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Big Knob
Overview
Big Knob State Forest Campground offers a serene escape on the northern shores of Lake Michigan. This **rustic camping destination** is managed by the Michigan DNR and provides a primitive experience for travelers who want to disconnect. Nestled within a dense forest and buffered by expansive sand dunes, the park emphasizes a quiet atmosphere far from the noise of major highways. It is an ideal spot for those who appreciate the natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula without the distractions of modern development.
Location & Surroundings
Located south of Naubinway, the campground is accessed via a winding, six-mile forest road. The park is situated directly on a **pristine sandy beach** that stretches for miles along the Lake Michigan coastline. The surrounding landscape is defined by the namesake Big Knob, a high sand dune that offers panoramic views of the water and the surrounding hardwood forests. Visitors can enjoy the dramatic contrast between the dense woodland and the vast, freshwater horizon.
Amenities & Park Features
As a state forest campground, the facilities here are basic and focused on the essentials of dry camping. The park features approximately 23 sites, many of which provide a sense of privacy among the trees. Key features include:
- Vault toilets and a **hand pump for potable water**
- Individual fire rings and picnic tables at each site
- Direct access to the **Big Knob Trail system**
- A secluded beach area perfect for sunbathing and rock hunting
There are no electric or sewer hookups available, making this a true boondocking experience for RV travelers.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw of this location is the outdoor recreation. Hikers can explore several miles of trails, including the path to the top of the **Big Knob overlook**, which provides one of the best vistas in the region. The shoreline is perfect for beachcombing, bird watching, and long walks along the surf. Within a short drive, visitors can visit the Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park or head west toward the **Seney National Wildlife Refuge** for world-class wildlife viewing and paddling opportunities.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is best suited for **adventurous boondockers** and tent campers who prefer solitude over luxury. Due to the narrow access road and smaller site dimensions, it is most compatible with camper vans, truck campers, and smaller travel trailers. Large Class A motorhomes or heavy fifth wheels may find the entry road and site maneuvering challenging. It is an ideal choice for nature photographers and those seeking a quiet home base while exploring the central Upper Peninsula.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jan-Willem Briede
What a beautiful site. But, it is mosquito heaven. They forced us to retreat to the camper. We had a great time on shore and taking the trail through a marshy area. Absolutely nice place.
Kim Jones
Beautiful spot to camp fire fall trip. Gorgeous colours. Quiet, clean camp spots. Beautiful beach. Clean pit toilets
greg alsobrook
This is a great family friendly campground. The beach is perfect for little children due to being sandy and shallow.
Linda Burke
Great time at the beach. Had it all to ourselves. Sandy and shallow for a long way out. Campground looks great. Rustic.
Harry Harrison
Went here in late May of 2024. All the sites were completely empty, and the beach is very long and open. As a bonus it also has a nice water pump. However, the mosquitos were very bad but it could be just the time of year. The sites make a ring around this swamp that is a breeding ground for them. It's also kinda far from the main road so if you need anything in a pinch it's a far drive to get it. Overall, not the bad site. I like it for the remoteness and expansive beach. I'd recommend going when the temperatures get cooler so the mosquitos aren't as bad and when it's not busy.
Greg Huff
Beautiful RUSTIC campground. Unfortunately it has been ruined by the the amount of people running generators continuously night and day, playing loud club music all hours of the day, digging massive holes in the beach and covering them as traps to fall in luckily no one was injured, large groups of kids yelling and screaming late at night, and not cleaning up after their dogs in the campground or on the beach. Sitting by the fire at night the pit toilet smell is overwhelming causing us to call it a night sooner than we wanted. If it were not for the type of campers that have over run the place it would be one of our families favorite campgrounds in Michigan. We spent 4 nights here mid week and it was as noisy or louder than the modern campsites we have previously stayed at.
Greg Krueger
Sites 4 through 7 have good access to the beach via trails entirely on dry land. Campers at other sites can get to the beach via the adjacent picnic area, but the boardwalk to the beach from there is underwater as of summer 2024. Aside from the boardwalk to the beach needing to be raised or repaired, this is a very nice location. There are many sites here with ample surrounding trees, vegetation and spacing for privacy. A hand pump near the campground entrance has crystal clear, good-tasting water. Well worth the 15 minute drive in on gravel roads. There are lots of potholes on the entrance road; take the drive slow if you have a smaller car. Cellular service here was low but typically usable on Verizon.
DRB
We found this campground by comple fluke. IT'S BEAUTIFUL. The lake was right behind us from our site. It is rustic so don't expect anything less than a pit toilet. This was the most relaxing camp trip we have ever had. I can't wait to go again.
Erin Ray
Breathtaking fall colors along the 6 mile stretch of road leading to the campground, on the shores of Lake Michigan. Our favorite sites were the ones that had a sandy footpath leading to the beach right off the back of the site. No one is here (hardly). No one is ever at these beautiful state forest campgrounds and people are missing out (thankfully for us!). If you love peace and quiet and rustic camping then don’t miss this stop on the north shore of Lake Michigan. Clean, beautiful, quiet… also some trails to hike to knob lake etc. A great stop!