Big Knob State Forest Campground
4.49107 reviewsBig Knob State Forest Campground
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
23 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
23 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsBig Knob State Forest Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Michigan
Provider(906) 492-3415
What Campers Say
4.49
Recommended
Based on 107 reviews
106 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quietcleanhikingwater
Some mention
mosquitoesreservation
"Reviewers consistently praise the campground for its seclusion, scenic Lake Michigan beach access, quiet woodsy sites, and well-maintained rustic facilities (clean vault toilets and a reliable hand-pump). Overall sentiment is strongly positive across many recent reviews."
Best Time to Camp at Big Knob State Forest Campground
Adventure awaits year-round at Big Knob, though winter campers should know that roads and the campground remain unplowed—perfect for those seeking true solitude with cross-country skis or snowshoes. Spring through summer brings warm days ideal for beach lounging and trail exploration, but come prepared: the forest comes alive with mosquitoes, midges, and ticks, especially during the early summer months when insect activity peaks. Pack your bug spray and embrace the wild!
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.
About Big Knob State Forest Campground
Escape to Big Knob State Forest Campground, where 23 rustic sites nestle along Lake Michigan's pristine shoreline. This secluded, first-come first-served gem sits at the end of a scenic 6-mile forest road off US-2, offering the perfect blend of beach access, wooded tranquility, and wilderness hiking—all with basic amenities including vault toilets and hand-pump water.
A rustic state forest campground on Lake Michigan with sites for tent camping and for small-to-medium trailers/RVs; entirely first-come, first-served.
Weather and SeasonsAdventure awaits year-round at Big Knob, though winter campers should know that roads and the campground remain unplowed—perfect for those seeking true solitude with cross-country skis or snowshoes. Spring through summer brings warm days ideal for beach lounging and trail exploration, but come prepared: the forest comes alive with mosquitoes, midges, and ticks, especially during the early summer months when insect activity peaks. Pack your bug spray and embrace the wild!
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking up in a sun-dappled clearing surrounded by towering mixed hardwoods, with Lake Michigan's gentle waves just steps away. Each spacious site is carved into dense forest, providing natural privacy while keeping you close to the action—low sand dunes roll down to a narrow, sandy beach that feels like your own private stretch of coastline. Short footpaths from many sites lead directly to the water's edge, while trail connections open up miles of exploration: the nearby Marsh Lake Pathway winds through wetlands and woods, and the Pine Knob and Crow Lake Pathways beckon from Big Knob Road for those seeking deeper forest adventures.
Geological RegionLake Michigan shoreline in Upper Peninsula state forest with sand dunes, mixed woods and nearby wetlands/small inland lakes.
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Campsite details
Total Campsites23 campsites
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 allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; campground and seasonal roads are not plowed in winter.
Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com (note: this campground is first-come, first-served; no reservations).
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lake Michigan shoreline access, hiking pathways that connect to nearby trails and inland wetlands, paddling access, and year-round rustic camping (seasonal access limitations apply). Hunting is permitted on surrounding state land subject to regulations.
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Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire rings/pits are present at sites (review mentions fire pits); campers must follow Michigan DNR fire regulations and posted site rules.
Hazards
General hazardsTypical remote-woods hazards: mosquitoes and ticks (multiple reports), occasional wildlife sightings (coyote, porcupine), uneven or hilly sites that can be challenging for larger RVs, and limited services due to remoteness. Access road is a forest/dirt road that can be slow and is not plowed in winter.
Weather at Big Knob State Forest Campground
25
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 75%
Wind: 20.8 mph
Overcast
Weather History
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Good to know
Common complaintsHeavy insect activity in late spring/early summer (mosquitoes, black flies, midges) and presence of ticks; remote location with no nearby services or stores; some campsites are sloped or uneven for larger RVs; campground is first-come, first-served (no reservations).
Campground Map
Big Knob State Forest Campground
Driving directionsFrom US‑2 West turn onto Big Knob Road and drive approximately 6 miles down a forest road until it dead-ends at the campground. The site is about 13.5 miles southwest of Naubinway via US‑2 West and Big Knob Road.
Accessible from US‑2 via a ~6‑mile drive down Big Knob Road through state forest (forest/dirt road; seasonal conditions).Nearby places
Naubinway — ~13.5 miles (southwest).
Nearby supplies
Naubinway (≈13.5 miles) and Engadine are referenced as nearest places for basic supplies.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.5
107 reviews
Big Knob State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers consistently praise the campground for its seclusion, scenic Lake Michigan beach access, quiet woodsy sites, and well-maintained rustic facilities (clean vault toilets and a reliable hand-pump). Overall sentiment is strongly positive across many recent reviews.
Review Summaries
Based on 107 reviews
What Campers Love
Secluded, quiet setting; direct Lake Michigan access with sandy beach and dunes; many sites have short private paths to the water; clean and regularly serviced vault toilets; reliable hand-pump...
Based on 107 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive earlier in the day to secure preferred sites (lakeside spots fill first); bring all supplies (food, water containers, headlamps), strong insect/tick repellent, and gear for rustic camping;...
Based on 107 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"IT'S BEAUTIFUL... It is rustic so don't expect anything less than a pit toilet."; "Best Lake Michigan rustic campground."; "Clean bathrooms, amazing beach access."
Based on 107 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 13, 2025
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