Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping

4.50

82 reviews

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietGreat HikingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

65 campsites

Season

Main reservation sea...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

Quick Facts

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

65 campsites

Season

Main reservation sea...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Michigan DNR site

Official Website

Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly fee $15 per night for 1–6 people.

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) 885-5275

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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 82 reviews

1648 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowershiking

Some mention

cell service

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising dramatic scenery, extensive hiking, old-growth forests and iconic overlooks; many reviewers call the park one of their favorite places. Several reviews referenced clean facilities and helpful hosts at the park's developed campgrounds (from visitors who also used front-country sites)."

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Campground Map

Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping

No map location available

Best Time to Camp at Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping

Plan your backcountry adventure between May 15 and October 14, when reservations are strongly recommended and sites are most accessible. When winter blankets the park in snow (December 1 through May 15), adventurous souls can experience dispersed winter camping—just register at park headquarters between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. before heading into the snow-covered wilderness.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in MI

Main reservation season May 15–Oct 14; summer is prime for hiking, paddling and backcountry access.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in MI

Old-growth hardwoods imply exceptional fall color; reviewers praise dramatic autumn scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers waterfalls and thawed scenery but early season can be muddy and site access limited until May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Dispersed winter camping allowed once snow-covered but access and services are limited in deep winter.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Main reservation season May 15 through Oct 14 (reservations strongly recommended). Dispersed winter camping available once ground is snow-covered; register at park headquarters Dec 1 through May 15 (8 a.m.–4 p.m.).

About Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping

Escape into true wilderness at one of 65 primitive backcountry sites scattered throughout the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Each numbered site comes with a metal fire ring and your own slice of Upper Peninsula solitude—whether nestled beside a quiet lake, along a rushing river, or perched near Lake Superior's dramatic shoreline.

65 numbered backcountry (primitive) campsites that are site-specific (camp at the site you reserve).

Weather and SeasonsPlan your backcountry adventure between May 15 and October 14, when reservations are strongly recommended and sites are most accessible. When winter blankets the park in snow (December 1 through May 15), adventurous souls can experience dispersed winter camping—just register at park headquarters between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. before heading into the snow-covered wilderness.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into one of the largest old-growth hardwood forests in North America, where ancient maple and hemlock trees tower overhead and moss carpets the forest floor. The terrain here tells a story of geological drama—rugged ridges give way to deep river valleys carved over millennia, while waterfalls cascade through fern-filled ravines. Hike to cliff-edge overlooks for sweeping wilderness views, or follow trails to secluded stretches of Lake Superior shoreline where waves meet ancient bedrock. As darkness falls, the lack of light pollution reveals star-filled skies that seem to stretch forever.

Geological RegionPorcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Upper Peninsula of Michigan — rugged north–south ridges, glacially carved features, old-growth hardwood forest and Lake Superior shoreline.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

May 15–Oct 14: Park visitor center, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. (Eastern). Oct 15–May 14: Park headquarters, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (Eastern).

Amenities available

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Backcountry camping in a large wilderness setting with extensive hiking opportunities, wildlife viewing, lakeshore access, and opportunities for fishing and paddling. Dispersed winter camping in the backcountry is allowed once the ground is snow-covered (registration required).

HikingExtensive and often rugged trail network through old-growth forest, ridges and river valleys; hikers are advised to use DNR backcountry maps and plan for significant elevation change and rough footing.

FishingMany backcountry sites are located on or near inland lakes and rivers and the Lake Superior shoreline, offering opportunities for fishing (anglers should plan to treat or filter water).

SwimmingSome sites provide access to Lake Superior shoreline and inland lakes where swimming is possible; conditions vary by site and season.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are present (bear-safe food storage and bag hangs are required). Terrain and trails can be rugged with significant elevation change; some trails may be rough, muddy or have slick roots. Water should be treated before drinking (no interior hand pumps documented). In warm months expect insects near water. Cell service is often spotty or absent in interior backcountry areas.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping

Reviews

4.5

82 reviews

Recommended

Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising dramatic scenery, extensive hiking, old-growth forests and iconic overlooks; many reviewers call the park one of their favorite places. Several reviews referenced clean facilities and helpful hosts at the park's developed campgrounds (from visitors who also used front-country sites).

Review Summaries

Based on 82 reviews

What Campers Love

Stunning views (Lake of the Clouds, Lake Superior shoreline), exceptional hiking and old-growth trees, strong sense of wilderness and solitude. Some front-country campground reviews note clean...

Based on 82 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve backcountry sites in advance (May 15–Oct 14), check in to obtain a backcountry permit, carry water-treatment supplies, bring bear-hang gear and a trowel for catholes, and use DNR maps for...

Based on 82 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Where heaven begins..."; "One of the most beautiful views I've ever seen! Photos do not do it justice."

Based on 82 reviews

0 review

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping