Cooking and dish water is provided by hanging 7 gallon jug over kitchen sinks. No indoor toilets, outhouse available at all three sites. Gas cooking stove and wood burning stove/oven for heat and cooking. Battery powered electric lights. Wood burning interior stove and sauna at cabin. Campers have no interior heat. Water, box of firewood, pots and pans, and utensils provided. Bring food, ice, and drinking water. Bring charcoal and lighter fluid if you want to use small grills outside. Dogs are welcome just not on beds or futon :)

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(16)

Chocolay River

91 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Marquette, MI

Our 75 camp sites are located conveniently near Lakes Superior off M28 right by Ojibwa Casino-Marquette, NMU Golf Course, and the ATV trail heads. Check out Things to Do for more information. 80 foot camp sites All pull through sites Full hookups at every site – electric, water, sewer Tent sites also available

100%

(32)

Forest Overlooking River

7 sites · RVs, Tents360 acres · Gladstone, MI

Learn more about this land:Beautiful backwoods birch forest with campfire spots on the edge of Rapid River. We’re within the hour of pictured Rocks National Park and many other beautiful places to visit...We’re only 2.5 miles off of main hwy, US 41 , We have kayaks, four wheelers and hiking /biking roads and trails available for guest..

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Elli's Lazy Days Resort & Campground

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Manistique, MI

Beautiful campground located on the Westshore of Indian Lake in Manistique, MI near Big Springs ( Kitch-iti-kipi), Hiawatha National Forest and many ATV/Snowmobile trails.

The best camping near Hiawatha National Forest guide

Overview

About

Woodlands, wetlands, and waterfalls are just some of the highlights of this sprawling national forest, and with more than 800,000 acres to explore, it’s a good job there are plenty of spots to camp. More than 100 miles of shoreline borders Lake Superior, Huron, and Michigan, affording endless options for boating, swimming, and water sports. Visit the six historic lighthouses, ride the ferry out to the Grand Island to camp by the beachside, then head inland to hike, horseback ride, or mountain bike along hundreds of miles of trails. Did we mention camping? There are a mind-boggling 60 campgrounds to choose from.

Notable campgrounds

Best for lake explorers: Bay Furnace Campground has 49 non-electric tent/RV sites with easy access to Lake Superior and Grand Island.
Best for peace and quiet: Tom’s Lake Cabin sleeps eight and has everything you need for a back-to-nature retreat by the lakeside.
Best for backcountry campers: Little Dune Campsite on Grand Island has hike-in tent-only sites right on the beachfront.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve a site at one of 60 campgrounds (including three camper cabins) at Hiawatha National Forest online via Recreation.gov. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so check ahead if you have a specific site in mind.
Campsite reservations typically open six months in advance.
Some campgrounds are only open during the summer season (typically May through October); others stay open year-round.

When to go

Weather conditions can change quickly along Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but as long as you come prepared, outdoor adventures can be enjoyed through all four seasons. Come in summer to cool off in the lakes or in winter to cross-country ski, snowmobile, and snowshoe. If you have to choose, opt for a fall visit—temperatures are ideal for hiking and camping, and the blazing fall foliage is a leaf-peeper’s dream.

Know before you go

Hiawatha National Forest is split into two units, both located on Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The west zone lies about 50 miles west of Newberry, or about a 50-minute drive away, while the east zone lies about a 30-minute drive east of Newberry.

Permits are required for some recreation activities at trailheads, picnic areas, and river access sites. Camping reservation fees also apply.

You can bring your own boat or watercraft to Hiawatha National Forest, and there are several boat launches along the lakefront. Be sure to follow localized rules regarding motorized boats and launch times.
Dispersed camping is permitted in Hiawatha National Forest, but strict rules apply. Permits are also required for some sites.
Cell phone and GPS service is patchy throughout the forest.
There are accessible day-use areas, campsites, and restrooms at Hiawatha National Forest.