Portage Bay State Forest Campground

Star4.70
66 reviews
Portage Bay State Forest Campground
Romantic GetawaySummer Destination

Quick Facts

617 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) site

Official Website
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Portage Bay 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) 644-2603
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What Campers Say

4.70

Top-Rated

Based on 66 reviews

47 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspaciouswater

Some mention

cell service

"Reviewers consistently praise the campground's remote, peaceful lakeshore setting, exceptionally good waterfront sites, and well-maintained rustic facilities. Most reviews are highly positive (many 5★) with praise for views, solitude, and clean vault toilets and pump water."

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Campground Map

Portage Bay State Forest Campground

Portage Bay State Forest Campground

45.7267, -86.5351

Driving directionsLocated 10 miles south of Garden via County Road 483 and Portage Bay Road.
Access via County Road 483 and Portage Bay Road; remote approach includes long dirt/gravel roads.
Nearby places
Garden: approximately 10 miles

Best Time to Camp at Portage Bay State Forest Campground

Lake Michigan writes its own weather story here, and it's one of dramatic beauty and quick changes. Even summer evenings carry a refreshing chill off the water, while winds can shift from calm to spirited in an afternoon. Smart campers come prepared with layers—think cozy fleece for stargazing and a windbreaker for beach walks—turning the lake's moods into part of the adventure rather than a surprise.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer review signal strong; many campers praise August visits and waterfront sites in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Boreal forest and lakeshore imply strong fall color and views though winds/weather can vary.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Should be scenic with shoreline walks; spring weather can be variable and chilly off the lake.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Winter access for skiing/snowshoeing noted, but cold lake weather and limited services reduce comfort.

Planning Tips

    About Portage Bay State Forest Campground

    Escape to Portage Bay State Forest Campground, where the rhythm of Lake Michigan waves replaces your daily notifications. This intimate rustic retreat nestles you into a pristine boreal forest, with campsites perched right along Portage Bay's shoreline and 2.7 miles of the scenic Ninga Aki Pathway waiting to be explored.
    Rustic, first-come/first-serve state forest campground with tent and small-trailer sites; waterfront-oriented sites.
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    Best Campsites

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    Stay Limit
    15-day maximum stay

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Back-to-nature, waterfront campground with hiking, shoreline access, paddling/boating opportunities, fishing, and year-round low-impact recreation. Winter activities noted include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the area.
    HikingNinga Aki Pathway provides a 2.7-mile maintained hiking loop through boreal forest near the campground; additional informal shoreline walking and nearby forest roads for short hikes.
    FishingFishing opportunities in Portage Bay / Lake Michigan; species reported include lake trout, steelhead and coho.
    SwimmingShoreline access for wading and beach use; shoreline composition varies by site (sandy in some areas, rocky in others). Visitors recommend water shoes.
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsRemote location with long dirt/gravel roads and likely limited or spotty cell coverage; wind and weather exposure on waterfront sites; insects (mosquitoes) reported in warmer months; occasional wildlife encounters noted in reviews.

    Weather at Portage Bay State Forest Campground

    Reviews

    4.7
    66 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Portage Bay State Forest Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers consistently praise the campground's remote, peaceful lakeshore setting, exceptionally good waterfront sites, and well-maintained rustic facilities. Most reviews are highly positive (many 5★) with praise for views, solitude, and clean vault toilets and pump water.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 66 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Exceptional waterfront sites (many sites are on or a few steps from Lake Michigan), quiet and secluded atmosphere, spacious campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, generally clean vault toilets...
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    Based on 66 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Arrive prepared with supplies (drinking water containers, water shoes, bug spray, layers) and plan for first-come, first-serve camping. Bring a small boat/kayak to fully enjoy the bay; expect...
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    Based on 66 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Most serene campground in the state.”; “A true piece of heaven in the U.P.”; “No showers, but there is plenty of well water and outhouses.”; “You have to drive 7 miles down a dirt road, but once you...
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    Based on 66 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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