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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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026
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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Portage Bay State Forest Campground

Portage Bay State Forest Campground

45.7267, -86.5351

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.

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.

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    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.
    Hiking
    Fishing
    Swimming
    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

    Trip Planning Tools

    Reviews

    From Booking Sources
    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...
    Show more
    Based on 66 reviews
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    Last updated March 8, 2026
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