Sturgeon River Campground

E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969

Nestled along the pristine shores of Imp Lake, this hidden gem in the Ottawa National Forest beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness retreat. Wake to the haunting calls of nesting loons echoing across mirror-still waters from your lakeside campsite, or find solitude beneath ancient hemlocks in the forest loop. This thoughtfully designed campground balances rustic charm with essential comforts—vault toilets, hand-pump wells for fresh drinking water, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings where countless stories have been shared under starlit skies. With two distinct camping loops to choose from, including one that welcomes adventurous souls year-round, Imp Lake serves as your basecamp for unforgettable forest memories.

E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969

Where two branches of the Paint River converge in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Paint River Forks Campground beckons those seeking authentic wilderness experiences. This intimate riverside retreat offers prime spots along the water's edge, where the gentle sounds of flowing currents provide nature's soundtrack. Paddlers will discover miles of pristine waterways perfect for leisurely canoe trips, while anglers can cast their lines into promising pools where the rivers meet. Far from crowded tourist destinations, this hidden gem delivers the peaceful, back-to-nature camping experience that outdoor enthusiasts crave.

E23979 US 2 EAST

Nestled in the heart of Ottawa National Forest, Marion Lake Group Site beckons adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. This idyllic camping destination sits in a sun-dappled grassy meadow, where towering hemlocks and vibrant hardwoods create a natural amphitheater around your campsite. With direct access to the sparkling waters of Marion Lake, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned for endless days of jet skiing across glassy waters, carving wake boarding runs, or casting a line into promising fishing spots. Whether you're planning a family reunion or a friends' getaway, this group site offers the perfect blend of lakeside excitement and forest tranquility.

Forest Road 4500, Ottawa National Forest, Burned Dam Campground, MI

Hidden deep within the Ottawa National Forest, Burned Dam Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This rustic, dispersed camping area serves as your gateway to pristine fishing waters along the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River and the thundering cascade of Mex-i-mine Falls. Here, where dense forest canopies create natural cathedrals and the river's gentle murmur provides nature's soundtrack, you'll discover the kind of solitude that modern life rarely offers. Whether you're casting a line into promising pools, paddling through mirror-smooth waters, or simply breathing in the pine-scented air, this secluded haven delivers the quintessential Upper Peninsula camping experience.

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Tucked along the tranquil shores of Deer Lake in Iron County, this intimate rustic campground offers an authentic Upper Peninsula escape managed by Baraga State Park. With generously spaced sites scattered beneath the forest canopy and direct lake access for anglers and paddlers, it's the perfect basecamp for those seeking genuine northwoods solitude away from the crowds.

Ottawa National Forest

Tucked away in the Kenton Ranger District of Ottawa National Forest, Perch Lake Campground offers an intimate escape just 10 miles southeast of Sidnaw. This single-loop campground features 20 versatile sites perfect for tents, trailers, and RVs, with many positioned right along the water's edge where excellent fishing, canoeing, and kayaking await.

Perch Lake Campground, Kenton Ranger District, Iron County, Michigan, USA

Nestled within the verdant embrace of Ottawa National Forest, Perch Lake Campground offers 20 thoughtfully designed drive-in sites where adventure meets tranquility. Whether you're arriving with a tent tucked in your trunk or navigating the forest roads in a motorhome, each campsite welcomes you with the promise of lakeside serenity. Nature herself serves as your privacy screen here, with lush vegetation creating intimate outdoor rooms where memories are made around crackling fire rings. Many fortunate campers wake to find themselves just steps from the water's edge, where morning mist dances across Perch Lake's surface. Essential comforts blend seamlessly with the wilderness experience, from sturdy picnic tables perfect for sunset dinners to clean vault toilets and refreshing hand-pumped spring water.

4810 E. M28 Kenton, MI 49967

Tucked away in a serene single loop, Lake Ste Kathryn Campground beckons with 24 thoughtfully designed drive-in sites, each naturally embraced by lush vegetation that creates private havens for campers. Every site comes equipped with essential comforts: a sturdy wood table for gathering, a fire ring for evening storytelling, a lantern post to guide your way, and a convenient parking spur. The campground thoughtfully provides three sets of vault toilets and two hand pumps delivering fresh, potable water. Adventure awaits with a scenic boat ramp for water enthusiasts, while nature lovers can explore the fascinating Deer Marsh Interpretive Trail that greets visitors at the eastern entrance. For those seeking a midday respite, a charming picnic area near site #13 offers the perfect spot for lunch with a view.

4810 E. M28 Kenton, MI 49967

Nestled beneath towering Norway pines in the heart of Ottawa National Forest, Norway Lake Campground invites you to experience the tranquility of Michigan's Upper Peninsula wilderness. This thoughtfully designed retreat features 27 spacious drive-in sites spread across two loops, each naturally screened by lush vegetation to create your own private forest sanctuary. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with your RV, you'll find everything you need: sturdy wooden tables for lakeside meals, fire rings for evening storytelling, and charming lantern posts that cast a warm glow as dusk falls. Three clean vault toilets and two hand-pumped wells provide fresh mountain water throughout your stay. Just steps from your site, discover a boat ramp for morning paddles, a welcoming picnic pavilion, and a sandy beach perfect for afternoon swims in the crystal-clear lake.

4810 E. M28, Kenton, MI 49967

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Ottawa National Forest, Sparrow Rapids Campground offers an intimate escape with just six secluded campsites. This hidden gem welcomes tents, trailers, and motor homes to its rustic embrace, where the melodic rush of the East Branch Ontonagon River creates nature's perfect soundtrack. While maintaining its authentic wilderness character with vault toilets and no potable water, the campground rewards adventurers with unmatched privacy and a genuine back-to-nature experience.

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Escape to one of Michigan's hidden gems at King Lake State Forest Campground, where six intimate tent and small-trailer sites nestle along the pristine north shore of 498-acre King Lake. This rustic, first-come-first-served retreat offers the kind of peaceful solitude that's increasingly rare—just you, the water, and the wildlife, with basic amenities that keep you connected to nature's rhythms.

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Tucked away on the shores of Beaufort Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this intimate seven-site campground offers the kind of rustic lakeside escape that feels like a well-kept secret. With vault toilets, hand-pumped water, and a first-come, first-served policy (15-day max stay), it's perfect for campers seeking simplicity, starlit skies, and the gentle sounds of lapping waves.

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Tucked along the peaceful eastern shore of Big Lake, this intimate Upper Peninsula retreat offers the kind of quiet that only Michigan's northwoods can deliver. Whether you're launching a kayak at dawn, casting for your dinner, or using it as base camp for ORV adventures on the nearby Baraga Plains Trail, this rustic getaway puts you right where the forest meets the water.

Forest Rt. 1478, Ontonagon, MI 49953

Tucked away in the heart of Michigan's Ottawa National Forest, Bob Lake Campground offers an authentic escape into pristine wilderness. This hidden gem in Houghton County beckons those seeking solitude with its 17 thoughtfully positioned campsites, each cocooned by lush natural vegetation that ensures privacy and tranquility. Many sites rest directly on the shoreline, where morning mist dances across Bob Lake's mirror-like surface and evening sunsets paint the water in brilliant hues. Here, the rustic charm isn't just a feature—it's a promise of genuine connection with nature, far from the distractions of modern life.

1209 Rockland Road Ontonagon, MI 49953

Nestled in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Courtney Lake Campground offers 21 thoughtfully designed sites along a peaceful single loop, where families with tents mingle with RV adventurers beneath towering pines. This hidden gem has earned a devoted following for its pristine conditions and remarkable tranquility, with equestrian enthusiasts particularly drawn to its well-maintained horse facilities. The crown jewel is the adjacent 33-acre lake, where a no-wake policy ensures mirror-like waters perfect for peaceful paddling and quiet contemplation.

Baraga State Park

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Tucked away on the peaceful south shore of Emily Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this intimate nine-site campground offers true northwoods solitude beneath towering conifers and hemlocks. With just vault toilets and a hand-pump well, Emily Lake State Forest Campground is perfect for self-reliant campers seeking an authentic, back-to-basics wilderness experience.

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E23979 US 2 East Watersmeet, MI 49969

Forest Rt. 1478, Ontonagon, MI 49953

4810 E. M28 Kenton, MI 49967

4810 E. M28 Kenton, MI 49967

Perch Lake Campground, Kenton Ranger District, Iron County, Michigan, USA

4810 E. M28, Kenton, MI 49967

1209 Rockland Road Ontonagon, MI 49953

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Ottawa National Forest

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Baraga State Park

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Escape to Rifle River–Devoe Lake Campground, where towering trees frame a pristine, spring-fed lake perfect for peaceful paddles and refreshing swims. This rustic retreat offers the authentic Northwoods experience—no motors, no hookups, just you and nature in beautifully secluded campsites surrounded by forest.

400 E. Munising Ave, Munising, MI, 49862, USA

Tucked away in nature's embrace, Bermuda Campsite offers an intimate escape just 75 yards from the crystalline waters of Lake Superior and the pristine sands of Murray Bay Beach. This hidden gem on Grand Island provides the perfect balance of rustic charm and thoughtful amenities, where you'll find everything needed for a comfortable wilderness stay—from a convenient latrine and secure food storage options to a welcoming fire ring surrounded by benches, complete with provided firewood for those magical evening gatherings under the stars.

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Escape to one of Michigan's hidden gems: a intimate four-site campground nestled along the pristine shores of Canoe Lake. This rustic retreat in the state forest offers the perfect basecamp for paddlers and anglers seeking solitude, with easy access to Trail 8 and the stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore just beyond.

107 McKinley Road Mio, MI 48647

Hidden within a serene red pine plantation along the legendary Au Sable River, Meadow Springs Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for adventurous souls. This secluded, rustic retreat rewards those willing to leave their vehicles behind at the gate and venture on foot into nature's embrace. Beloved by paddlers navigating the pristine waters of the Au Sable, this hike-in sanctuary provides the perfect basecamp for those seeking solitude and riverside serenity far from the crowds.

650 North Michigan Ave., Baldwin, MI 49304

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Pere Marquette National Scenic River, Claybanks Campground offers an authentic wilderness retreat where anglers cast their lines for elusive brown trout and nature enthusiasts discover tranquility beneath towering pines and oaks. Adventure awaits down the campground's famously steep stairs—a heart-pumping descent that leads to a gravel riverbed perfect for fly-fishing and catch-and-release pursuits. This riverside sanctuary beckons those who seek the gentle rhythm of flowing water and the thrill of spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.

5685 Lake Michigan Road

Nestled between the crystalline waters of Lake Michigan and the meandering Platte River, this beloved campground serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures. With miles of scenic hiking trails weaving through diverse landscapes and thoughtfully maintained facilities that enhance rather than intrude upon the natural setting, Platte River Campground has earned its reputation as one of the region's most sought-after destinations for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

Fort Custer Recreation Area

Gather your group for an authentic outdoor experience at Fort Custer's two rustic group camps, each welcoming up to 60 people. Both sites come equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets, creating the perfect basecamp for your adventure—just note that Whitford Lake offers convenient hand-pump water access, while Kalamazoo River groups will want to stock up at the park office or main campground.

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Escape to Long Lake State Forest Campground, a hidden gem tucked into the hills above one of Missaukee County's most pristine glacial lakes. This rustic retreat offers the kind of quiet, back-to-basics camping experience that reminds you why you love the outdoors—think towering pines, shimmering water views, and the simple pleasure of a campfire under the stars.

19456 W Lakeshore Drive, Brimley MI 49715

Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay, Bay View Campground invites you to experience the raw beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Here, beneath a canopy of towering pines, rustic campsites offer front-row seats to one of the Great Lakes' most dramatic coastlines. Adventure awaits just moments away, from the thundering cascade of Tahquamenon Falls to the historic beacon of Whitefish Point Lighthouse and the fascinating Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, where tales of maritime history come alive.

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Saddle up for an authentic equestrian getaway at this 25-site rustic campground, where spacious, sun-drenched sites welcome you and your horses with room to spare for larger trailers. With fire rings, picket poles at every site, and direct access to 17 miles of dedicated riding trails, you'll find everything you need for a memorable backcountry experience—including a pavilion, vault toilets, and hand-pump water to keep things simple and rustic.