Nearby Michigan state forest and park campgrounds

There are a number of Michigan state forests and parks in the Upper Peninsula. Some are very close to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Visit Michigan's DNR website for locations.

Michigan State Forest Campgrounds:

Michigan state parks and forest campgrounds require a Michigan Recreation Passport and an additional fee for the use of the campground. All of the campgrounds listed below are first-come, first-served and are self-register. They are open all year, as long as snow isn't blocking roads to each campground.

Sites can be paid for at the pay kiosk located at each campground, where the price per night is around $15.00. A Recreation Passport can be purchased at the kiosk, and is just an added cost onto the registration for the campsite. For Michigan State Residence, the price for an Annual Recreation Passport is $16.00. For out-of-state residence, the price of a Recreational Passport Day Pass is $9.00, Annual Pass is $32.00 (fees subject to change).

All sites are rustic, with hand pumps for water, vault toilets and fire rings. For more information: 906-341-2355.

Directions:

Kingston Lake (16 sites)
From Munising, take H-58 east for 30 miles and turn left into campground.
From Grand Marais, take H-58 west for 19 miles and turn right into campground.

North Gemini Lake (17 sites)
South Gemini Lake (8 sites)
Canoe Lake (4 sites)
From Munising, take H-58 east for 22 miles and turn right onto Twin Lakes Truck Trail.
From Grand Marais, take H-58 west for 27 miles and turn left onto Twin Lakes Truck Trail.
Follow signs to the campgrounds.

Cusino Lake (6 sites)
Ross Lake (10 sites)
From Munising, take H-58 east for 24 miles and turn right onto Ross Lake Road (705).
From Grand Marais, take H-58 west for 25 miles and turn left onto Ross Lake Road (705).
Follow signs to the campgrounds.

Fox River (7 sites)
From Munising, take M-28 east for 35 miles to Seney. Turn left onto First St. at the blinking light. Then turn left on School St, which becomes Fox River Road (450). Follow Fox River Road to campground.
From Grand Marais, take M-77 south 25 miles to Seney and turn right on M-28. At blinking light turn right onto First St, and then left on School St., which becomes Fox River Road (450). Follow Fox River Road to campground.

East Branch Fox River (19 sites)
From Munising, take M-28 east for 35 miles into Seney, then left on M-77 north for 8 miles.
From Grand Marais, take M-77 south for 17 miles.
Follow signs to campground.

Camping & Backpacking in a State Forest (Outside of a Campground)

Dispersed camping in the state forest is free, but requires a permit that is available for print.
Things to remember when disperse camping:

• The campsite must not be located in a designated state park, recreation area, rustic state forest campground, or game area.
• The campsite must also be located more than one mile from a rustic state forest campground.
• The property must not be posted "No Camping."
• A camp registration card must be prominently posted at the campsite for the duration of the stay. It is the responsibility of the camping party to ensure that the registration card remains legible (placing it in a zip-top bag is recommended).
• State Land Rules are followed.

Muskallonge Lake State Park

A state campground east of Grand Marais near Lake Superior that offers more modern amenities, including showers and electrical hookups. Sites range from $25-29/night.

Reservations can be made at midnrreservation.com or [phone].

Directions: From Grand Marais, travel 18 miles east on H-58. Turn right into the state park entrance.