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Camping, Campgrounds Porcupine Mountains State Park
Upper Peninsula Michigan, Lake Superior

scenic view overlook porcupine mountains
Scenic Overlook Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Park


Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers 4 types of camping and campgrounds:

  • Backcountry Camping
  • Rustic Cabins & Yurts
  • Rustic Tent & RV Camping
  • Modern RV & Tent Camping

Backcountry Camping

porcupine mountains hiking

As one of the premier backpacking destinations in the upper midwest, the Porkies offers a wide variety of trails sprinkled with designated camp areas. Each of the campsites has a fire ring and can accomodate up to 6 camper-backpackers. In order to protect the wilderness experience, hikers are limited to overnight camping only at one of these 63 designated backcountry campsites. In order to preserve the wilderness experience, all backcountry campers are required to obtain a backcountry camping permit and during the peak hiking season (May 15 - October 15) campsite reservations are strongly recommended.

There are also 3 outpost camping areas located near trailheads that will accomodate several tents and campers.

Rustic Cabins & Yurts

Also along the hiking trails throughout the park are 18 rustic backcountry cabins and yurts that can be rented and again due to popularity advance reservations are recommended. The cabins are furnished with beds, cookware and tableware, mattresses, table, chairs, fire ring, an outhouse and and ax and saw. You bring your own bedding, potable water and toilet paper. All waste and other equipment is pack-in/pack-out. Most cabins and yurts require a 1 - 4 mile hike to reach and accomodate from 2 to 6 campers.

Presque Isle Rustic Campground

presque isle river potholes

Located adjacent to the attractive Presque Isle River and Waterfalls, the Presque Isle campground offers 50 campsites for tenting and RV use. No electric service is available and the water is via a hand pump and the toilets are vault toilets.

The sites are semi-wooded and are divided into two loops, one of which prohibits generator use for a quieter camping experience. There's also a day-use area for viewing the waterfalls and hiking along the river.

Union Bay Campground

union bay campground porcupine mountians state park

The Union Bay Campground is located on the shores of Lake Superior offers modern toilet and shower facilities, electric service, an RV dump station, a boat ramp and other amenities.

The campground offers 100 campsites, some right on the lakeshore. The sites are semi-wooded and located on grass. Most sites are pretty level, but others are best suited for tents. During wet weather the grass sites can present some challenges for parking your motor home.

beach along Union Baybeach along Union Bay

Campground Beaches. The sand swimming beach is located a short walk east of the campground (left pix) but the shoreline by the campground is solid basalt - great for walking and getting some "rays" but not for swimming. smile


Camping Alternative

Big Bear Union River Campground

Due to its popularity, getting an RV site at the Union Bay Campground can be difficult during late spring, summer, and fall color seasons. A good option for RV campers needing electric service is very close to the entrance to the Porkies - Big Bear Union River Campground. 45 Semi-wooded and generally quite level sites; some with both electricity and water. Clean, modern washrooms with showers. Snacks, firewood, ice, and supplies at the office store. Very convenient, almost walking distance, to the Porkies. Decent prices.

big bear campground

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Porcupine Mountain Links

red trianglePorcupine Mountains - Summit Peak, Union Bay Campground (this page)

red triangleHiking and Back-Packing in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Park

red triangleLake of the Clouds Scenic Overlook

red trianglePorcupine Mountains - See the colorful Fall Foliage

red triangleWaterfalls, Presque Isle River & Campground

red triangleMore Scenic Porcupine Mountains Pictures

red trianglePorcupine Mountains - Winter Attractions

red triangleHiking Trail Map & Facility Info on the Porkies

More Porcupine Mountains State Park Resources

  Michigan DNR Porcupine Mountain State Park Website
  Porcupine Mountains Visitors Bureau
  Friends of the Porkies Website
  Porcupine Mountain Ski Area Website
  Porcupine Mountain Music Festival Website

porcupine mountains map

red triangle Here's a full map you can print out showing the campsites, back-country rustic cabins, hiking trails, waterfalls, and other points of interest within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

red triangle Here's a link to a publication with more info on visiting the Porcupine Mountains - Porcupine Mountains Visitor.

red triangle Best Upper Peninsula Campgrounds along Lake Superior - See our guide to our favorite Upper Peninsula Michigan camping spots along the Lake Superior Circle Route.

More Links Michigan Upper Peninsula
Lake Superior Circle Drive Attractions

arrrowGoing east towards Marquette, Munising and Pictured Rocks . . . More waterfalls, hiking pages, and scenic attractions from Munising through Tahquemenon Falls to Sault Ste. Marie.

  Going west towards Black River Scenic Area . . . waterfalls, hiking, camping, rock picking.

  Marquette Michigan

triSault Ste. Marie, Michigan

triCopper Harbor & Keweenaw Peninsula

triDirectory Upper Peninsula Travel Pages . . . on SuperiorTrails

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Winter - Michigan UP
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Lake Superior Camping
& Campground Directory

Best Camping along Lake Superior.

Upper Tahquamenon FallsTahquamenon Falls State Park and Waterfalls.

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Fall Color at Porcupine Mountains State Park

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Upper Peninsula Fall Color Tour Map

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Munising and Pictured Rocks

porcupine mountains backpacking

Porcupine Mountains Guide for Hikers, Backpackers, Campers and Winter Visitors
The third edition of the most comprehensive guide to the hiking trails and backcountry camping of Porcupine Mountains State Park. Great for planning your trip or tuck the book in your backpack during your hike.

Go here for Upper Peninsula camping, hiking, and backpacking guides

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Pictured Rocks Cruises

Upper Tahquamenon Falls
Michigan Upper Peninsula Waterfalls

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Travel Information



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Wisconsin Outdoor Treasures Hiking Michigan's Upper Peninsula
See Eric Hansen's guide to hiking the Upper Peninsula and other guides for best hiking in the Upper Peninsula [More info]

Porcupine Mountains Lake of the CloudsPorcupine Mountains State Park was voted #2 Best State Park in the U.S.

WEATHER REPORT WEATHER REPORTS

Lake Superior Golf Course Reviews
See our Reviews of Michigan Upper Peninsula Golf Courses around Lake Superior.