How much does camping cost at Hurricane River Campground?

Camping fees at Hurricane River Campground range from $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hurricane River Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Hurricane River Campground 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hurricane River Campground before I book?

Yes! Hurricane River Campground has 13 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Hurricane River Campground?

Hurricane River Campground is open May 15 to October 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Hurricane River Campground?

Hurricane River Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Hurricane River Campground have?

Hurricane River Campground has 22 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hurricane River Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hurricane River Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Hurricane River Campground?

Hurricane River Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hurricane River Campground?

Popular activities at Hurricane River Campground include Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hurricane River Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Hurricane River Campground?

Fire policies at Hurricane River Campground: Fire Regulations: The lighting or maintaining of open fires is generally prohibited, except in government provided metal fire rings and fire grills at the locations they are provided, or in personal self-contained charcoal grills in a parking lot or paved sidewalk. Campfires are permitted in fire rings only. Fires or hot coals cannot be left unattended. Beach fires are not allowed. Fire must be extinguished entirely using water and not buried. Purchase wood locally. No collecting of wood. No cut. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.19

476 reviews

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Hurricane River Campground (Upper & Lower Sections)

Top 6% in MIFall

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Michigan

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

653 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open May 15 to Octob...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

653 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

22 campsites

Season

Open May 15 to Octob...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Hurricane River Campground

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campground - Tent Nonelectric: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$25.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

906 387-3700 OR 906 494-2660piro_information@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Hurricane River Campground

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Campground Map

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Hurricane River Campground (Upper & Lower Sections)

Hurricane River Campground

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Hurricane River Campground (Upper & Lower Sections)

Nearby places

Grand Marais (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes). Munising (35 miles, approximately 45 minutes).

Driving directionsAccess this campground from Alger County Road H-58, which runs parallel to the park. Hurricane River Campground is located 12 miles west of Grand Marais, Michigan. The campground is divided into two sections (Upper Hurricane River and Lower Hurricane River). Follow signs for Hurricane River Campground along County Highway H-58. Many roads in the area may be closed in winter due to snow.

Weather at Hurricane River Campground

Current alerts(8)

Conditions for all camping: Camping is limited to 14 days per calendar year within the Lakeshore. Permits are required for all camping. Camping is only allowed at designated locations. Overflow camping is prohibited.
Conditions for the disposal, containerization, or carryout of human body waste have been established as follows: Where toilet facilities are not provided, human wastes will be disposed at least 200 feet from a trail, campsite, or water source; in a hole at least six inches deep;…
Drive-in Camping Regulations: Only one screened porch/tent may be placed over the picnic table per site. A screened tent does not count towards the four tents per site limit. No more than eight persons per site. There is not a vehicle limit per site.
Food Storage / The following conditions for the storage of food are in effect in the entirety of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: All food items, lawfully taken fish and wildlife, garbage and equipment used to cook or store food must be kept sealed in a vehicle, or in a…

Best Time to Camp at Hurricane River Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers crisp, clear weather and peak color on the Pictured Rocks sandstone cliffs and shoreline—daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to low-60s °F (7–16 °C) with chilly nights. Mosquitoes and black flies have mostly died back, trails are quieter than summer, and photographic light and shore winds make hiking, wildlife viewing, and beach walks especially rewarding. Expect lower crowds than July weekends, though weekends in late September can still fill; note the campground closes 1 Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in MI

Fall called prime season: crisp temps, stunning foliage, bugs die back and great solitude.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 15 to October 15 annually for reservations. Closed during other months.

About Hurricane River Campground

Hurricane River Campground sits on the Lake Superior shoreline within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, minutes from Grand Marais. Run by the National Park Service, this small seasonal campground offers spacious sites where campers fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake to trailhead access for the Au Sable Light Station hike. The setting is peaceful, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings serving tent campers, RV users, and primitive site seekers alike.

Hurricane River Campground caters primarily to tent and small RV/trailer campers, with a focus on rustic, nature-centric accommodations. It consists of two loops: Upper (10 sites) and Lower (12 sites), both offering drive-in access.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers crisp, clear weather and peak color on the Pictured Rocks sandstone cliffs and shoreline—daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to low-60s °F (7–16 °C) with chilly nights. Mosquitoes and black flies have mostly died back, trails are quieter than summer, and photographic light and shore winds make hiking, wildlife viewing, and beach walks especially rewarding. Expect lower crowds than July weekends, though weekends in late September can still fill; note the campground closes 1 Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation653 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 653 feet elevation where dense forest meets Lake Superior's shoreline. Ancient sandstone cliffs, 500 million years old, rise from the water nearby, their faces stained by iron and minerals into the colorful striations that define Pictured Rocks. Deciduous trees shade most sites. Hurricane River flows into the lake a short walk away. The shoreline offers access to beaches and the trail to Au Sable Light Station, where shipwreck remains occasionally appear along the shore after storms.

Lodging & AccommodationsOnly rustic tent and RV camping options are available; no additional lodging such as cabins or lodges are provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific programs are mentioned as being offered at Hurricane River Campground. However, the nearby Au Sable Light Station provides historical interest for hikers.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 days per calendar year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground includes designated accessible sites, with vault toilets and tent pads designed to improve accessibility. However, some users highlighted vault toilets' cleanliness as a concern.

Site SizeCampsites are relatively spacious, accommodating tent campers as well as small RVs and trailers up to 36 feet in length.

PrivacyOverall, sites are well-spaced and screened by trees, offering a sense of seclusion. However, some sites in the Lower Loop are more open and subject to traffic from trail visitors.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Recommended SitesLower loop offers closer proximity to Lake Superior. Site #6 and #12 Lower are praised for privacy and beach access.

Best CampsitesSite 1 in the Upper Loop gets mentioned for seclusion and distance from foot traffic. Site 11 in the Lower Loop sits close to the beach with good tree screening. Several reviewers noted falling asleep to the sound of Superior's waves from Lower Loop sites, though these also see more trail traffic from day hikers heading to the lighthouse.

Need help booking Hurricane River Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Hurricane River Campground provides rustic amenities suitable for nature enthusiasts. Both the Upper (10 sites) and Lower (12 sites) loops have vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings with grill grates, and accessible tent pads. Potable well water is available on-site, but no electric, sewer, or water hookups are provided. Cell phone service is unavailable, encouraging a serene and unplugged experience. Firewood is not sold within the campground, requiring visitors to plan ahead or drive to Grand Marais for supplies.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Hurricane River Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, with highlights including hiking trails, beach access, and wildlife viewing. The campground is a trailhead for the Au Sable Light Station, and the nearby Lake Superior shoreline offers additional opportunities for exploration.

Swimming

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available; the entire campground is equipped with vault toilets only.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers available throughout the campground.

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.

Fire PolicyFire Regulations: The lighting or maintaining of open fires is generally prohibited, except in government provided metal fire rings and fire grills at the locations they are provided, or in personal self-contained charcoal grills in a parking lot or paved sidewalk. Campfires are permitted in fire rings only. Fires or hot coals cannot be left unattended. Beach fires are not allowed. Fire must be extinguished entirely using water and not buried. Purchase wood locally. No collecting of wood. No cut

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling containers are conveniently located throughout the campground, and trash is picked up daily. However, some reviews mentioned issues like vault toilets being overused by hikers.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

476 reviews

Satisfactory

Hurricane River Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight Hurricane River Campground as a serene, rustic retreat with proximity to Lake Superior and the Au Sable Light Station. Many users praised the quiet environment and access to hiking trails, while complaints primarily focused on vault toilet conditions and mosquitoes.

Review Summaries

Based on 476 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 476 reviews.

Site #1 (Lower Loop)Loved
Site #1 (Lower Loop): Proximity to the parking lot results in high traffic and reduced privacy.
Site #1 (Upper Loop)Loved
Site #1 (Upper Loop): Known for its seclusion and spaciousness.
Site #6 (Lower Loop)Mentioned
Site #6 (Lower Loop): Noted for heavy use of nearby pit toilets.
Site #10 (Lower Loop)Mentioned
Site #10 (Lower Loop): Across from Lake Superior with beach access.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's peaceful setting, spacious sites, proximity to Lake Superior, and access to hiking trails like the one leading to Au Sable Light Station. Many guests loved...

Based on 476 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the lack of firewood sales on-site, the poor condition of vault toilets, and high mosquito activity during summer. Some reviewers also noted lack of privacy for certain...

Based on 476 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing ample firewood and mosquito repellent, as well as being prepared for rustic conditions. Early reservations are suggested due to high demand, and off-season visits are...

Based on 476 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews frequently mention beautiful weather but issues with mosquitoes and busy vault toilets due to shared use with trail visitors. Fall reviews highlight the solitude and stunning foliage,...

Based on 476 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Falling asleep to the crashing waves of Lake Superior was amazing.' 2. 'The hike to Au Sable Lighthouse was a highlight, with shipwrecks to explore along the way.' 3. 'Vault toilets need better...

Based on 476 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features include designated sites, vault toilets, and tent pads. However, cleanliness and heavy use of vault toilets by trail visitors were noted as drawbacks for guests with accessibility...

Based on 476 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Most pet owners were happy with the allowance of pets, though some noted restrictions on nearby trails.

Based on 476 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want quiet Lake Superior access, fall color hikes, and don't mind vault toilets or seasonal operation.

Skip if

You need flush restrooms, consistent camp host presence, or want to avoid summer mosquitoes.

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Twelvemile Beach Campground sits on the Lake Superior shoreline within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, a National Park Service site near Munising. The mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with spacious sites spread along the beach and inland forest. Visitors come for direct access to the lakeshore, hiking trails into the Pictured Rocks backcountry, and fall foliage when the maple and birch forests light up and crowds thin.