Hurricane River Campground

For those of us in Michigan who seek an authentic and immersive outdoor experience, where the wild beauty of Lake Superior meets pristine forests, Hurricane River Campground in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is an absolute must-visit. This isn't your average campground with all the bells and whistles; it’s a rustic haven designed for those who truly want to disconnect, unwind, and embrace the stunning natural wonders of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Imagine falling asleep to the rhythmic sound of Lake Superior's waves, waking up to breathtaking sunrises over the water, and having direct access to miles of pristine shoreline and captivating hiking trails. Hurricane River Campground offers just that, providing a peaceful and incredibly scenic base for your next Up North adventure.

Situated within the awe-inspiring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Hurricane River Campground provides a unique opportunity to experience one of Michigan's most iconic natural treasures up close. It is divided into two distinct sections: Hurricane River Upper and Hurricane River Lower, each offering a slightly different ambiance while maintaining the rustic charm that defines this area. Campers consistently praise its clean facilities and the unparalleled access it provides to Lake Superior and significant historical sites like the Au Sable Point Lighthouse. While it’s designed for a more self-sufficient camping style, the sheer beauty of its surroundings and the wealth of activities available make it a truly unforgettable destination for Michiganders looking to explore the wilder side of our state.

Hurricane River Campground is located directly on Lake Superior within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, at Au Sable Point Trail, Seney, MI 49883, USA. More specifically, it’s about 12 miles west of the charming town of Grand Marais and approximately 37 miles east of Munising, putting it centrally within the national lakeshore. Its address points to a well-known area within the park, ensuring relatively straightforward navigation for Michiganders coming from various parts of the state.

Access to the campground is via Alger County Road H-58, which runs through and parallel to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This scenic highway offers stunning views and provides access to various overlooks, trailheads, and other park features. While the campground offers a feeling of seclusion and wilderness, it remains accessible by paved roads, making it suitable for both tents and RVs (though size limitations apply for RVs due to turning radius within the loops, with single vehicles no more than 36 feet and vehicle/trailer combined length no more than 42 feet recommended). For those traveling from downstate Michigan, the journey typically involves driving north through the Lower Peninsula, crossing the iconic Mackinac Bridge into the Upper Peninsula, and then heading west on US-2 before connecting to H-58. The drive itself is part of the adventure, winding through vast forests and past numerous lakes, setting the tone for the tranquil experience awaiting you at Hurricane River. Given its location within a National Lakeshore, the roads leading to the campground are well-maintained, ensuring a smooth arrival.

Hurricane River Campground offers a rustic camping experience, providing essential amenities while encouraging a deeper connection with nature. It’s important to note that, as a National Lakeshore campground, it does not provide electric, water, or sewer hookups at individual sites. However, it does offer fundamental services to ensure a comfortable stay:

• Campsites: There are 21 drive-in campsites available across two loops (10 in the upper loop and 11 in the lower loop). Each site includes a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill grate, and a tent pad. Some sites are designated as generator-free for a quieter experience.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets (pit toilets) are available throughout the campground, offering a basic but essential convenience.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is accessible via hand pumps or faucets, typically available during the warmer months. Campers can fill up their water containers from these communal sources.
• Designated Parking: Each campsite has a delineated parking area, accommodating up to two vehicles (including towed vehicles).
• Recycling Bins: While there are no trash collection services, recycling bins for specific items might be provided, encouraging campers to minimize their waste and pack out what they pack in.
• Handicap Accessible Sites: Both the upper and lower loops include one wheelchair-accessible campsite, demonstrating an effort towards inclusivity.
• Food Storage: As this is bear country, the park provides metal boxes for food storage at sites without hard-sided vehicles, emphasizing the importance of securing all food and scented items.

Hurricane River Campground is rich with natural beauty and unique features that make it a standout camping destination in Michigan:

• Direct Lake Superior Access: Many campsites are just a few yards from the shoreline, allowing campers to fall asleep to the sounds of the waves and enjoy immediate access to the largest of the Great Lakes. The campground boasts a very nice beach, perfect for relaxing, rock hounding, and enjoying the cool lake waters.
• Au Sable Point Lighthouse Hike: A major highlight is the 1.5-mile (one way, 3-mile round trip) scenic hike along the North Country Trail from the lower campground to the historic Au Sable Point Light Station. This easy, level walk offers stunning views of Lake Superior, unique Jacobsville Sandstone formations, and the fascinating skeletal remains of wooden shipwrecks visible along the shoreline. The lighthouse and its surrounding buildings are well worth the visit and often offer tours during the summer.
• Scenic Sunrises and Sunsets: Given its lakeside location, campers are treated to spectacular sunrises and sunsets over Lake Superior, creating unforgettable moments and photo opportunities.
• Proximity to Hurricane River: The Hurricane River flows into Lake Superior near the campground's picnic area, offering a picturesque setting and additional opportunities for exploration.
• Rustic and Quiet Ambiance: The campground's rustic nature means no constant hum of generators or bright lights. This contributes to a peaceful, quiet atmosphere, ideal for stargazing and connecting with nature. Some sites are designated as generator-free to further enhance this tranquility.
• Beautiful Forest Setting: Both the upper and lower loops are nestled amidst beautiful deciduous trees, providing ample shade and a true "woodsy" experience of Northern Michigan.
• Abundant Hiking Trails: Beyond the lighthouse trail, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers over 100 miles of hiking trails leading to waterfalls, beaches, deep forests, and breathtaking cliff-top views, all accessible from the general area.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystems within the National Lakeshore provide opportunities to observe various wildlife species, including diverse birdlife.

As a campground managed by the National Park Service (NPS) within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Hurricane River Campground operates under a standardized fee structure determined by the federal government. Therefore, specific, ongoing promotions or special offers are not typically provided by the campground itself in the way a private business might offer discounts. The current rate for a campsite is $20 per night, which is quite reasonable for a national park experience.

However, visitors, especially Michigan residents, can benefit from federal passes that reduce access fees to national parks and federal recreational lands, although these primarily apply to entrance fees rather than campsite fees at rustic campgrounds. For instance, the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass provides access to federal recreation sites. While Hurricane River Campground itself doesn't have an entrance fee separate from the camping fee, owning such a pass can be beneficial if you plan to visit other fee-collecting national parks or federal sites during your trip.

All campsites at Hurricane River Campground are by reservation only and can be made through Recreation.gov. It is highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for summer and fall visits, as sites at popular national park campgrounds tend to fill up quickly. Any updates regarding fees or policies would be found on the official Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore website or Recreation.gov.

For detailed information, inquiries, or to make a reservation for Hurricane River Campground, please refer to the primary contact points for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, as the campground is part of this larger park system:

Address: Au Sable Point Trail, Seney, MI 49883, USA

General Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Inquiries:

Phone: (906) 387-3700 (Primary park information line)

Another contact number often associated with the park is (906) 494-2660.

Reservations for Hurricane River Campground are exclusively handled online through Recreation.gov. When searching on Recreation.gov, look for "Hurricane River Campground, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore."

It's important to note that cell phone reception is typically limited within the campground and much of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, so it’s best to make all necessary arrangements before your arrival.

For Michiganders, Hurricane River Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse ourselves in the rugged, majestic beauty of the Upper Peninsula and Lake Superior without having to travel too far from home. This campground isn't just a place to sleep; it's a gateway to some of the most iconic natural and historical features our state has to offer, right within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The ability to fall asleep to the sounds of Lake Superior, wake up to a stunning sunrise over the water, and then embark on a refreshing hike to the historic Au Sable Point Lighthouse, passing fascinating shipwreck remains along the way, creates a truly unique and memorable experience. While it offers a rustic, no-hookup experience, this simplicity is precisely what allows for a deeper connection to nature, forcing us to unplug and appreciate the raw beauty around us. Its strategic location means easy access to other wonders of the central Upper Peninsula, making it a perfect base for extended explorations. For those of us who value peaceful surroundings, breathtaking scenery, and direct access to hiking and Lake Superior's shores, Hurricane River Campground is not just suitable – it's an essential Michigan camping destination that promises rejuvenation and a profound appreciation for our state's incredible wilderness.