Is Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground has 7 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.

Are there showers at Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground?

Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground have?

Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground?

Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground

4.30

54 reviews

Top 6% in MIFall

Fishing

Featured in:Fishing Camping Michigan Spring Camping

Quick Facts

732 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

732 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Overnight fees ($20 for most sites) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Michigan

Provider

(906) 353-6558

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground

46.8651, -88.0848

Nearby places

Skanee — 6.7 miles

L'Anse — ~20 miles (via Skanee Road)

Driving directionsFrom US-41, exit at L'Anse. Turn right at the four-way stop in downtown L'Anse and continue ~20 miles on Skanee Road (paved). At the junction of Portice Road and Big Erick's Road, turn right on Big Erick's Road and follow ~1 mile (gravel) to the campground. Also described as 6.7 miles east of Skanee via Skanee Road and Erick Road.

Accessible from US-41 via L'Anse and Skanee Road; last mile is a gravel road. Remote location with forest/secondary roads for final approach.

Weather at Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground

Best Time to Camp at Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground

Fall brings the best combination of fishing and scenery. Daytime highs typically sit in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F with crisp mornings near freezing, and the Huron River hosts strong trout and steelhead runs while surrounding hardwoods turn color. Cooler weather means far fewer bugs and excellent wildlife viewing. Riverside campsites feel suitably remote as anglers concentrate on prime runs. Expect busy weekends during peak fishing but very peaceful mid-week stays. Summer is warm and pleasant but mosquitoes can be aggressive. Bring strong repellent.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in MI

Described as best season: crisp weather, strong trout/steelhead runs and peak scenery.

Planning Tips

About Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground

Big Eric's Bridge sits on a wooded bluff above the Huron River in Baraga County's Upper Peninsula, about 20 miles from L'Anse. The 21 primitive tent sites draw anglers chasing trout and steelhead runs, plus campers who don't mind vault toilets and no cell service. It's first-come, first-served and can fill fast during peak fishing weekends.

Rustic, first-come-first-served campground with 21 tent and small-trailer sites; 15-day maximum stay.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best combination of fishing and scenery. Daytime highs typically sit in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F with crisp mornings near freezing, and the Huron River hosts strong trout and steelhead runs while surrounding hardwoods turn color. Cooler weather means far fewer bugs and excellent wildlife viewing. Riverside campsites feel suitably remote as anglers concentrate on prime runs. Expect busy weekends during peak fishing but very peaceful mid-week stays. Summer is warm and pleasant but mosquitoes can be aggressive. Bring strong repellent.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground overlooks the Huron River as it tumbles through rocky channels and small waterfalls below the sites. Tall hardwoods and conifers cover the bluff, filtering light during the day and opening up to dark skies at night. At 732 feet elevation, the forested setting feels remote. The river's constant rush is often the only sound. In fall, the hardwoods turn color while the river runs high with migrating fish.

Geological RegionUpper Peninsula, Baraga County; Huron River watershed

Scenic ViewsPartial river views from sites along the bluff and the small bridge/rapids areas; inner-loop sites are more wooded and private with less open water view.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (note: this campground is first-come, first-served; no reservations)

Total Campsites21 campsites

Best CampsitesSites along the bluff and closest to the river or bridge are most coveted for direct access to fishing and waterfall views. Sites near the trail down to the river fill first on busy fishing weekends. Inner-loop sites trade river proximity for more privacy and tree cover.

Amenities available

Rustic state forest campground with 21 sites for tents and small trailers, vault toilets, and potable water from a hand-pump well. First-come, first-served (no reservations) with a 15-day maximum stay.

Potable water

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

A secluded, forested campground on the Huron River offering fishing, river access, hiking and wildlife viewing; commonly used as a base for ORV route access in the region.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh-water safety hazards near the river, potential strong insect activity in summer, limited or no reliable cell service, remote access/long gravel roads. Firearm hunting is permitted on surrounding state land but not within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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.

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

4.3

54 reviews

Satisfactory

Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers rate the campground very positively for its secluded, scenic river setting and excellent trout fishing. Most reviews describe the site as rustic and remote but well laid out and peaceful.

Review Summaries

Based on 54 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded, wooded river setting; direct access to trout and steelhead fishing; scenic rapids and small waterfalls; quiet and dark skies; generally well-kept designated sites.

Based on 54 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early (first-come, first-served) during fishing seasons; pack-in/pack-out—bring garbage bags; bring strong insect repellent and warm layers for cool U.P. nights; stock up on food, water and...

Based on 54 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Camped alone no neighbors caught 🐟”; “Great trout fishing beautiful scenery bring a camera”; “Tiny.. rustic and very secluded :)”; “This place is out there a ways, but there is plenty of exploring...

Based on 54 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fall anglers targeting steelhead runs get the full package here, high river, turning hardwoods, cooler temps that kill the bug pressure, and sites quiet enough mid-week that the river is the only sound you'll hear.

Skip if

Long gravel roads in, vault toilets only, and zero cell coverage are the baseline. If any of those are deal-breakers, the 20-mile drive from L'Anse won't feel worth it, stock up before you leave town regardless.

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$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campgrounds

Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground

From Michigan DNR

Official information for Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

This secluded, rustic campground is on the pristine Huron River watershed and is very popular among fishermen for trout and steelhead runs. This great destination provides ease of access to a wilderness wonderland for hikers, hunters, ORV and outdoor enthusiasts. There are 21 sites for tent and small trailer use. Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay. Amenities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. The campground is located 6.7 miles east of Skanee via Skanee Road and Erick Road. Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations. View Campground closing and opening dates .