Black River State Forest Campground

4.38

29 reviews

Peace & QuietFishing

Quick Facts

686 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

686 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Black River 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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Michigan

Provider

(906) 643-8620

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 29 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietpeacefulclean

"Reviewers consistently praise the campground's secluded, quiet setting on the Black River, noting well-spaced, shaded sites and good fishing access. Overall sentiment is very positive for campers seeking rustic, peaceful campsites."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Black River State Forest Campground

46.1166, -85.3641

Driving directionsLocated about 8 miles northeast of Naubinway via US-2 East and Black River Road.

Accessible from US-2 East via Black River Road; seasonal roads to the campground are not plowed in winter.

Nearby places

Naubinway (~8 miles)

Nearby supplies

Naubinway (about 8 miles)

Best Time to Camp at Black River State Forest Campground

Spring awakens the river with powerful steelhead runs that bring anglers to life after the long winter, while autumn paints the forest in brilliant colors as salmon make their dramatic journey upstream. Though the campground welcomes visitors year-round, winter transforms this destination into a true wilderness experience—unplowed roads and seasonal access mean only the most adventurous will make the trek. Plan around the river's moods too, as spring melt and heavy rains can swell the waters, adding an extra element of wild beauty to your stay.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open and peaceful in summer but primary angling draw is spring/fall; limited amenities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in MI

Autumn foliage and fall salmon runs make fall a standout season here.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in MI

Spring steelhead and trout runs are strong and draw anglers regionally—peak season for fishing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year‑round but roads not plowed; winter camping possible but access is limited.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; campground and seasonal access roads are not plowed in winter.

About Black River State Forest Campground

Discover a hidden gem along Michigan's Black River, where 12 intimate campsites nestle into the eastern Upper Peninsula's pristine wilderness. This rustic, first-come, first-served retreat draws anglers from across the region who come for legendary steelhead and salmon runs, while families seeking true seclusion find peaceful respites under the forest canopy.

Rustic, first-come/first-serve campground with 12 sites serving tent campers and small to large trailers; primitive facilities (vault toilets, hand-pump water).

Weather and SeasonsSpring awakens the river with powerful steelhead runs that bring anglers to life after the long winter, while autumn paints the forest in brilliant colors as salmon make their dramatic journey upstream. Though the campground welcomes visitors year-round, winter transforms this destination into a true wilderness experience—unplowed roads and seasonal access mean only the most adventurous will make the trek. Plan around the river's moods too, as spring melt and heavy rains can swell the waters, adding an extra element of wild beauty to your stay.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where towering hardwoods and fragrant conifers create a natural cathedral above your campsite, while the Black River's gentle rush provides a constant, soothing soundtrack. The river flows just steps from your tent, its clear waters tumbling over nearby rapids and winding through untouched banks that feel worlds away from civilization. Surrounded by expansive state forest lands, you'll experience the kind of backcountry atmosphere that makes you forget how accessible this treasure truly is.

Geological RegionEastern Upper Peninsula (Mackinac County), located on state forest land along the Black River.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Amenities available

Potable water

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Small, secluded riverfront campground focused on fishing and quiet nature experiences. Provides access to surrounding state forest for hunting, ORV trails nearby, and winter camping (roads not plowed).

FishingOnsite access to the Black River with strong spring steelhead and trout runs and a fall salmon run; popular with anglers.

Boating

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential high-water conditions on the Black River; campground is within active state forest hunting areas (obey posted hunting distance rules). Cell coverage is not documented for this site. Remote location may pose access and emergency response delays.

Weather at Black River State Forest Campground

Reviews

4.4

29 reviews

Recommended

Black River State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the campground's secluded, quiet setting on the Black River, noting well-spaced, shaded sites and good fishing access. Overall sentiment is very positive for campers seeking rustic, peaceful campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded and quiet riverfront setting; well-spaced, shaded sites with good privacy; direct river access and nearby rapids; popular with anglers; described as clean and peaceful by multiple reviewers.

Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early (sites are first-come, first-serve). Stock up on supplies and fuel before arriving. Bring containers for hand-pump water and be prepared for no hookups or showers. Be mindful of high...

Based on 29 reviews