Michigan is home to millions of acres of federal forest land in three designated national forest areas. Two national forests, Hiawatha and Ottawa, are located in the state's Upper Peninsula. The third, which is actually two forests combined, Huron-Manistee National Forests, is located in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula. The majority of national forest campgrounds are fairly rustic, with vault toilets and drinking water as the only amenities.
Hiawatha National Forest is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and borders three of the state's Great Lakes. There are 23 campgrounds and wilderness areas within the forest where camping is permitted. The campgrounds include two cabin rentals, McKeever Cabin and Tom's Lake Cabin; traditional campsites typically meant for tent or small RV camping; dispersed camping, which is secluded and may not have any amenities; and group camping for larger parties. Campsites are open seasonally, spring through fall or early winter, and the cabins are available year-round. Campgrounds such as Autrain Lake, Indian River and Three Lakes provide designated campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, drinking water and vault toilets. Big Island Lake Wilderness Area provides designated camping areas and unsheltered latrines, but no drinking water.
Hiawatha National Forest
2727 N. Lincoln Road
Escanaba, MI 49829
906-786-4062
Huron-Manistee National Forests cover almost a million acres in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula. Campers can choose from three campgrounds within the forest lands. Highbank Lake Campground is located along Highbank Lake and is open from May to September. The campground features drinking water, vault toilets and a public boat ramp as well as fire rings and picnic tables at each campsite. McKinley Horse Trail Campground is a no-fee campground open from April to November with drinking water and vault toilets available. South Branch Trail Campground is open from May to September and provides drinking water and vault toilets. Highbank Lake Campground is the most heavily used campground in the Huron-Manistee National Forests.
Huron-Manistee National Forests
Supervisor's Office
1755 S. Mitchell St.
Cadillac, MI 49601
800-821-6263
In Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, the Ottawa National Forest comprises almost a million acres of land. Within the forest are 11 campgrounds and one recreation area that allow camping at designated sites with a permit. Black River Harbor Campground Recreation Area, one of the more heavily used campgrounds, features flush toilets, a dumping station for RVs, pressurized water and some sites with paved parking pads. Campsites accommodate large to small RVs, tents and camper trailers. Smaller campgrounds throughout the forest feature vault toilets and drinking water pumps.
Ottawa National Forest
Supervisor's Office
E6248 US 2
Ironwood, MI 49938
906-932-1330
