Presque Isle Campground 0
Presque Isle Campground 1
Presque Isle Campground 2
Presque Isle Campground 3
Presque Isle Campground 4
Presque Isle Campground 5
Presque Isle Campground 6
Presque Isle Campground 7
Presque Isle Campground 8
Presque Isle Campground 9

Presque Isle Campground Introduce

Are you a Michigan resident yearning for a true wilderness experience, a place where the sounds of nature replace the hum of city life? Look no further than Presque Isle Campground, nestled in the breathtaking expanse near Ironwood, Michigan. This hidden gem in the Upper Peninsula offers a rustic and authentic camping adventure, perfect for those who appreciate the untouched beauty of Michigan’s natural landscapes. If your ideal getaway involves star-filled nights, the rush of waterfalls, and direct access to pristine trails, Presque Isle Campground is waiting to welcome you.

For Michiganders, the Upper Peninsula represents a unique and cherished part of our state, offering unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Presque Isle Campground perfectly embodies this spirit, providing a primitive camping experience that allows visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. While it may not offer all the modern conveniences of some larger campgrounds, its charm lies precisely in its simplicity and direct connection to the awe-inspiring natural features of the Presque Isle River and its magnificent waterfalls.

Choosing a campground often comes down to what kind of experience you're seeking. If you're an avid tent camper or someone who appreciates a more rugged approach to outdoor living, Presque Isle Campground is exceptionally well-suited. The expansive, clean, and spacious campsites provide ample room for setting up your home away from home, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst the wilderness. The proximity to stunning natural attractions, including breathtaking waterfalls and the majestic Lake Superior, adds an unparalleled layer of beauty and adventure to your visit.

As you plan your next escape into Michigan's wild heart, consider Presque Isle Campground. It's a place where the simple joys of camping are amplified by the grandeur of the surrounding environment. Whether you're lacing up your hiking boots to explore the extensive trail system, marveling at the power of cascading waterfalls, or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the campfire under a blanket of stars, this campground offers a genuine Michigan outdoor experience. Prepare to discover a destination where the wild beauty of the Upper Peninsula is right at your fingertips, inviting you to create unforgettable memories in a truly special setting.

Location and Accessibility

Presque Isle Campground is uniquely situated near Ironwood, MI 49938, USA, deep within Michigan's iconic Upper Peninsula. This location places it within the stunning Presque Isle Park, a natural wonder managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The campground's remote setting is a significant part of its appeal, offering an authentic wilderness experience away from urban clamor. While its precise coordinates might lead you to a secluded spot, its general proximity to Ironwood provides a reference point for planning your journey.

Accessing Presque Isle Campground requires navigating a road that, while leading to unparalleled natural beauty, is noted by past visitors for being a bit rugged. The road to the campground is described as "bumpy and full of holes," making it less ideal for larger campers or RVs, and strongly suggesting that tent camping is the preferred mode of stay. This information is crucial for visitors to consider when planning their trip and choosing their vehicle. Despite the road conditions, the reward at the end is a pristine and unspoiled natural environment.

Once at the campground, visitors gain direct access to the crown jewels of Presque Isle Park: its famous waterfalls and extensive trail system. The campground's integration into this natural area means that some of Michigan's most spectacular natural features are just a short walk away. From the campsites, visitors can embark on hikes to see multiple cascading waterfalls along the Presque Isle River, ultimately leading to a stairway down to the majestic Lake Superior. This unparalleled accessibility to natural wonders is a primary draw for outdoor enthusiasts.

While the campground itself is primitive, its remote location ensures a true escape into nature, offering breathtaking views and an immersive outdoor experience. Planning your route and being prepared for the access road conditions will ensure a smoother arrival and allow you to fully appreciate the serene beauty that awaits at Presque Isle Campground in Michigan's captivating Upper Peninsula.

Services Offered

  • Vault toilets: The campground provides vault toilets for campers' convenience. While primitive, they are noted by a visitor for being well-stocked.
  • Firewood sales: Firewood is available for purchase at the campground ($20 for 3 big bundles), though visitors should be aware that the wood may not always be dry and might require effort to keep a fire going.
  • Spacious campsites: Campsites are described as spacious, offering ample room for tent setup and outdoor activities.

Features / Highlights

  • Great place for tent camping: Explicitly recommended for tent campers due to road conditions, emphasizing its suitability for a rustic experience.
  • Great views: The campground offers stunning scenic views, a significant draw for nature lovers.
  • Close to trails: Direct access to numerous hiking trails, providing ample opportunities for exploration.
  • Proximity to waterfalls: Campers are close to several beautiful waterfalls along the Presque Isle River, a major natural attraction.
  • Stairway down to Lake Superior: An accessible pathway leads down to the shores of Lake Superior, offering incredible lakeside experiences.
  • Primitive campground: Ideal for those seeking a rustic, back-to-nature camping experience without extensive amenities.
  • Clean and spacious sites: Despite being primitive, the campsites are noted for being clean and offering plenty of space.
  • Outhouses are well-stocked: Visitors appreciate that the vault toilets are maintained and stocked.

Contact Information

Address: Ironwood, MI 49938, USA

Phone: (800) 447-2757

Mobile Phone: +1 800-447-2757

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Michigan residents, Presque Isle Campground offers a uniquely appealing and authentic Upper Peninsula experience that aligns perfectly with the spirit of Michigan outdoor adventure. Its suitability for locals stems from several key aspects, primarily its commitment to a primitive, natural camping environment that many Michiganders actively seek out when looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the state's wild beauty.

Firstly, the campground's emphasis on tent camping, coupled with the challenging access road, positions it as an ideal destination for those who cherish a more rugged and less commercialized outdoor experience. Many Michigan residents grew up camping in state parks and forests, appreciating the simplicity and direct connection to nature that primitive sites offer. Presque Isle delivers exactly that, providing spacious and clean areas for pitching a tent, allowing campers to truly feel embedded in the wilderness, rather than just visiting it.

The unparalleled access to the natural wonders of Presque Isle Park is perhaps the most significant draw for locals. Having breathtaking waterfalls and direct access to Lake Superior just a short walk from your campsite is an extraordinary feature. Michigan residents often pride themselves on the state's diverse landscapes and abundant water features, and Presque Isle Campground puts some of the finest examples of these right at their fingertips. The extensive trail system further enhances this appeal, offering endless opportunities for hiking and exploring, activities deeply ingrained in Michigan's outdoor culture.

Furthermore, the "primitive" nature of the campground, while potentially a deterrent for some, is precisely what makes it attractive to others. It signifies a focus on essential amenities without the distractions of excessive modern conveniences. The well-stocked outhouses and availability of firewood, even if slightly damp, demonstrate a practical approach to providing what campers truly need for a comfortable stay in a rustic setting. This stripped-down approach allows for a deeper appreciation of the natural surroundings, fostering a sense of adventure and self-reliance that many Michigan outdoor enthusiasts value.

Finally, the overall atmosphere—highlighted by "great views" and a focus on natural attractions—creates a truly memorable experience. For Michiganders seeking an escape that truly feels like an adventure into their own state's wild heart, Presque Isle Campground is an exceptional choice. It offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature on a fundamental level, to explore iconic landscapes, and to create lasting memories in a setting that epitomizes the raw beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It's a place where the journey, bumpy road and all, leads to an unforgettable destination that resonates deeply with the spirit of local outdoor living.

Location

MichiganGogebic CountyIronwood

Customer Reviews

4.0
224 reviews
K
Karen Marie
Jun 15, 2025

Great place to tent. Dont recommend taking a camper only because the only road to the camp ground is so bumpy and full of holes.. as for the campground itself the volt toilets need to be pumped. They sell wood ($20 for 3 big bundles) but they weren't dry. Hard time keeping fire going. Otherwise its a great place. Clean and spacious. Take some time to hike the trails and see the waterfalls.

C
Christy Stephens
May 29, 2025

Great views, close to trails, waterfalls, stairway down to lake but then a little bit of a climb. Primative campground but that's what we wanted. Outhouses were well stocked.

D
Dylan Thomas
Oct 07, 2020

Great place for hiking! The river loop is easy to access and beautiful for beginners like me. Vault toilets were average. FYI- The check-in station was closed at 4pm on Thursday, so we couldn’t buy firewood when we arrived. I recommend a spot that backs up to the lake, the sunsets are breathtaking!

Y
Yoni Niknam
Aug 19, 2023

Overall, a 4.5 star camping experience for us here. We came in mid-Aug and while there was a moderate amount of mosquitoes, we didn't see a single one of the dreaded UP black flies. The temps were in the 60s-70s almost every day and it only rained once. The campground is cramped in the middle spots, but we had one on the outer ring so plenty of space. There are 4 pit toilets total which the park rangers clean and stock daily, but they are having a hard time emptying them right now (our first 2 days the level of excrement was only a few feet from the toilet🤢 - the park rangers said the guy they hire to empty the pit toilets is unreliable). Plenty of clean well water available, tho you have to manually pump it. The UP is a beautiful place and I definitely recommend camping here and exploring one of the top state parks in the country ("The Porkies").

N
Nick Posh
May 26, 2024

One of the prettiest state campgrounds to stay in. The bathrooms were kept clean, sites were nice and plenty of trees around. The view of Lake Superior is always a bonus, too. The rainstorm rainstorm made for a cool color change in the lake from the river running in to it.