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.

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 21% in MIFall

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

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

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

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

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

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 campsite fee categories listed.

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(906) 353-6558

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Big Eric's Bridge State Forest 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)

4.5 / 5

Top 21% in MI

Fall offers best combo of fishing and scenic foliage; overview cites fall as prime season.

Planning Tips

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

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.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

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

Things to do at Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground

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.

Fishing5.0/5Top 2% in Michigan

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Hiking3.0/5

Short walks to rapids/waterfalls plus nearby L'Anse/Baraga trails; not an extensive trail network.

Swimming3.0/5

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

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

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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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 campsite fee categories listed.

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(906) 353-6558

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.0

(29)

Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground

Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground sits on 462 acres of water in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, 1.5 miles northwest of Three Lakes at 1,621 feet elevation. The seven first-come, first-served sites offer vault toilets and a hand pump, no hookups, and fill quickly on summer weekends.

Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Ask Camp Sage about Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground

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

Planning Tips

About Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Go if

Skip if

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground

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

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love