Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper

Star4.34
27 reviews
Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,280 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website
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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

4.34

Recommended

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

Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper

46.6117, -88.5725

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.
Nearby places
Covington – ~9.2 miles

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

The Upper Peninsula's four distinct seasons each bring their own character to Big Lake. Fall transforms the campground into a waterfowl hunter's paradise, with increased activity as ducks and geese follow their ancient migration routes overhead. Summer and late spring bring warm days perfect for paddling—just pack your bug spray, as mosquitoes and their friends consider this prime real estate too. Come prepared for U.P. weather's famous unpredictability, and you'll be rewarded with an authentic northwoods experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers paddling, fishing and swimming from shore; reviewers praise summer visits.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall brings colors and waterfowl/hunting activity; scenic fall visitation noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers paddling/fishing but variable water levels and bugs; sand beach appears sometimes.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

UP winters are real but no explicit winter amenities or groomed trails mentioned; limited evidence.

Planning Tips

    About Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper

    Tucked along the peaceful eastern shore of Big Lake, this intimate Upper Peninsula retreat offers the kind of quiet that only Michigan's northwoods can deliver. Whether you're launching a kayak at dawn, casting for your dinner, or using it as base camp for ORV adventures on the nearby Baraga Plains Trail, this rustic getaway puts you right where the forest meets the water.
    Rustic, primarily tent and small‑trailer lakefront camping on 15 sites; first‑come, first‑served (no reservations).
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    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    15-day maximum stay

    Amenities available

    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.
    HikingNorth Country Trail connects to/near the campground (visitor reports).
    FishingFishing on Big Lake for perch, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass (sources also mention walleye in reviews).
    SwimmingSwimming from the shoreline; a sand beach can appear when lake levels are lower (noted by visitors).
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    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).

    Weather at Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper

    Reviews

    4.3
    27 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Big Lake State Forest Campground-Upper is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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...
    Show more
    Based on 27 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Great campground, beautiful lake.”; “Very nice campground if you like to rough it.”
    Based on 27 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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