Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic

Star4.33
8 reviews
Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

784 ft

Price

$17/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic
$17.00 - $17.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly fee: $17 per site.
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
(800) 447-2757
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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 8 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

water

Some mention

mosquitoessmall

"Reviewers consistently praise the outpost's seclusion, woodsy setting and privacy; many call it a peaceful base for exploring the Porcupine Mountains. Reviews note the very small size (three sites) and characterize the facilities as basic/rustic."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic

Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic

46.7978, -89.6225


Best Time to Camp at Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic

The Porcupine Mountains keep you on your toes with their moody, ever-changing weather—even summer days can surprise you with cool temperatures, misty mornings, and muddy trails that tell stories of recent rains. Come prepared for anything, and if you're visiting between late spring and early summer, arm yourself with insect repellent to fend off the enthusiastic mosquitoes and black flies that consider this paradise home too.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer is popular but can be cool, misty and muddy; good for hikers and anglers.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Porcupine Mountains region offers notable fall color; secluded setting enhances experience.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring brings muddy trails and cool temps; good for solitude but wetter conditions noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Park has winter trail activity; outpost is rustic so winter stays possible but limited comforts.

Planning Tips

    About Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic

    Escape to one of just three intimate campsites at Union River Outpost, where the rustic charm of the Porcupine Mountains backcountry meets the soothing sounds of a pristine river. This secluded hideaway welcomes tent campers, van adventurers, and compact rigs seeking an authentic wilderness experience, complete with a vault toilet and the simple pleasure of a campfire under towering trees.
    Rustic three‑site outpost campground (vault toilet, no running water on site); described as ideal for tent, van or compact campers and offering a secluded, backcountry‑style experience.
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    Amenities available

    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Park‑ and outpost‑level recreation includes hiking and short river/waterfall trails adjacent to the campground, trout fishing on the Union River, and paddling/shoreline access in park day‑use areas. Seasonal interpretive programs and winter trail activities are offered elsewhere in the park.
    HikingShort river/waterfall trails (e.g., Union Mine/Union River trail) are accessible from the campground; extensive Porcupine Mountains trail network is nearby.
    FishingUnion River is described as a classic Upper Peninsula trout stream; trout fishing is the primary fishing opportunity referenced.
    SwimmingDesignated swim areas exist in the park's day‑use areas (swimming is at park day‑use beaches, not at the outpost itself).
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsNo running potable water at the outpost (water available at park headquarters); heavy insects in warm months; uneven, rocky or muddy ground in sites and nearby trails; typical Upper Peninsula wildlife considerations.
    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-Union River Outpost-Rustic

    Reviews

    4.3
    8 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers consistently praise the outpost's seclusion, woodsy setting and privacy; many call it a peaceful base for exploring the Porcupine Mountains. Reviews note the very small size (three sites) and characterize the facilities as basic/rustic.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 8 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Very private, woodsy and secluded three‑site loop; easy access to a short river/waterfall trail and to park attractions; site UR02 frequently singled out as particularly private and comfortable.
    Based on 8 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring strong insect repellent and a head/bug net in buggy seasons; bring water or plan to collect/treat water from park HQ; consider an air mattress for rocky/uneven sites; an axe/hatchet useful if...
    Show more
    Based on 8 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Wonderfully woodsy, very private feeling campground with only 3 sites."; "Bug nets will be your best friend if mosquitoes and black flies are bad."; "UR02 was a secluded, small site tucked into a...
    Show more
    Based on 8 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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