How much does camping cost at Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic?

Camping fees at Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic range from $17/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic first-come first-served or reservation?

Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Are there showers at Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic?

Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic?

Fire policies at Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic: Firewood available for purchase at the campground office. No additional site-specific fire policy information provided.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic have?

Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic?

Pets are not allowed at Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic?

Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic?

Popular activities at Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic

3.25

8 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Fishing Camping Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

784 ft

Price

$17/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR)Set up a cancellation alert

Get Directions

Only 3 sites — this campground fills fast. Set up a free alert.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

784 ft

Price

$17/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR)Set up a cancellation alert

Get Directions

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

3.25

Mixed Reviews

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

46.7978, -89.6225

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

Fall brings the best conditions. Daytime highs sit in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F from late September through October, with nights dipping near freezing. Peak foliage runs late September to mid-October, lighting up the hardwood and hemlock canopy. Crowds thin after Labor Day, leaving trails and riverside spots nearly empty on weekdays. Late spring and early summer mean heavy mosquitoes and black flies. Bring strong repellent and a head net. Summer weather is moody: expect cool mornings, mist, and muddy trails after rain.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in MI

Fall described as best conditions; peak foliage late Sept–mid Oct makes it a prime season.

Planning Tips

About Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic

Union River Outpost offers three rustic tent sites tucked into the Porcupine Mountains backcountry at 784 feet elevation. The small loop sits in a hardwood and hemlock forest along the Union River, with vault toilets and no potable water. Sites cost $17 per night and book quickly due to limited capacity.

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.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions. Daytime highs sit in the mid-40s to mid-50s°F from late September through October, with nights dipping near freezing. Peak foliage runs late September to mid-October, lighting up the hardwood and hemlock canopy. Crowds thin after Labor Day, leaving trails and riverside spots nearly empty on weekdays. Late spring and early summer mean heavy mosquitoes and black flies. Bring strong repellent and a head net. Summer weather is moody: expect cool mornings, mist, and muddy trails after rain.

Natural Features and SceneryMature hardwoods and hemlocks shade the three-site loop, their canopy filtering sunlight onto a forest floor carpeted with moss. The Union River runs clear and cold just steps from camp. A trout stream that draws anglers and wildlife. The surrounding Porcupine Mountains terrain is rugged, with waterfalls accessible via a short trail from the outpost and Lake Superior vistas within a short drive. The woodsy setting delivers genuine seclusion; reviewers consistently note the privacy and quiet.

Geological RegionPorcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, western Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Scenic ViewsSecluded wooded riverside setting; campsites are forested with river access rather than large panoramic overlooks.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsMiDNRReservations.com

Total Campsites3 campsites

Best CampsitesSite UR02 earns the most praise for privacy and comfort. UR01 is larger, and UR03 sits closest to the vault toilet. All three sites are small, with some featuring uneven or rocky tent pads and limited parking that occasionally forces cars onto the roadway.

Need help booking Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic?

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Three-site rustic outpost: vault toilet only, no running water at the outpost; potable water available at park headquarters/visitor center. Firewood can be purchased at the campground office.

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Weather at Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic

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

3.3

8 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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...

Based on 8 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.3

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Porcupine Mountains-Lost Creek Outpost Rustic Camp

Lost Creek Outpost has three primitive sites in the interior of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, right at the Lost Lake trailhead. At $17 per night, you get vault toilets, fire rings, and deep woods solitude. No water, no electricity, no cell service. Bring everything you need or haul water from park headquarters.