Black River State Forest Campground

For Michiganders yearning for a genuine escape into the wild, unadulterated beauty of the Upper Peninsula, Black River State Forest Campground near Naubinway offers a truly exceptional and peaceful retreat. This rustic campground, nestled within the expansive state forest, is a haven for those who appreciate solitude, abundant wildlife, and the soothing sounds of a flowing river. It’s the kind of place where you can truly disconnect from the daily grind and immerse yourself in Michigan's natural splendor.

Many of us in Michigan are passionate about exploring the vast forests and pristine waters that define our state, especially the wild allure of the UP. Black River State Forest Campground is a prime example of a destination that delivers on this promise. It’s consistently praised by visitors for its serene atmosphere and its ability to remain uncrowded, even during peak seasons. This is a significant advantage for those who prioritize tranquility and a more intimate connection with nature over bustling amenities.

Imagine waking up to the sound of rapids, spending your days hiking through untouched woodlands, and spotting signs of deer, bear, and even wolf. This campground isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's an opportunity to experience Michigan's wilderness firsthand, making it a favorite "getaway spot" for those in the know. Managed by the Michigan DNR, it provides a well-maintained yet delightfully rugged experience that exemplifies the best of our state forest camping.

Black River State Forest Campground is located at Peters Creek Rd, Naubinway, MI 49762, USA. This places it approximately "8 miles northeast of Naubinway" in Mackinac County, within Michigan's vast Upper Peninsula. Its position within a state forest ensures a secluded and natural setting, providing an immediate sense of escape from developed areas.

While feeling "pretty secluded," the campground is still "not far away from Naubinway," offering a convenient balance between wilderness immersion and access to this small, quaint town for any last-minute supplies or local experiences. Accessibility to the campground itself is straightforward, generally via well-maintained forest roads. The presence of a "path off the back of a campsite that leads down to some rapids and fast moving water on the Black River" indicates direct access to the river's recreational opportunities. For outdoor vehicle enthusiasts, the Newberry-Rexton Motorcycle Trail (5 miles northwest) and Brevoort-Trout Lake Motorcycle Trail (11 miles northeast) are nearby, offering extensive riding opportunities. The campground is open year-round, though the "campground and seasonal roads are not plowed" in winter, meaning winter access might be more challenging and require appropriate vehicles.

Black River State Forest Campground provides essential rustic services designed to support a natural camping experience, without extensive modern amenities:

• Campsites: The campground offers "12 campsites for tent, small trailer and large trailer use." Sites are "well spaced and separated from one another with trees and vegetation," providing privacy.
• Vault Toilets: "Vault toilets" are available on-site, offering basic restroom facilities.
• Drinking Water: "One hand pump provides drinking water; it tasted fine and appeared clear." Campers should be prepared to pump water from a central location.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite typically includes a fire ring for campfires and cooking.
• Picnic Tables: Campsites are generally equipped with picnic tables for convenience.
• No Electrical Hookups: This is a rustic campground, meaning no electrical hookups are available for RVs or other camping units.
• No Showers: There are no shower facilities on-site.
• No Dump Station: Consistent with a rustic state forest campground, a sanitary dump station is not provided.
• No Firewood Sales: While not explicitly stated, rustic state forest campgrounds typically do not sell firewood on site, so campers should be prepared to bring their own or collect fallen, dead wood in accordance with forest regulations.
• Managed by Straits State Park: This campground is managed by Straits State Park, suggesting oversight and maintenance by the Michigan DNR.

Black River State Forest Campground is rich with features that make it a compelling destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts in Michigan:

• Seclusion and Quiet: The campground is noted for being "pretty secluded" and "almost empty" even in October and May, and remarkably, "Not a single site was occupied in the middle of Labor Day weekend." This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking peace and quiet and not having to worry about finding it full.
• Abundant Wildlife: It's a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing, with plenty of "birds" (appealing to "bird nerds"), and clear "signs of deer, bear and wolf" observed during hikes.
• Riverside Access: Campsite #11 has "steps leading down to the river which can be heard from the campsight (100 yds or so)." There's also a general "path off the back of a campsite leads down to some rapids and fast moving water on the Black River."
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The campground "offers great fishing opportunities." The Black River is known for "steelhead and trout" in the spring and a "salmon run" in the fall, making it popular among anglers.
• Well-Maintained Sites: Despite being rustic, the "Campground was spotless," and sites are "well spaced and separated from one another with trees and vegetation," indicating good upkeep by the Michigan DNR.
• Hiking Opportunities: The surrounding state forest offers extensive hiking trails, with one visitor noting they "Hiked about 10 miles on Saturday." The Peters Creek Pathway is also nearby for hiking or cross-country skiing.
• Year-Round Camping (Rustic): The campground is "open all year," allowing for winter camping, though roads are not plowed and amenities like water pumps may be shut off seasonally.
• ORV Trail Access: Nearby "Newberry-Rexton Motorcycle Trail" (54 miles) and "Brevoort-Trout Lake Motorcycle Trail" (63 miles) offer extensive riding for ORV enthusiasts.
• Friendly DNR Presence: A "DNR officer stopped in on Saturday morning and we talked a while about the surrounding area and it's wildlife," suggesting helpful and approachable staff.

As a Michigan State Forest Campground managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Black River State Forest Campground operates on a standardized fee structure, rather than offering frequent promotions or special discounts. The current per-night fee for rustic state forest campgrounds in Michigan is generally around $20.

The primary "value" or "offer" of this campground lies in its affordability and consistent availability, as noted by visitors who found sites open even during busy holiday weekends. This eliminates the stress of needing a reservation far in advance, which is a major convenience for spontaneous travelers. While the Michigan DNR occasionally has specific statewide promotions (e.g., Michigan Activity Pass discounts for cultural destinations, or special events at larger state parks), these typically do not apply directly to individual site fees at rustic state forest campgrounds like Black River. Campers should also be aware that some facilities, such as water systems, are weather-dependent and may not be available from fall through spring. For the most current fee information and any specific guidelines, it is always best to contact the Michigan DNR or Straits State Park directly.

For more information, current conditions, or any specific inquiries about Black River State Forest Campground, please use the following contact details. While reservations are not typically needed for this rustic campground (it's often first-come, first-serve), it's always good to confirm conditions:

Address: Peters Creek Rd, Naubinway, MI 49762, USA

Phone: (906) 643-8620

Mobile Phone: +1 906-643-8620

As this campground is managed by Straits State Park, contacting Straits State Park directly or the Michigan DNR website for State Forest Campgrounds can also provide valuable and up-to-date information regarding fees, amenities, and recreational opportunities in the surrounding area.

For Michiganders, Black River State Forest Campground represents an ideal and highly suitable destination for experiencing the authentic wildness of our Upper Peninsula. Its unique blend of accessibility and profound seclusion makes it a rare find. The consistent reports of it being "almost empty" even during traditionally busy times, including "Labor Day weekend," mean that locals can truly escape the crowds and find the peace and quiet they crave. This uncrowded nature is a significant advantage for those seeking solitude, wildlife viewing, and a deep connection with nature without the typical challenges of packed campgrounds.

The presence of the Black River, with "steps leading down to the river" and its reputation for excellent "fishing opportunities" (steelhead, trout, and salmon runs), makes it a prime spot for anglers and water enthusiasts. For the avid birder or wildlife observer, the abundance of "birds" and "plenty of signs of deer, bear and wolf" offers continuous opportunities for discovery right outside the tent. The well-maintained yet rustic nature of the sites, with "well spaced and separated" spots and a "spotless" campground, speaks to the quality of Michigan's state forest offerings.

Being "pretty secluded but still not far away from Naubinway" provides a perfect balance for local adventurers – the wilderness experience without feeling completely isolated from civilization. Furthermore, its year-round accessibility (even if unplowed in winter) means this "favorite getaway spot" can be enjoyed across all seasons by those equipped for rustic conditions. Black River State Forest Campground truly offers Michiganders a genuine, affordable, and consistently peaceful opportunity to reconnect with the wild heart of our beautiful state.