Places to Camp Near the Porcupine Mountains
The Porcupine Mountains are known for being one of the prime places to go camping in the Upper Peninsula due to the sheer number of things to do and see during your time outdoors. The Porkies, as the mountains are affectionately called, are a popular destination for outdoor adventurers in every season. From cross-country skiing to mountain biking and fishing, you’ve got your pick of things to do when you aren’t singing around the campfire and warming up s’mores.
Knowing where to camp near the Porcupine Mountains is just as important as planning your daily list of activities. After all, the Porkies have a range of different camping options available that include everything from being able to stay in a rustic, yet luxurious, yurt to hiking into a primitive camp spot.
Where Are the Porcupine Mountains?
Given the sheer size of the Porkies, you wouldn’t think they’d be hard to find. While you’ll spot them in your view as you explore the Upper Peninsula, it helps to know how to get to the main entrance. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is located around 58 miles from Ironwood, which is one of the best towns in the Upper Peninsula that visitors spend time in to wash up, enjoy a hot meal, and rest after going camping or exploring in the backcountry.
There are two main roads that lead to the State Park headquarters, and you can drive north on County Road 519 from Wakefield to get to the Presque Isle River area on the western part of the park. Or, you can take Highway 64 through the Ottawa National Forest if you are coming from Bergland, which gets you to the eastern side. Once you get to the park, you can begin your visit with a trip to the Visitor’s Center, where the rangers can help you get camping permits and provide you with the latest information about bear sightings and trail conditions.
Where are the Best Places to Camp Near the Porcupine Mountains?
The first thing you’ll want to do is decide what type of conditions you prefer for your camping trip. Around the Porcupine Mountains, you’ll find campgrounds that offer sites for both tent and RV camping. You’ll also find pet-friendly campgrounds and ones that offer more accessibility for people with disabilities.
Alternatively, you may prefer to camp in the backcountry, where you’ll find little more than a fire ring as far as accommodations. Yet, you’ll also enjoy an unencumbered view of the stars at night when you opt to camp in areas where you’ll be exposed to less light. If you’re new to camping, then searching for a campsite with a cabin might help you feel more comfortable. Whatever your preferences, you’ll find the perfect spot in this list of the best places to camp near the Porcupine Mountains.
Enjoy the Serenity of the Outdoors at the Porcupine Mountains Presque Isle Campground
The Presque Isle River is a highlight of the Porkies, and camping here gives you access to hiking trails you can explore during the day before returning to your tent or RV. The campground is divided into generator and generator-free zones, which gives tent campers the opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet that they desire. While the campsites are designated as rustic, you will find vault toilets and hand pumps for water, along with electrical hookups at specific sites.
Stay Near the Coast at the Union Bay Campground
This campground is known for being a little louder than the Presque Isle River one, but the trade-off might be worth it if you prefer to stay right along the coast. With the limited amount of time for camping, the sites get crowded during the summer and stay that way through the Porcupine Mountains Music Festival towards the end of August. Yet, with 99 sites available for tents and RVs, this is one of the more moderately sized campgrounds in the area. Drive-in access is available at the sites, but you’ll want to be aware that pull-through parking might be challenging for larger and oversized vehicles.
Enjoy the Amenities of the Union River’s Big Bear Campground
The Big Bear Campground is at the entrance to the State Park, which puts it within walking distance of the visitor’s center. Here, you’ll find campsites that offer electric and water hookups for travel trailers and motorhomes. Although you’ll still enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, campers also find that the clean, modern bathrooms that include hot showers make it easier to stay in the Porkies for longer. If spending time on the sandy beach of Lake Superior is a major part of your itinerary, then you’ll also love being within walking distance of this popular area.
Secure a Secluded Spot at the Union River Outpost
The Union River is well-known for being one of the most active trout streams for fishing in the Upper Peninsula, and camping here gives you easy access to the banks where you can cast your line as much as your heart desires. Unlike other campgrounds in the area, the Outpost has extremely limited sites. With only three campsites available, the early bird definitely catches the worm when it comes to securing a spot. But, your efforts are well worth being in one of the most secluded and private places to camp in the Porkies, which also offers a rustic toilet for your comfort.
Discover an Aquatic Paradise at the Black River Harbor Campground
Seven out of the 32 campsites here offer an overlook to Lake Superior, and you’ll also find that this campground keeps you close to a boat ramp if you enjoy aquatic adventures. The campground is also located near several spectacular waterfalls that you might already have listed on your budget list for viewing. Plus, you just can’t go wrong with camping near the beach where your group can swim, bird watch or go fishing all day long.
Head to the Backcountry
For the ultimate adventure, you’ll want to head to one of the many backcountry or primitive camping sites. To aid in safety and keeping the natural areas pristine, you’ll find a fire ring and trash pole at these sites, but not any other amenities. People tend to come to these campsites out of a desire to enjoy the outdoors in the most natural environment possible. Despite being more remote, you’ll still need to register your visit and obtain a permit for backcountry camping. Backcountry camping rates are currently set at $20 a night for groups of up to six, and you can reserve your spot up to six months in advance.
The main camping season in the Porkies is only around four months long, and reservations tend to fill up fast. Planning ahead by reserving your spot early is the best way to make sure that you get to camp where you prefer, and you’ll also want to know where to visit in the Upper Peninsula before and after your stay if you need a few rest days. Once you’ve reserved your campsite, remember to also explore what else there is to do in the area. Ironwood and the surrounding towns are home to festivals, historical sites, and other attractions that you can use to round out your trip to the wilderness. Travel Ironwood is your go-to resource for information about places to camp near the Porcupine Mountains.