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Portage Bay State Forest Campground
Overview
Portage Bay State Forest Campground offers a secluded escape on the shores of Lake Michigan's Portage Bay. Located on the Garden Peninsula in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this rustic destination provides a true wilderness experience. The park is managed by the Michigan DNR and is known for its quiet atmosphere and stunning waterfront views. It serves as an ideal base for those looking to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature along the pristine coastline.
Location & Surroundings
The campground is tucked away at the end of a winding forest road, surrounded by the Lake Superior State Forest. Its position on the eastern side of the Garden Peninsula ensures campers are treated to beautiful sunrises over the water. The surrounding terrain consists of dense cedar and hardwood forests, providing a sense of privacy and a buffer from the outside world. The proximity to the white sandy beaches of Lake Michigan makes it a standout location for water lovers.
Amenities & Park Features
As a state forest campground, the facilities here are purposefully minimal to preserve the natural environment. The park provides basic necessities to support a traditional camping experience:
- Rustic campsites each featuring a fire ring and a heavy-duty picnic table.
- Access to vault toilets and a hand pump for potable well water.
- A small boat launch that provides easy entry into the calm bay waters for kayaks.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Just a short drive away, visitors can explore the Fayette Historic State Park, a well-preserved 19th-century iron-smelting town. Hikers will enjoy the Noc Bay Shore Trail, which offers scenic overlooks of the limestone cliffs. For those willing to travel slightly further, Kitch-iti-kipi provides a unique look at Michigan's largest natural freshwater spring. Fishing in Portage Bay is also a popular pastime, with frequent opportunities to catch perch and smallmouth bass.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is best suited for adventurous RVers who prefer boondocking and do not require modern hookups. Because the access road can be narrow and sandy in spots, it is most ideal for smaller campers, van lifers, or truck campers. It is a perfect match for travelers seeking solitude and stargazing away from the crowds of more developed commercial resorts. If you value a quiet night by a crackling fire over high-speed internet, this is your spot.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
User Reviews
Dan Heaton
Best UP campground. All except 1 site are directly on the water. North sites #1 up have more sand at water, middle sites have a small dune between site and water, south sites near #22 have direct access to water, great water views, some small rocks at water. Well was in the process of being fixed. Clean pit toilets. Quiet, away from it all.
Raquel Moody
Beautiful, remote, rustic. Nice hiking trails out to Lake Michigan on either side of Bay.
Brian Bartos
Way back, on the water, rugged sites. As of june 30, 2025, there is no potable water FYI. Beautiful campsites! Trail to sandy beach from site.
Dean Featheringill
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
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
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
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
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
Most serene campground in the state. Close to Fayette, but far enough away to feel secluded from it all. Rustic.
Terri McKinney
Amazing beach and views. Campsites are clean and spacious with a personal trail to the beach. Loved it