Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park sits on Lake Superior's shores in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. At 59,020 acres, the park is one of the largest in the entire country. It was dedicated in 1945 by Michigan to preserve 35,000 acres of old-growth forest. Since those early days, the park has become one of the favorite spots for vacationers visiting Michigan. The headquarters of the park is in nearby Ontonagon, MI. To access the park from the west, most head 176 miles from Duluth, MN, while travelers from the east go 114 miles from Marquette, MI.
Spring 18-67 F
Summer 50-79 F
Fall 26-70 F
Winter 8-30 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Before heading to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, many campers choose to rent an RV because of the fluctuating local temperatures. Luckily, there are plenty of campsites both inside and outside the state park. You can always use RVshare to rent an RV in Ontonagon, MI.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Campground
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Campground is prized by outdoor enthusiasts for its isolated location. Inside this huge park are five campgrounds that are usable by RVs. The Union Bay-Modern Campground is the most used by RV campers, with 100 sites available. The other campgrounds are designated as “Outposts,” meaning that they are more rustic and allow only a few campers. These outposts have campsites that can handle small campers while the large modern campground handles RVs of any size.
Water Hookup: No
Electric Hookup: 30/50 amp
Sewer Hookup: No, a dump station is available on site
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet Friendly: Yes
Fee: $20-$28 per night
Office hours: From May 15-Oct. 14, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. From Oct. 15-May 14, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Union River’s Big Bear Campground
Union River’s Big Bear Campground is located at the mouth of the Union River just west of Silver City, MI. The campground provides 27 RV campsites near the eastern edge of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park entrance. The campground sits within walking distance of sandy beaches on Lake Superior. Amenities include heated restrooms with flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. A camp store serves as the office for the campground. Fishing, boating, hiking, biking, sunbathing, and beachcombing are among the favorite activities found at this campground.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30 amp
Sewer Hookup: No, a dump station is available
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Fee: $38-$45 per night
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from May through October. The campground is closed for the rest of the year.
Black River Harbor Scenic Parkway and Campground
Black River Harbor Scenic Parkway and Campground also sits on the shores of Lake Superior. The campground rests on the western edge of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. There are 40 RV sites available. Amenities include a concrete boat ramp, restrooms, and picnic tables. The favorite activities at this campground are hiking, biking, boating, and fishing.
Water Hookup: No
Electric Hookup: 30 amp
Sewer Hookup: No
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet Friendly: Yes
Fee: $35-$45 per night
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from May through October. The campground is closed for the remainder of the year.
Bob Lake Campground
Located 18 miles southeast of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is the Bob Lake Campground. The park offers 17 well-spaced RV sites. Bob Lake is shallow and filled with fish. A boat landing area is available. Each site offers a fire ring, picnic table, lantern post, and parking spur. Three vaulted restrooms with one that's ADA accessible are spaced throughout the park. Water is available through a hand pump located at the park entrance. The favorite activities at Bob Lake Campground are fishing, boating, hiking, and biking.
Water Hookup: No
Electric Hookup: 30 amp
Sewer Hookup: No
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet Friendly: Yes
Fee: $14 per night
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from May through October. The park is closed for the remainder of the year.
What to Do at
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Inside Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Many visitors choose to sit and relax on Lake Superior's shores or walk the beach looking for the agates that periodically wash up. Others choose to explore the interior of the park by wandering through its dense old-growth forests. Lakes suddenly appear along trails, including the celebrated Lake of the Clouds. There are 87 miles of trails in the park, and waterfalls, roaring streams, and quiet heights with fantastic views greet hikers and bikers along every path. Anglers will find opportunities to fish in Lake Superior, the interior lakes, and the streams that run through the park.
Outside Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
There are several small communities with excellent restaurants, shopping opportunities, and places to sightsee or seek adventure throughout the northwestern Upper Peninsula region. The history of the area sits in many places waiting to be discovered. Exploring these opportunities expands your vacation experience.
Restaurants
Syl's Cafe
If you are looking for variety in a menu, drop in to Syl’s Cafe in Ontonagon. The restaurant offers a variety of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Some menu items include pizza, steak, hamburgers, and grilled cheese.
Type: American
Location: 713 River Street, Ontonagon, MI, 49953
Nick and Dani’s Diner
When you want to make a small day trip into the interior of the peninsula, stop at Nick and Dani’s Diner in White Pine for some of that traditional diner atmosphere. The 19-mile trip is well worth the time to explore those little diner breakfasts, lunches, and dinner treats. Sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and more are available here and are hot out of the oven or off the grill.
Type: Pizza, American
Location: 35409 Mall Circle Drive, White Pine, MI 49971
The Konteka Black Bear Resort
While you are in the area of White Pine, stop at The Konteka Black Bear Resort for a full meal. The restaurant offers breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Select from a dinner menu that includes meals with appetizers, salads, entrée, and desserts.
Type: American
Location: 400 Main Street, Mineral Circle Plaza, White Pine, MI 49971
Shopping
Living the U.P. Dream
Every vacation calls for a unique souvenir. To find yours, visit the Living the U.P. Dream. Here, you find a gift shop filled with imaginative jewelry formed from local materials, including rock, agates, gold, and silver mined locally.
Location: 201 River Street, Ontonagon, MI 49953
Nonesuch Gallery
The Nonesuch Gallery offers a variety of items created by local artists. Articles such as guitars, statues, and functional tools are created from various materials, including wood, glass, fabric, stone, and even soap.
Location: 638 River Street, Ontonagon, MI 49953
JJ's Tackle Shack
If you plan on fishing during your vacation at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, drop by JJ’s Tackle Shack in Ontonagon. Here, you will find the freshest baits, the best lures, and some of the best-tied flies in the area. Stop and talk to the locals to discover where the fishing is hottest at the moment.
Location: 102 River Street, Ontonagon, MI 49953
Sightseeing
Quincy Mine Tour
While staying at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, take an easy day trip of 52 miles northeast and experience the Quincy Mine Tour. The Upper Peninsula was the site of the first mineral boom in the country. Take this tour to discover the reality of that time.
Location: 49750 U.S. Highway 41, Hancock, MI 49930
Ontonagon County Historical Museum
A visit to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is not complete without a stop to the Ontonagon County Historical Museum. The museum houses a comprehensive collection of documents, artifacts, and photos of the Upper Peninsula development.
Location: 422 River Street, Ontonagon, MI 49953
Old Victoria Historical Site
Travel 15 miles inland to visit the Old Victoria Historical Site. This site is a restoration of an early mining village. At this museum, you learn how people lived and worked in the area at the beginning of the mineral boom.
Location: 25401 Victoria Dam Road, Rockland, MI 49960
How to Get to
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Most people headed to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park come from either the east or the west. Those coming from the east travel through Marquette, MI, via U.S. Highway 41 (US 41) until they hit Michigan Avenue (M 38). Then, they follow the signs to the park entrance.
From the west, most travelers come through Duluth, MN. Those who approach Ontonagon from this direction take United States Highway 2 until they hit the M 38 exit. Then, follow the signs to the park.
Entering Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Michigan requires a park pass to enter any state park. These passes are available for single-day use or as annual passes.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Single-day park pass : $5.0
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Annual park pass : $30.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
It is open year-round. However, the visitor center is closed from mid-October through mid-May. Also, seasonal roads close from early December until late spring. To experience 100% of the park, visit late spring through the middle of October.
Michigan's Upper Peninsula is home to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The Upper Peninsula has a humid continental climate, which is strongly influenced by the Great Lakes. Expect warm, humid summers and cold, very snowy winters.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park protects one of the largest old-growth forests in the Midwest. This habitat is also home to bald eagles, hawks, falcons, black bears, beavers, otters, and white-tail deer.
Make a reservation to camp in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park by calling (800) 447-2757. Most RV campers stay in the Union Bay-Modern Campground, which has 100 sites and electrical hookups. Costs range from $28 to $43 per night.
Yes, you can bring your pets to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. They must stay on a 6-foot leash at all times and are welcome in the campgrounds and on the trails.