- Hiawatha National Forest
The best camping in Hiawatha National Forest, MI
92% (32)
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Adriana
November 2025
Tent
Shawn was super friendly and very helpful. The camping spot was absolutely gorgeous and secluded.
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Roxy
October 2025
Tent
Such a beautiful, peaceful spot right on Lake Michigan! Tucked into a quiet cedar grove on the Garden Peninsula, the site offers a rare combination of off-grid tranquillity and direct access to the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The new wood-fired sauna was an absolute highlight, the perfect way to warm up after a swim! Waking up to the sound of waves, relaxing by the fire at night, and a true off-grid vibe. The fire-pit area in the trees provides a cosy, sheltered setting for an evening under the stars. There has been a lot of care put into this place.
If you’re looking for a beach-camp experience that feels more intimate and upgraded (thanks to the sauna!) rather than a busy campground, this spot is highly recommended. Ideal for folks who want to unplug, still have beach/morning water access, and enjoy a little extra luxury in the wild.
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Becca
October 2025
16 ft pop-up camper
My husband and I camped at Tom’s for one night and enjoyed it. We had the place to ourselves and the quiet, private, and secluded environment was exactly what we were looking for. Camp here if you’re not in need of electric, water, or sanitation and you can handle things not being as maintained as your standard campground. Thanks Tom!
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Anna
October 2025
Tent
It was a beautiful, peaceful spot and the composting toilet was very clean.
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Lorraine
October 2025
24 ft travel trailer
Absolutely beautiful spot to camp by a peaceful river. We had a great 2 night stay on our own. Pauline is so welcoming and warm. And good eggs!
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Jonathan
October 2025
Tent
So close to Marquette but so peacefully remote. Would absolutely stay again. So many excellent tent camping. Appreciate that this land was available.
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Tetyana
October 2025
16 ft car
With pets
Beautiful property, gracious host! I will definitely be staying here again if I am in the area.
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Matt
October 2025
16 ft car
Great campspot right on lake Michigan has two different fire pits including on one the beach🏖️ pretty secluded down a couple miles of dirt roads definitely recommend checking it out 👍
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Lennon
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Great location that had excellent amenities. Very quiet
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Jayme
October 2025
Tent
The Garden site at Possum Creek was perfect. It was gorgeous with the stream and Hogback right there. The site itself was nicely cleared yet tucked in. Shawn was a great host...friendly, helpful yet respectful of our wanting to find a little stillness. His directions about points of interest were spot on, including the rock-solid brew pub! Will certainly come back.
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Dennis
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Possum Creek Campground
Loved the location! Just far enough into the wilderness to have the right "feel", yet close enough to town for anything Marquette offers. Warm, comfortable cabin with a wonderful, old northwoods character and rustic charm. Wish we could have stayed for a week.
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Kamron
October 2025
Tent
We have camped here for our fall trip 2 years now. It’s one of our favorite camping sites we’ve been to and will definitely be back here again. Very private and amazing scenery around the sites.
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Ellen
October 2025
22 ft Class B
We had a lovely night stay at Elli’s! Very peaceful.
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Frances
October 2025
Tent
With pets
This spot was incredible!! Eli was an amazing host and the view and amenities made it such an amazing trip. 10/10 would go back to surf camp!
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Jill
October 2025
26 ft travel trailer
With pets
Great spot. Nice and private. Perfect spot with our pets. Close to the highway but not loud at all. Great price. Close to everything.
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A
October 2025
45 ft fifth wheel
Group trip
Exactly as described. Nice, clean, overnight stay for us. Great water and welcoming host. Wayne responds promptly to messages. Best Hipcamp host responses we have ever had! Wayne is also very accommodating! Definitely recommend!
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Douglas
October 2025
13 ft travel trailer
With pets
Excellent stopover, inexpensive
Showers were clean and owners were nice
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E
October 2025
Tent
Loved this campsite!! As a solo women traveler I felt so safe and nicely tucked away! Would stay again:)
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rebecca
October 2025
1 night at Christmas Campsites 1 & 2
RV was clean and very well stocked on the inside. Interior looked brand new, and the campsite overlooked a pretty meadow surrounded by trees. Cute S'Mores bucket inside with everything you'd need. Convenient location, was able to do an evening hike to Mosquito Beach from this location. Why stay in a campground and spend thousands of dollars on your own RV when you can just stay here! Highly recommend Captain Ron's for fresh, hand-processed whitefish. Thanks Danielle!
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Taylor
October 2025
Tent
We loved everything about this spot. From the secluded camping, to the beach access steps away. It really lets you enjoy all nature has to offer. They’ve kept everything in immaculate condition. We only wished we brought a table for food prep! We watched a beautiful full moon rise right over the lake. Couldn’t recommend enough!!
See moreTop public campgrounds in the park
Stay at a public campground in Hiawatha National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Hiawatha National Forest, MI guide
Overview
About
Woodlands, wetlands, and waterfalls are just some of the highlights of this sprawling national forest, and with more than 800,000 acres to explore, it’s a good job there are plenty of spots to camp. More than 100 miles of shoreline borders Lake Superior, Huron, and Michigan, affording endless options for boating, swimming, and water sports. Visit the six historic lighthouses, ride the ferry out to the Grand Island to camp by the beachside, then head inland to hike, horseback ride, or mountain bike along hundreds of miles of trails. Did we mention camping? There are a mind-boggling 60 campgrounds to choose from.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for lake explorers: Bay Furnace Campground has 49 non-electric tent/RV sites with easy access to Lake Superior and Grand Island.
- Best for peace and quiet: Tom’s Lake Cabin sleeps eight and has everything you need for a back-to-nature retreat by the lakeside.
- Best for backcountry campers: Little Dune Campsite on Grand Island has hike-in tent-only sites right on the beachfront.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- You can reserve a site at one of 60 campgrounds (including three camper cabins) at Hiawatha National Forest online via Recreation.gov. Some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so check ahead if you have a specific site in mind.
- Campsite reservations typically open six months in advance.
- Some campgrounds are only open during the summer season (typically May through October); others stay open year-round.
When to go
Weather conditions can change quickly along Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but as long as you come prepared, outdoor adventures can be enjoyed through all four seasons. Come in summer to cool off in the lakes or in winter to cross-country ski, snowmobile, and snowshoe. If you have to choose, opt for a fall visit—temperatures are ideal for hiking and camping, and the blazing fall foliage is a leaf-peeper’s dream.
Know before you go
- Hiawatha National Forest is split into two units, both located on Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The west zone lies about 50 miles west of Newberry, or about a 50-minute drive away, while the east zone lies about a 30-minute drive east of Newberry.
- Permits are required for some recreation activities at trailheads, picnic areas, and river access sites. Camping reservation fees also apply.
- You can bring your own boat or watercraft to Hiawatha National Forest, and there are several boat launches along the lakefront. Be sure to follow localized rules regarding motorized boats and launch times.
- Dispersed camping is permitted in Hiawatha National Forest, but strict rules apply. Permits are also required for some sites.
- Cell phone and GPS service is patchy throughout the forest.
- There are accessible day-use areas, campsites, and restrooms at Hiawatha National Forest.
92%
32 ratings · 8 reviews
Wasn’t there . Took my money and never responded .
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Lisa S.
8 reviews
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent · With pets · With kids ·
Juniper Flats Group Campground on Grand Island
This camp ground was our first of 3 on our road trip and it was the best!! The property was beautiful and the campsites were far enough away to give a secluded feel. Also, the outhouse was adorable.
Amberlin B.
6 reviews
Mixed feelings
· July 2019
If you want to be in the middle of nowhere I would recommend this spot. That's exactly what I was looking for! But..when I got there and the mosquitoes were constantly swarming my body and the other RV campers told me of the wolf pack that had been circling the site I had some other thoughts. There's a 35 acre lake for swimming and boating and some giant snapping turtles that seemed to be invading the area when we were there. I'm 100% sure my dog had a growl off with a wolf in the woods and I threw rocks to keep them at bay. We were going to spend 2 night tent camping, but ended up one night and slept in my car till the morning. I will say it's definitely secluded and gorgeous. Go check it out, but sleep indoors and bring lots of bug spray
Dickie H.
3 reviews
November 2018
Brevoort Lake is an awesome place to camp. We are on a Peninsula so over half of our sites are on the water. Fishing is very good in the spring. The Campground store is no longer there. It has been gone for quite a while. We sell Ice and firewood also. There are 70 campsites The camping is rustic. no hook-ups. We have nice clean bathrooms, potable water and a place to dump your sewer. Come and Visit next summer.
Shirley H.
7 years on Hipcamp
November 2018
Hello I want to tell you that Brevoort Lake Campground is awesome. I am one of the Host campers there. The statements above I think are old though. The camp Store is no longer there. It has been gone for quite some time. There are 70 Campsites. We are on a Peninsula so over half of the sites are on the water.
Shirley H.
7 years on Hipcamp
August 2017
Probably the warmest place in Lake Superior to swim with great spacious camping. Just down the road don't miss the Wilcox Fish house for great freshly caught whitefish or trout, and then for some great coffee, go to the locally owned free trade organic coffee shop, The Dancing Crane in Brimley. It has board games and plays jazz and is hip for those rainy days.
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Mark P.
8 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2017
Great for swimming
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Anthony V.
8 years on Hipcamp
October 2015
Very private and spacious!! I loved this campground & will be going back!
Taylor Nicole F.
7 reviews