Jack Pine Campground

Edit 9/18/2024: My review was for Jackpine Lake Dispersed Camping on Little Bass Lake in the Upper Peninsula of MI., south of Seney MI. It's showing up as Jackpine Campground in the southern peninsula of MI., east of Lake Michigan. (Jackpine Lake Dispersed Camping) [original post follows] This is part of Michigan's dispersed camping system. Two primitive sites across the lake from each other, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and enclosed primitive pit toilet. The lake is almost totally encircled in pines, and is relatively scenic. But, and for me that cost the side two stars, fishing was terrible. While the lake is pretty to look at, it's a shallow fish pan lake and I fished it hard for several hours with one bite which actually was a horny bluegill not really interested in eating! But if you're not a fisherman you would enjoy it. The peace, quiet, solitude & scenery is great!I I beached my kayak on the beach after fishing all afternoon. The next morning I found deer tracks down the shoreline and walking around the kayak. And, wolf tracks following the deer tracks! Weren't there the night before, didn't see another soul, so it wasn't a dog track it was a wolf! My only regret (other than lousy fishing) was that I did not get serenaded by the wolves at night.

We camped here the weekend of June 2, 2023 and it was great! I would definitely return. The campsites are secluded, but kind of close to together. You can easily access the entire trail network nearby as well. Watching the sunset at the beach was our favorite way to end each day. We used a wagon (with regular wheels, not off road wheels) and made it back just fine. The path to the campground is flat and mostly firm with a thin layer of loose sand on top. There are parts where you have to go through deeper sand, but it's absolutely doable. There was no water at the campground even though the website and our reservation said there would be. We had to make the trek back to the main campground where the RVs are to fill up everyday so that was something we didn't prepare for. There is a raccoon we named Ralph who must live near the campground. He will come check out your campsite at night so make sure all food is put away or hung from a tree. The ticks were plentiful when we were there as well so spray clothes/gear ahead of time. The firewood delivery was a huge perk, but my suggestion would be to order enough on the first day to get you through the next because your delivery might not come until 7 p.m.

It is a good 25min or so walk from the special Jack Pine Parking lot (near the employees only area of the park). The trail to get there is the same as towards the lighthouse. Super easy, flat (little rocky and sandy) route. If you're not a backpacker and enjoy a little glamping (like me), bring a cart to haul your gear. Loved the easy access to the water; so calm and serene.

This campground is awesome! We did the hike in camping. It is about a mile from parking. But so worth it! There was a lot of flooding. Site F was okay. But some sites you had to walk through water to get to. There is great spot on the dunes just a short walk away. Easy access to lake Michigan.

The hike in was rough, definitely bring a wagon even if you have a backpacking backpack. Firewood delivery ends at 630! More than halfway to the lighthouse and the lake is just over the dune. Rustic bathrooms.