How much does camping cost at Au Train Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Au Train Lake Campground range from $24-$26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Au Train Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Au Train Lake Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Au Train Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Au Train Lake Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Au Train Lake Campground?

Au Train Lake Campground is open May 15 to September 25. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Au Train Lake Campground?

Au Train Lake Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Au Train Lake Campground have?

Au Train Lake Campground has 36 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Au Train Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Au Train Lake Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Au Train Lake Campground?

Au Train Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Au Train Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Au Train Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Au Train Lake Campground

4.44

266 reviews

P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Tent CampingSummer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

666 ft

Price

$24 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

May 23, 2025 – Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Hiawatha National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

666 ft

Price

$24 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

May 23, 2025 – Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Hiawatha National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Au Train Lake Campground

$24.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $24.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

bayfurnace@jamadots.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Au Train Lake Campground

P.O. Box 171, Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Nearby places

AuTrain: 5 miles (approximately 10 minutes)

Munising: 10 miles (approximately 20 minutes)

Marquette: approximately 45 miles.

Weather at Au Train Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Au Train Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable weather and full access to AuTrain Lake's water-based recreation — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to high-70s°F (roughly 65–80°F) and cool nights in the 45–60°F range. Boating, swimming, fishing, and lakeside picnics are at their peak, trails are dry for hiking and biking, and wildlife viewing is excellent in early morning and evening. Weekends in July and August are the busiest (reservations recommended), but weekdays remain peaceful and family‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season: late June–Aug best for water activities; reviews emphasize summer as most popular and well-maintained.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: May 23, 2025 – September 29, 2025 (reservable); September 30, 2025 – May 14, 2026 (closed for reservations).

About Au Train Lake Campground

Au Train Lake Campground sits on the shore of Au Train Lake in Michigan's Hiawatha National Forest, a short drive from Lake Superior and Pictured Rocks. This mid-sized Forest Service campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors fish, swim, boat, hike the Songbird Trail, and watch wildlife from the nature observation platform.

Au Train Lake Campground caters primarily to rustic camping with options for tent and RV sites. It also accommodates first-come, first-serve campers alongside reserved spots.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable weather and full access to AuTrain Lake's water-based recreation — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to high-70s°F (roughly 65–80°F) and cool nights in the 45–60°F range. Boating, swimming, fishing, and lakeside picnics are at their peak, trails are dry for hiking and biking, and wildlife viewing is excellent in early morning and evening. Weekends in July and August are the busiest (reservations recommended), but weekdays remain peaceful and family‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation666 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies rolling terrain at 666 feet elevation, where pines and aspens create thick canopy cover. Sites nestle into woodland with surrounding wetlands that draw songbirds and wildlife, especially visible from the nature observation platform. The landscape reflects glacial carving from millions of years ago. Au Train Lake borders the property, offering beach access and water views. Three Great Lakes lie within an hour's drive, making this a hub for freshwater exploration.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or accommodation options within this campground. It is strictly reserved for camping purposes.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational markers along the Songbird trail provide insights into local bird species, enriching the hiking experience.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Some sites reportedly accommodate up to 4 tents.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair accessible, and the campground has well-maintained nature trails, such as the Songbird interpretive trail. However, some areas may have uneven terrain or sand making access challenging.

Site SizeCampground sites are generally spacious, capable of accommodating multiple tents and RVs, with some sites large enough for up to four tents.

PrivacyMost campsites offer good privacy, with dense brush between areas creating a secluded feeling. However, some reviewers noted clustered tent sections with less privacy.

Total Campsites36 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near water (e.g., #26 and #29) are recommended for better views. "If you can score a site that has access/view of the water, awesome." (Becca Birckhead, user review).

Best CampsitesSites #13, #24, #26, and #29 get mentioned most in reviews. They sit closer to water access or feature short pathways to the lake. The Songbird Trail starts near certain sites and offers excellent birding, particularly in early morning.

Need help booking Au Train Lake Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There are no electricity, water or sewer hookups at the campground

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Au Train Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, making it a great choice for family trips and nature enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, boating, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, and biking.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground provides well-maintained vault toilets that are highly praised by users for cleanliness and minimal odor.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection facilities are available on-site, but recycling options are not mentioned. Guests are advised to keep campsites clean and utilize the provided waste disposal areas.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is inconsistent across the campground. Some reviewers report 2 bars of Verizon signal, while others indicate no service in their campsites. It is recommended to come prepared for limited connectivity.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

266 reviews

Recommended

Au Train Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Au Train Lake Campground highlight spacious sites, clean vault toilets, helpful hosts, and proximity to local attractions such as Pictured Rocks and Lake Superior. However, common complaints include inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours and lack of showers.

Review Summaries

Based on 266 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 266 reviews.

Site #13Loved
Site #13 is highlighted for its proximity to the lake.
Site #26Loved
Site #26 offers convenient water access.
Site #29Mentioned
Site #29 has lake access and magical vibes according to users.
Site #19Mentioned
Site #19 is noted for a nice view and being close to the host.

What Campers Love

Spacious campsites, clean vault toilets, helpful and friendly camp hosts, proximity to Lake Superior and Pictured Rocks. Reviewers also praise the Songbird trail and the nature observation platform.

Based on 266 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of shower facilities, inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours, small swimming area, and occasional noise from neighboring campers. Some users reported clustered tent areas lacking privacy.

Based on 266 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early for first-come, first-serve sites, bring bug spray, and prepare for limited cell service. Utilize local firewood vendors for quality wood. The Songbird trail is a must-visit for birding...

Based on 266 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are most popular, with reviews mentioning family-friendly activities and well-maintained facilities. Fall reviews highlight the peace and quiet as activity decreases.

Based on 266 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Vault toilets were the cleanest I've ever used." "The hosts were amazing and made us feel welcome." "Songbird trail felt like a soundtrack with bird songs everywhere." "Sites are spacious and offer...

Based on 266 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but uneven terrain and sand may challenge certain areas. Garden carts are provided for transporting gear, which could be difficult for campers with...

Based on 266 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but limited to two per site. Reviewers appreciated the campground's pet-friendly attitude, mentioning interactions with other pet owners.

Based on 266 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want spacious lakefront sites near Pictured Rocks with swimming, boating, and a dedicated birding trail.

Skip if

You need reliably enforced quiet hours or prefer campgrounds with consistent noise management.

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4.0

(38)

Forest Lake State Forest Campground

Forest Lake State Forest Campground sits on the shore of Forest Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, 26 first-come, first-served sites in dense northwoods forest. Most sites claim waterfront views. The campground has vault toilets, hand-pump water, fire rings, and a boat launch. Cell service is spotty. This is rustic camping for people who want quiet and fishing over amenities.