Union River 'Big Bear' Campground

Hello, fellow Michiganders! If you’re yearning for an unforgettable Upper Peninsula adventure, a place where the majestic beauty of Lake Superior meets the rugged wilderness of the Porcupine Mountains, then Union River 'Big Bear' Campground in Ontonagon is your ideal destination. This highly-regarded campground offers a truly unique experience, blending comfortable amenities with unparalleled access to some of Michigan’s most iconic natural attractions. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a keen angler, a rockhound, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat with stunning views, Union River 'Big Bear' Campground provides the perfect home base for exploring the breathtaking Western U.P. For us, as local users, having such a well-situated and highly-rated campground means that an extraordinary outdoor escape is well within reach, promising memories that will last a lifetime.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a treasure trove of natural wonders, and for us, the locals, having convenient access to places that truly capture its essence is invaluable. Union River 'Big Bear' Campground is a prime example. Imagine being able to set up camp minutes from the vast network of trails in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, and then winding down your day by searching for "Yooperlites" on the sandy shores of Lake Superior just across the street. This campground offers a rare combination of accessibility to major attractions while maintaining a peaceful, family-friendly, and relaxing environment. It’s a place where you can easily shift from an exhilarating hike to a serene beach stroll, all within minutes. The welcoming atmosphere, often praised by visitors, makes it feel like a home away from home, encouraging repeat visits and fostering a deep appreciation for the unique natural beauty of our beloved U.P.

Union River 'Big Bear' Campground boasts an exceptional location at 35653 107th Engineers Memorial Hwy, Ontonagon, MI 49953, USA. This address places it just two miles west of Silver City and approximately 15 miles west of the city of Ontonagon, effectively positioning it at the very entrance to the renowned Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. This is a significant advantage for campers, as direct access to the park’s visitor center, numerous trailheads, and iconic overlooks like Lake of the Clouds is incredibly convenient.

Accessibility to the campground is straightforward, primarily via 107th Engineers Memorial Highway, a scenic route that is part of the Lake Superior Circle Tour. This makes it easily reachable for those exploring the U.P. from various directions. Whether you're coming from the eastern U.P., Wisconsin, or even further south in Michigan, the well-maintained highways lead directly to this picturesque area. The visible carved bear at the entrance helps guide visitors, ensuring a hassle-free arrival. Its location also means that the stunning sandy beaches of Lake Superior are directly across the street, offering immediate access to the vast freshwater sea for swimming, rockhounding, and enjoying legendary sunsets.

Union River 'Big Bear' Campground is known for its excellent amenities and services, designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience in the heart of the U.P.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers a variety of spacious, level, and graveled sites. These include full hookup sites with 30/50 amp power, water, and sewer connections for RVs, as well as sites with just power and water hookups, and even 20-amp back-in sites (some without water) suitable for smaller campers or tents. Each site comes with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for campfires.

• Clean Modern Restrooms & Hot Showers: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness and modernity of the indoor restroom and shower facilities. Some even note the pleasant addition of spa music, enhancing the comfort level.

• Camp Store/Office: The on-site office doubles as a well-stocked camp store, offering essential items like firewood (notably hardwood bundles, which burn longer), ice, snacks, refreshments, and a selection of gifts and amenities. Area information and maps are also available.

• Free Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi access is available at campsites, allowing guests to stay connected, share their adventures, or plan their next day's activities.

• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available on premises for RV and trailer campers.

• Paved Driveway: The campground features a paved driveway throughout, making navigation and access to sites easy for all vehicles, including large RVs.

• Pet-Friendly: The campground welcomes pets, though campers should always check for specific restrictions and policies.

Union River 'Big Bear' Campground stands out for a multitude of features and highlights that make it a truly special place for Michigan locals and visitors alike.

• Unbeatable Location for Porcupine Mountains Access: As reviewers emphasize, the campground is literally minutes from the entrance to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and its Visitor Center. This provides immediate access to over 90 miles of hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, the Lake of the Clouds Overlook, and Summit Peak.

• Lake Superior Beach Access: Directly across the street from the campground is a beautiful, soft, sandy beach on Lake Superior. This offers prime opportunities for swimming, picnicking, sunbathing, and beachcombing. It’s also an excellent spot for "Yooperlite" hunting at night – a unique local phenomenon where fluorescent sodalite rocks glow under UV light.

• Quality Firewood: A notable highlight from reviews is the excellent price and heat ratio on hardwood campfire bundles, ensuring long-lasting and enjoyable campfires.

• Friendly & Welcoming Owners/Staff: Multiple reviews praise Norm and Sue, the owners, for providing a wonderful, family-friendly, and relaxing environment, making guests feel like repeat visitors and part of the campground family.

• Peaceful & Shady Sites: The sites are described as quiet, shady, and spacious, surrounded by forest, offering a serene atmosphere for relaxation.

• Ideal for Rockhounds: With Lake Superior's churning waves bringing in colorful agates and other unique rocks, the beach is a paradise for rockhounds of all ages.

• Stunning Sunrises and Sunsets: The proximity to Lake Superior offers incredible opportunities to witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the vast waters, creating unforgettable moments.

• Proximity to Other UP Attractions: The campground is also a great base for exploring other nearby attractions, including the Ontonagon County Historical Society Lighthouse and Museum, Lake Gogebic for fishing, and being on the popular Lake Superior Circle Tour route.

For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about availability and specific policies, please use the following contact information for Union River 'Big Bear' Campground:

Address: 35653 107th Engineers Memorial Hwy, Ontonagon, MI 49953, USA

Phone: (906) 885-5324

In conclusion, Union River 'Big Bear' Campground is an outstanding choice for us, the local residents of Michigan, seeking an unparalleled Upper Peninsula camping experience. Its strategic location at the entrance of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and directly across from a beautiful Lake Superior beach offers an incredible blend of adventure and relaxation that few other campgrounds can match. The glowing reviews consistently highlight the friendliness of the owners, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the sheer beauty of the surroundings, emphasizing why this campground earns such high praise.

For Michiganders, this means easy access to world-class hiking, unique beachcombing opportunities, and stunning natural vistas, all from a comfortable and welcoming base camp. Whether you're drawn by the call of the "Porkies" trails, the allure of Yooperlite hunting, or simply the desire to witness a legendary Lake Superior sunset, Union River 'Big Bear' Campground provides the perfect setting. It’s a place that fosters a deep connection with our state's wild heart, promising an authentic and memorable outdoor getaway for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike. We highly recommend making this gem your next Michigan camping destination.