Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Camping at Porcupine Mountains State Park

On the North West tip of the Upper Peninsula, sits the Porcupine Mountains, nicknamed the “Porkies.” Everyone Michigander needs to visit the UP in their lifetime. We know if you visit one time, you’ll be hooked. It is definitely worth the drive for these picturesque views, waterfalls and beautiful trails.

Michigan’s largest state park with towering pines and hemlocks make this a perfect remote area for the hiking enthusiast. This state park boasts the most acres of any state park in Michigan, yet this wilderness experience is accessible by road. This massive park has over 23 miles of shoreline on Lake Superior, which provides numerous places to explore.

Cost

Entrance to a Michigan State Park requires a Recreation Passport. Michigan residents can purchase a yearly pass for $13.00 with their vehicle registration. There's a $5 convenience fee (except for Belle Isle Park) when the Recreation Passport is not purchased at the time of your license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Non residents can purchase a daily pass for $11 and an annual pass for $40 as of 1/1/24.

Tips While Traveling in the UP

While traveling in the UP gas stations are limited and there are few drive thru restaurants, so keep an eye on your gas gage and be prepared with snacks, lunch and drinks for the drive. Be on the lookout, there are tons of roadside parks along Lake Superior and many riverside parks with scenic waterfalls and rapids to enjoy.

So for a quick backstory and details of our trip. This was our longest trip thus far, we visited this state park on an eleven day trip traveling in our pop-up camper. We camped with our four month old son. We broke up the drive for our sanity by camping at two other places during the route, crucial for traveling with a baby who hated his car seat. We also visited Picture Rocks in Munising and state land in the Lower Peninsula. Unless you have an extended time available, like 2 weeks, it would be best to split up your trip into two, Eastern Upper Peninsula and Western Upper Peninsula, to be able to see all the sites and not feel rushed.

BEST CAMPGROUND TO STAY AT IN PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS

There are 2 options for campgrounds.

1. Union Bay Campground

We camped at Union Bay, which has 100 modern sites with electric. Stunning views await If you’re able to get one of the 29 lake front sites. Falling asleep, listening to the waves crashing right outside our camper was a highlight on our lake front site. Each morning was beautiful waking up to enjoy breakfast and coffee with the spectacular view of Lake Superior.

Amenities:

New bathhouse with single and family shower rooms.

Laundry with coin operated washers/dryers

A swing set, No playground

2. Presque Isle Campground

Primitive camping, 50 tent sites. It is an open space for camping with little vegetation.

Things to Do in Porcupine Mountains

Visitor Center

Make sure to stop by the visitor’s center to pick up maps and explore the interactive exhibits including a 3D topographic map and taxidermy animals on display.

Porcupine Mountains Outpost Shop

Grab a tasty treat of ice cream, purchase firewood and a souvenir at the Outpost Shop.

Explore & Stargaze

We spent time climbing the rocks and exploring the shoreline a few feet from our camper. This state park is an ideal spot for stargazing due to reduced night pollution.

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Best Hikes in the Upper Peninsula

The UP is known for its amazing scenic hikes and waterfalls. Within the park, Union River Trail is a great trail, especially if you enjoy creek walking. During our stay, we discovered that the great thing about hiking with a young child it that we could tote him everywhere. We relied heavily on our ergo baby carrier, which was ideal because he was only 4 months .

Two of our favorite hikes during our stay was the Presque Isle River Waterfall Loop and the Escarpment Trail to Lake of the Clouds.

Presque Isle Waterfall Loop Potholes

Presque Isle River Waterfall Loop

Along the Presque Isle River there are a series of three waterfalls Nawadha, Manido and Manabezho Falls. I found the river bed to be fascinating, round potholes created by eddies swirling sand and pebbles in a circular motion were such a unique feature. Much of the trail takes you along the river which has wooden walkways and stairs. Be prepared for lots of steps and bug spray! Read more about our hike here.

Presque Isle Waterfall Loop: Manazho falls

Escarpment Trail

The other trail we hiked was the Escarpment Trail, an out and back trail close to 8.5 miles total. The trail runs along the Northside of Lake of the Clouds and the Carp River. Many parts of the trail run along rocky cliff edges, providing scenic views along the ridge. Some of the trail dips down into wooded area, but the majority is unshaded. For those unable to hike the distance, there are also visitors viewpoints to drive to.

Lake of the Clouds

Nearby Hikes & Attractions in The Upper Peninsula

Black Rocks Located in Presque Isle Park, this spot is the perfect place to go cliff jumping in Michigan.

Black River Rapids Fun day trip for white water rafting or kayaking.

Summit Peak This observation spot is the tallest at Porcupine Mountains.

Bond Falls Easily accessible, minimal hiking to see the falls.

Adventure Mine Tours Try rappelling down a mine shaft, underground drilling workshops, or a guided walking experience.

Porcupine Mountains is a must see for anyone willing to go the distance. Follow Discovering Anew for more camping reviews and Michigan day trip ideas. Don’t forget to get outside and discover a new trail!