Black River State Forest Campground

4.30

23 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(906) 643-8620

What Campers Say

4.30

Satisfactory

Based on 23 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

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.

Best

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

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.

Campsite details

Total Campsites12 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15-day maximum stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; campground and seasonal access roads are not plowed in winter.

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

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).

Fishing

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

Boating

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsPotential 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

°F

Dec 26

Friday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 75%

Wind: 13.7 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsRemote location and rough access roads noted by some visitors; one reviewer reported drinking water with an off taste/smell; some campers report changes in trash/dumping logistics and a price increase.

Campground Map

Black River State Forest Campground

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)

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.3

23 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 23 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 23 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 23 reviews