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Portage Bay State Forest Campground

Portage Bay State Forest Campground is located in Garden, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula. The campground is situated on the shores of Portage Bay, a large lake that is part of the Hiawatha National Forest. The campground offers a variety of activities for visitors, including fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also several picnic areas and a playground. The campground has a total of 30 campsites, all of which have electric hookups. There are also two group sites available for larger groups. The campground is open from May through October.

Amenities

- Recreational Facilities

• Lake
• Fishing
• Ramp
• Body Of Water (Lake Michigan)

- Policies

• Pets Welcome
• Day Max Stay (15)
• Tent Camping Allowed
• No Reservations

- Other Amenities & Services

• Pit Toilets

- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)

• Fishing
• Hiking
• Boating
• Mountain Biking

- Facility

• Type (State Park)

- On-Site Rentals

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- Sites

• Spaces Available (23)
• Max Length (30)
• Gravel Sites (23)
• No Hookups (23)
• Back-ins (15 x 30)

- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)

• Year-Round

User Reviews

Dean Featheringill

January 07, 2025

I was here off-season, but the campsites looked great and I enjoyed the two trails (one to Bog Lake and the other a loop through the woods and along Lake Michigan) that are located by the north end of the campground... it's a nice drive through the woods to get here and very, very quiet and peaceful once you arrive

Tekla Emborg

September 18, 2024

Had a great experience at Portage Bay. We were lucky with the weather and found the camp ground to be very calm and beautiful. There was a long Forest Service Road to the ground, but it was well maintained and not an issue for our old van from '93. Would love to return.

John Crankshaw

September 04, 2023

It’s a primitive campground with pit toilets and a hand pump for water. But the campsites are good to amazing and you just walk out to a fantastic beach. It’s a long ways back in the boonies — maybe half hour on gravel roads. At least 45’ to the nearest store. Nice hiking path about a mile long or so.

Fly, You Fools

October 09, 2022

Gorgeous place for an autumn walk. No man made noises here this time of year. Serene quiet forest paths between the dear little Bog Lake and the stunning shore of Lake Michigan. I’ve traveled all the continental US for nearly 5 decades, and have seen a lot of wonders, but the humble event of seeing a Great Lake shoreline ahead through a thinning forest is one of the earliest wonders of my life and remains the most heartening, comforting, and exciting views.

Robert Mullins

June 03, 2022

You have to drive 7 miles down a dirt road, but once you get there you won't be disappointed. This is one of the most rural and beautiful campsites in Upper Michigan, nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan. I camped there on Memorial Day 2022, and of the 23 sites available for use, only 3 were taken up by people camping. The rest (20) were available for use. Many of the sites, including the one I was on, #23, have views of Lake Michigan from your site. And with the waves crashing down on the shores, you don't hear your neighbors or any artificial/manmade noises. For anyone looking to get away, disconnect, and admire the water, I highly recommend this campsite. This is the first time I have been there but it definitely won't be the last.

Suzannah Schiefla

January 13, 2022

Most serene campground in the state. Close to Fayette, but far enough away to feel secluded from it all. Rustic.

Terri McKinney

September 14, 2021

Amazing beach and views. Campsites are clean and spacious with a personal trail to the beach. Loved it

Chanda Hersey

August 18, 2021

Wonderful rustic campground. Great beach.

Kayla Carlson

July 20, 2021

Arrived on Thursday July 8th, 2021 with plenty of sites to choose from. We choose site 6 short walk over hill to beach, id say site 8 is the best one if available. Long winding road in but worth the drive. Nice sites, beautiful sandy beach, great hiking trails, secluded. Will be back again.

Jonah Laursen

August 31, 2020

Rustic campground with large sites and beach access. The dirt road leading to the campground is in good condition. Campground was clean and the rustic facilities were well maintained. Each site had a picnic table and a fire ring. There was a working water pump and several pit toilets. The area is very wooded.

Map for Portage Bay State Forest Campground

Contact information