Big Knob State Forest Campground

4.48

116 reviews

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

633 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

633 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Big 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

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Michigan

Provider

(906) 492-3415

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What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 116 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Knob State Forest Campground

46.0394, -85.5937

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.

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!

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak beach and swimming season; hiking and paddling readily available in summer months.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers seclusion, trail access and scenic forest colors; good reviewer sentiment for shoulder season.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Shoulder season with hiking and paddling possible; variable weather and access may limit comfort.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round but roads unplowed; ideal for experienced winter campers seeking solitude.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

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.

HikingMarsh Lake Pathway is accessible directly from the campground; Pine Knob and Crow Lake Pathways are nearby and reachable from Big Knob Road.

SwimmingShallow sandy Lake Michigan beach adjacent to the campground suitable for swimming, wading, beachcombing, and family use.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTypical 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

Reviews

4.5

116 reviews

Recommended

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 116 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 116 reviews

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 116 reviews

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 116 reviews

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Last updated February 2, 2026

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