Is Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper 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 Lake State Forest Campground-Upper before I book?

Yes! Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper has 3 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 Lake State Forest Campground-Upper?

Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper?

Fire policies at Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper: Fire rings/fire pits provided at sites (reviewers noted fire pits at each site); follow posted fire regulations.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper have?

Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper?

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

What amenities are available at Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper?

Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper?

Popular activities at Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper

4.02

27 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,280 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,280 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper

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) 353-6558

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What Campers Say

4.02

Satisfactory

Based on 27 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullakesites

Some mention

bugsmosquitoes

"Reviews are generally positive: visitors praise the scenic, quiet lakefront setting, large sites, and good paddling/fishing access. Common criticisms focus on primitive facilities (vault toilets, no hookups), bugs, and rough access roads."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper

46.6117, -88.5725

Nearby places

Covington – ~9.2 miles

Driving directionsLocated on the east shore of Big Lake. From M-28 drive north on Baraga Plains Road; the junction is 5.5 miles west of the US-41 and M-28/US-141 junction. Continue north on Baraga Plains Road (paved) ~5 miles, then right on Big Lake Road (gravel) ~3 miles. The campground is about 9.2 miles north of Covington via M-28 West, West Plains Road and Big Lake Road.

Accessible from M-28 via Baraga Plains Road (paved) and Big Lake Road (gravel); final approach includes unpaved/gravel roads.

Best Time to Camp at Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper

Fall is the standout season here. Daytime highs run from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F in September and October, with crisp nights and thinner crowds after Labor Day. Leaf color peaks along the shoreline in late September through mid-October, and waterfowl activity picks up during migration. Summer and late spring offer warm paddling weather but bring heavy mosquitoes and bugs. The Upper Peninsula's weather shifts quickly, so pack layers and rain gear regardless of forecast.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in MI

Fall called standout: crisp days, peak leaf color and thinner crowds after Labor Day.

Planning Tips

About Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper

Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper sits on the eastern shore of Big Lake near Covington in Baraga County's northwoods. The 15 primitive sites are first-come, first-served, and several perch right on the waterline. Visitors come for the fishing, the quiet paddling, and the large, well-spaced sites under mature forest canopy.

Rustic, primarily tent and small‑trailer lakefront camping on 15 sites; first‑come, first‑served (no reservations).

Weather and SeasonsFall is the standout season here. Daytime highs run from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F in September and October, with crisp nights and thinner crowds after Labor Day. Leaf color peaks along the shoreline in late September through mid-October, and waterfowl activity picks up during migration. Summer and late spring offer warm paddling weather but bring heavy mosquitoes and bugs. The Upper Peninsula's weather shifts quickly, so pack layers and rain gear regardless of forecast.

Natural Features and SceneryBig Lake spreads calm and scenic below a mixed hardwood and conifer forest at 1,280 feet elevation. The campground occupies the eastern shore, where several sites front the water directly. Mornings bring mist off the lake's glassy surface. The forest provides heavy shade and a quiet buffer from the outside world. The lake itself is small-boat friendly. No heavy motorboat traffic. And waterfowl use it as a migration stopover in fall. Shoreline photography and wildlife viewing improve as autumn color peaks in late September through mid-October.

Geological RegionWestern Upper Peninsula (Baraga County)

Scenic ViewsFiltered and direct lake views from many sites; several sites are lakefront.

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: campground is first-come, first-served; no reservations)

Total Campsites15 campsites

Best CampsitesReviewers single out the lakefront sites for views and direct water access. Several are notably large and well-spaced. Arrive early on weekends. This is a first-come, first-served campground, and the best sites disappear by Friday afternoon.

Amenities available

Rustic campground amenities: vault toilets and a hand-pump well for potable water. Sites have picnic tables and fire pits; no electricity, no showers, and no dump station.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Quiet lakeside, multi‑use setting: paddling and small‑boat use, fishing, hiking access (North Country Trail noted nearby), ORV trail access and seasonal hunting opportunities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal ORV and snowmobile noise when trails are active; fall hunting activity nearby (observe safety zones); insects can be intense in warm months; remote location with potentially limited cell coverage and variable road conditions (muddy/gravel).

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.

Weather at Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.0

27 reviews

Satisfactory

Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are generally positive: visitors praise the scenic, quiet lakefront setting, large sites, and good paddling/fishing access. Common criticisms focus on primitive facilities (vault toilets, no hookups), bugs, and rough access roads.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful, peaceful lakefront; large well‑spaced sites (several lakefront); good fishing and paddling; picnic tables and fire pits at sites; potable hand‑pump well available.

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early (first‑come, first‑served); bring water or extra water, toilet paper, and bug protection (screen porch/head net recommended); small boats only; expect a remote location and limited...

Based on 27 reviews

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Sturgeon River Campground

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Sturgeon River Campground sits on the banks of the Sturgeon River in Ottawa National Forest, about 9 primitive sites tucked into the edge of the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. No potable water, no hookups. Just vault toilets, fire rings, and river access. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent. If you want quiet and don't mind hauling your own water, this is the place.