Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic

4 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

$17/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) site

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Quick Facts

Price

$17/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) site

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(800) 447-2757

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 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

Fees & Passes at Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic

$17/night

Campsite fees

Prices verified December 13, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) website.

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.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

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.

Weather and SeasonsThe 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.

Natural Features and SceneryYour campsite nestles beneath a cathedral of mature hardwoods and hemlocks, where dappled sunlight filters through the canopy and a soft carpet of moss cushions the forest floor. Just steps away, the Union River flows clear and cold—a legendary Upper Peninsula trout stream that beckons anglers and nature lovers alike. This is the Porkies at their finest: ancient forests, rugged terrain waiting to be explored, and the promise of cascading waterfalls and breathtaking Lake Superior vistas just a short journey away.

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

Campsite details

Total Campsites3 campsites

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 are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsMiDNRReservations.com

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.

Hiking

Short river/waterfall trails (e.g., Union Mine/Union River trail) are accessible from the campground; extensive Porcupine Mountains trail network is nearby.

Fishing

Union River is described as a classic Upper Peninsula trout stream; trout fishing is the primary fishing opportunity referenced.

Swimming

Designated 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

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Firewood available for purchase at the campground office. No additional site-specific fire policy information provided.

Hazards

General hazardsNo 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.

Weather at Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic

°F

Dec 13

Saturday

Moderate snow fall

Precipitation: 0.4%

Humidity: 75%

Wind: 12 mph

Moderate snow fall

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsHeavy mosquitoes and black flies in late spring/early summer; very rustic amenities (no potable water, no showers); small, uneven or rocky tent pads and limited parking at some sites (car sometimes parked along roadway).

Campground Map

Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Porcupine Mountains-Union River Outpost-Rustic has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 4 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 4 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 4 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...

Based on 4 reviews