Is Black River State Forest Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Black River State Forest Campground 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 Black River State Forest Campground before I book?

Yes! Black River State Forest Campground has 10 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.

What is the best time to visit Black River State Forest Campground?

Black River State Forest Campground is open Open year-round; campground and seasonal access roads are not plowed in winter.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Black River State Forest Campground?

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

How many campsites does Black River State Forest Campground have?

Black River State Forest Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Black River State Forest Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Black River State Forest Campground?

Black River State Forest Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Black River State Forest Campground?

Popular activities at Black River State Forest Campground include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Black River State Forest Campground

4.10

29 reviews

Featured in:Boating Camping Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

686 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan DNR

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

686 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Michigan DNR

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

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Michigan

Provider

(906) 643-8620

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What Campers Say

4.10

Satisfactory

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

Nearby places

Naubinway (~8 miles)

Nearby supplies

Naubinway (about 8 miles)

Best Time to Camp at Black River State Forest Campground

Spring delivers the biggest draw. Early-season steelhead and salmon runs make the Black River prime fishing territory, with daytime highs around 35–55°F and nights dipping to 25–35°F. The river runs high from snowmelt, filling waterfalls and riffles. Weekends bring moderate crowds of anglers, but weekdays stay quiet. Autumn brings salmon runs and fall color. Winter access requires serious commitment. Seasonal roads aren't plowed, and the campground becomes a true wilderness destination.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 1% in MI

Spring steelhead and salmon runs make it a prime fishing draw; daytime temps 35–55°F.

Planning Tips

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

About Black River State Forest Campground

Black River State Forest Campground sits along the Black River in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula, offering 12 rustic, first-come, first-served sites. The campground draws anglers chasing spring steelhead and salmon runs, and families seeking quiet riverside camping without hookups or crowds.

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 delivers the biggest draw. Early-season steelhead and salmon runs make the Black River prime fishing territory, with daytime highs around 35–55°F and nights dipping to 25–35°F. The river runs high from snowmelt, filling waterfalls and riffles. Weekends bring moderate crowds of anglers, but weekdays stay quiet. Autumn brings salmon runs and fall color. Winter access requires serious commitment. Seasonal roads aren't plowed, and the campground becomes a true wilderness destination.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Black River runs just steps from the campsites, tumbling over nearby rapids and winding through forested banks. Hardwoods and conifers shade the sites, and the surrounding state forest land creates a backcountry feel despite the campground's accessibility. At 686 feet elevation, the terrain is gentle, with the river's constant rush providing ambient sound throughout the loops.

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

Scenic ViewsRiverfront views of the Black River and wooded forest surroundings; sites are generally shaded and private.

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Total Campsites12 campsites

Best CampsitesSites spread across two small loops near the river, with reviewers noting a mix of small and large options. Most are well-spaced and shaded, offering good privacy. No specific site numbers stand out in reviews, but proximity to the river and shade coverage vary by loop.

Amenities available

Rustic campground with vault toilets and potable water from a hand-pump well. No electricity or hookups; sites accommodate tents and trailers. First-come, first-serve (no reservations).

Potable water

Vault toilets

RV details

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).

Fishing

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

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.

Weather at Black River State Forest Campground

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

4.1

29 reviews

Satisfactory

Black River State Forest Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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Black River State Forest

Wisconsin State Parks, Wisconsin

Tucked away in Wisconsin's Black River State Forest, this intimate campground offers the perfect retreat for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. The gentle rush of the Black River flows right through the property, while towering mature trees create a canopy of shade and privacy between each site, all centered around a peaceful lawn that opens up the forest floor.