How much does camping cost at Widewaters Campground?

Camping fees at Widewaters Campground are $26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Widewaters Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Widewaters 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 Widewaters Campground before I book?

Yes! Widewaters 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 Widewaters Campground?

Widewaters Campground is open May 15 to September 11. 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 Widewaters Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Widewaters Campground?

Fire policies at Widewaters Campground: Use only dead and downed firewood for campfires. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Widewaters Campground have?

Widewaters Campground has 33 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Widewaters Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Widewaters 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 Widewaters Campground?

Widewaters Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Widewaters Campground?

Popular activities at Widewaters Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Widewaters Campground

4.33

151 reviews

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

Top 18% in MIWinter

A-Report Card

Tent Camping

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Michigan

Quick Facts

833 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Hiawatha National Forest management Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

833 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

33 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Hiawatha National Forest management Official Website

Get Directions

Widewaters Campground

$26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

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Campground Map

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

Widewaters Campground

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

Nearby places

Munising (12 miles, approximately 20-minute drive)

Marquette (56 miles, approximately 1-hour drive)

Grand Marais (47 miles, approximately 1-hour drive).

Weather at Widewaters Campground

Current alerts(11)

Click here for more information on the Hiawatha National Forest Hiawatha
Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood.
Hiawatha National Forest - West Day Use Fees: Day Use $8.00 Day Use Annual Pass $40.00
No switching sites upon arrival

Best Time to Camp at Widewaters Campground

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the fullest experience at Widewaters: warm, long days (typical highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F), open campground services, and calm water perfect for swimming, paddling and boating on the Indian River. Trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing are at their peak and most facilities (drinking water, maintained sites) are available; expect busier weekends in July and early August so reserve early. Bugs (mosquitoes/black flies) can be an item Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mature hardwoods imply strong fall colors; fall is a favorable season for trails and views.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season begins May 23 annually, with reservations starting from June 25. It closes on September 14 for reservations but remains accessible for first-come, first-served camping during shoulder seasons.

About Widewaters Campground

Widewaters Campground sits within Hiawatha National Forest near Munising, offering tent, RV, and primitive sites along the Indian River. Managed by the Forest Service, this mid-sized campground operates seasonally during peak months with a 14-day stay limit. Campers come for fishing, swimming, hiking, and biking amid mature trees and spacious, well-separated sites.

Widewaters Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and first-come, first-served sites. Group sites and cabins are not available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the fullest experience at Widewaters: warm, long days (typical highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F), open campground services, and calm water perfect for swimming, paddling and boating on the Indian River. Trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing are at their peak and most facilities (drinking water, maintained sites) are available; expect busier weekends in July and early August so reserve early. Bugs (mosquitoes/black flies) can be an item Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: January, February

Elevation833 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMature hardwoods create dense canopy cover across much of the campground, which occupies forest between Lake Superior to the north and Lake Michigan to the south. The Indian River winds through the property at 833 feet elevation, with some sites sitting directly on the water. The forest ecosystem supports deer and other wildlife that visitors spot regularly. Morning mists rise from the river. Site shade varies by location, with the most wooded areas offering heavy tree cover and cooler temperatures.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available. The campground is strictly for tent and RV camping.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum during a visit.

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, its app, or contact center. On-site payments accepted during the first-come, first-served season.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are available. However, reviews do not provide detailed insights into other accessibility features.

Site SizeSites are described as 'large and spacious,' with many offering ample shade and privacy. Specific quotes include, 'Large camp sites. Rustic no power,' and 'The sites were large and wooded with plenty of shade.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site: some are secluded with dense tree cover, while others are open with little privacy. As mentioned in reviews: 'Quiet, lots of privacy and shade on every lot,' and 'Sites vary from being heavily wooded and private to open with little privacy.

Total Campsites33 campsites

Recommended SitesWaterfront sites are ideal for those wanting direct river access. Sites toward the end of the loop like 17 offer more privacy.

Best CampsitesSite 17 gets specific mention for privacy and river access. Waterfront sites in general attract kayakers and anyone wanting water views, though they go fast during summer weekends.

Need help booking Widewaters 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 hook-ups at the campground

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Widewaters Campground

Widewaters Campground offers a wide array of activities suitable for nature enthusiasts, including fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing. Seasonal activities such as snowshoeing and winter recreation are also popular. The campground provides direct access to Bruno's Run Trail, which spans 9 miles and connects several small lakes.

Hiking4.0/5

Bruno's Run Trail (9 miles) with lakeside routes and winter snowshoeing noted.

Fishing4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Swimming3.0/5

Biking3.0/5

Bikers use Bruno's Run Trail and dirt roads around the campground.

Winter Activities3.0/5

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Riverside views, mature hardwoods, and nearby lakes provide varied photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not provided; vault toilets are the sole option.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyUse only dead and downed firewood for campfires

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available for campers. Some reviews note issues with odor: 'Garbage was a bit smelly but the camp hosts did their best to keep it down.' Recycling options are not mentioned explicitly.

Cell CoverageMixed user reviews regarding cell phone service. One user noted, 'US Cellular and had service the whole time at the campground,' whereas another shared, 'Absolutely no cell service' in their experience.

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

Rate Widewaters Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.3

151 reviews

Recommended

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

The campground is generally praised for its cleanliness, privacy, and proximity to outdoor activities. However, there are notable complaints about generator noise and occasional water access issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 151 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews emphasize the cleanliness of facilities, spacious sites, and a peaceful atmosphere. Examples include, 'The outhouses have to be the cleanest we have ever seen' and 'Very quiet and spread out...

Based on 151 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints are primarily focused on generator noise, water access issues, and the behavior of some campers. One review shares, 'No stable drinking water source,' while another says, 'Some even put...

Based on 151 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews frequently praise large and private sites, such as campsite 17, which 'had a personal pathway to the river.' Campsite 31 was noted for its proximity to the water.

Based on 151 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray for mosquitoes, especially during peak season. Kayaks and bikes are recommended to take advantage of nearby trails and water access. Several users advise purchasing firewood at the...

Based on 151 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting outdoor activities and the natural beauty of the campground. Winter reviews focus on snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on Bruno's Run...

Based on 151 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Seriously the cleanest, least smelly, vault toilets I have ever experienced in almost 50 years of camping.' 2. 'We kayaked in the Indian River, the camp hosts were really amazing people.' 3....

Based on 151 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets are mentioned, but no other specific accessibility features are reviewed.

Based on 151 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Two pets per site are allowed. Some users complain about barking dogs disrupting the peace.

Based on 151 reviews

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Widewaters Campground

$26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

bayfurnace@jamadots.com

Go if

You want a quiet, wooded campground with river access and well-maintained sites near Lake Superior.

Skip if

You need guaranteed water availability or want to avoid seasonal mosquito pressure.

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McKeever Cabin sits on the shore of McKeever Lake in Hiawatha National Forest, managed by the Munising Ranger District. This remote rental cabin offers a wood-burning stove, vault toilets, and lake access for swimming, fishing, and boating. Guests hike and bike nearby trails, listen for loons at night, and enjoy a quiet retreat with seasonal availability during warmer months.

Widewaters Campground

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Quick Facts

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Current alerts(11)

Best Time to Camp at Widewaters Campground

Planning Tips

About Widewaters Campground

Best Campsites

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Amenities available

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Overview

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Current alerts(11)

Best Time to Camp at Widewaters Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Widewaters Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Widewaters Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews