JoeIda Campground










JoeIda Campground Overview
Rating
Phone (906) 387-1221
Address N.11451 AuSable, Russ Lake Rd, Shingleton, MI 49884, USA
Website http://joeidacampground.com/
Hours
JoeIda Campground Location & Map
MichiganAlger CountyShingletonRuss Lake Road
JoeIda Campground About
Are you a Michigan resident yearning for a true escape into the wild, a place where the sounds of nature replace the hum of traffic and the glow of screens? Look no further than JoeIda Campground, a hidden gem nestled in the serene landscapes of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and the breathtaking beauty of Pure Michigan. JoeIda Campground offers an authentic, rustic camping experience, providing a much-needed disconnect from the everyday hustle and bustle.
JoeIda Campground is a testament to the simple joys of camping. Visitors consistently rave about the peaceful atmosphere, the spaciousness of the sites, and the absolute lack of urban noise or digital distractions. Imagine arriving at a campsite, setting up your gear, and within minutes, feeling a profound sense of calm wash over you. This is the experience JoeIda promises. It’s a place where you can unwind, read a book by the campfire, listen to the natural symphony of the forest, or simply enjoy the quiet companionship of friends and family. The campground's commitment to maintaining a pristine environment, particularly its surprisingly clean vault toilets, adds to the overall comfort and appeal of this rustic retreat. If you’re looking for a destination that allows you to truly unplug and immerse yourself in the natural world, JoeIda Campground stands out as an exceptional choice for any Michigan adventurer.
JoeIda Campground is conveniently located at N.11451 AuSable, Russ Lake Rd, Shingleton, MI 49884, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of Michigan's stunning Upper Peninsula, making it an ideal base for exploring some of the state's most iconic natural attractions. One of its most appealing features is its seclusion. Unlike many campgrounds that might be close to main thoroughfares, JoeIda boasts a location that is truly off the beaten path, ensuring virtually no traffic noise. This remoteness is a significant draw for campers seeking a peaceful and undisturbed experience. Despite its serene setting, accessibility to key regional points of interest is remarkably simple. The drive to popular destinations like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the vibrant town of Munising is described by visitors as "very convenient and a simple drive down a single paved road." This means you can enjoy the tranquility of the campground while still having easy access to day trips filled with hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the unique culture of the UP. The clear directions and straightforward approach to the campground, even for parties arriving from different locations, further enhance its accessibility, making it an attractive option for Michigan residents planning a stress-free camping adventure.
Services Offered:
- Access to a well for potable water (drinking water)
- Clean and well-maintained vault toilets
Features / Highlights:
- Spacious campsites, offering ample room for comfort and privacy.
- Absolutely no cell phone reception, encouraging a complete digital detox.
- Absence of traffic and road noise due to its secluded location.
- Pristine and remarkably clean vault toilets, often noted by visitors as a significant positive.
- Convenient proximity to major Upper Peninsula attractions, including Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the town of Munising, accessible via a simple paved road.
- Highly recommended for those seeking a quiet, peaceful, and disconnected camping experience.
- Friendly and easy-to-communicate-with staff, as reported by callers prior to arrival.
Promotions or Special Offers:
JoeIda Campground, as a privately-owned or operated campground, typically sets its own rates and may offer various promotions throughout the camping season. While specific, ongoing promotions are not publicly detailed in the provided information, it is always recommended for interested campers to directly contact the campground to inquire about any current deals, seasonal discounts, or special offers that might be available. Campgrounds often have reduced rates during off-peak seasons, or might offer discounts for extended stays or for certain affiliations (e.g., military, senior citizen). Booking in advance, especially for popular weekends like Labor Day, is highly advisable to secure a spot, as the campground is clearly a sought-after destination due to its appealing features. Directly communicating with the friendly staff, as noted in customer reviews, would be the best way to learn about any potential savings or packages that could enhance your Michigan camping experience at JoeIda Campground.
Contact Information:
Address: N.11451 AuSable, Russ Lake Rd, Shingleton, MI 49884, USA
Phone: (906) 387-1221
Mobile Phone: +1 906-387-1221
Conclusion: Why JoeIda Campground is Suitable for Locals
For Michigan residents, JoeIda Campground presents an ideal opportunity to experience the pristine wilderness of the Upper Peninsula without venturing too far from home, yet feeling a world away. Its most compelling draw for locals is the profound sense of disconnection it offers. In an increasingly connected world, the complete absence of cell reception is not a drawback but a powerful invitation to truly unplug, recharge, and be present. This allows Michigan families, friends, and solo adventurers to escape the constant pings and notifications, fostering deeper connections with each other and with nature.
The campground's unique blend of seclusion and accessibility makes it exceptionally suitable. Locals can easily plan a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, knowing that while the campground itself is nestled in a quiet, remote area with no road noise, the vibrant attractions of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the amenities of Munising are just a simple, paved drive away. This convenience means less time spent navigating complex routes and more time enjoying the destination. The consistent praise for the spacious, quiet sites and the unexpectedly clean vault toilets speaks volumes about the care and quality provided, enhancing the overall comfort of a rustic camping experience. For those in Michigan who truly cherish peace, quiet, and the raw beauty of the state's natural landscapes, JoeIda Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a cherished annual tradition waiting to happen, a perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life, right here in our own backyard.
Customer Reviews
Me and my lifelong best friend packed up my mini van and headed to JoeIda campground not knowing what we were getting ourselves into. I called to inquire a few days before arrival and the gentleman was awesome and very easy to communicate with. We arrived at site 3 and fell in love with the campground within the first 10 min of being there. There's absolutely no reception, no traffic, not close to any main roads so not hearing any road noise was amazing. We will be coming back and making it an annual trip for sure. The vault toilets were spotless leave a tip if you can!
Amazing campground in an amazing area. We had sites 7 and 8 which were spacious and close to the well / bathrooms. Our party drove in from all over for labor day weekend and had no issues with finding the site. Cell reception is non-existent but you kind of want that disconnect while camping. Outhouses were shockingly clean and not smelly. Proximity to pictured rocks and Munising is very convenient and a simple drive down a single paved road. Will definitely be returning if we want to camp Pictured Rocks again. The only downside I'd say is the fire pits are a bit tall so you can't really enjoy staring into the flames of the campfire unless you build it very high. A minor setback as I'm sure they are being cautious for safety. 5/5
After camping for seven nights at JoeIda with my family of six in #7, I highly recommend it to others who don't mind a little "roughing it." Why? I'll list the pros and cons for our family below... Cons --no electricity --no showers --no flush toilets --bumpy dirt road Pros --remote location with beautifully wooded, private sites (especially #7) --clean restrooms over a pit toilet (not terribly smelly either) --clean water available from a nearby hand-pump spigot --centrally located along the pictured rocks, with a short drive to 12 Mile Beach --back-country trails accessible from the campground, including an 11-mile round-trip hike to Lake Superior --blueberry picking available around the campground --firewood available in the forest (downed limbs only) --quiet campground because only a few sites are available Like others have said, I'd recommend camping here in tents or small recreational vehicles. In August, we had no difficulty pulling our large pop up camper into the campground with our minivan. Great work, Don & Leslie!
Perfect! The kind of rustic campsite you always hope to find. Very spacious, secluded campsites in the midst of beautiful pines and very close to Pictured Rocks. Toilets and water pump are excellently maintained and a very close walk from site 8. Warning!! If you’re reading this, you might take Google Maps, which will direct you innocently down the one-lane dirt road Bakers Grade at the end. Don’t do it! It’s a nearly abandoned logging road. Those 3-4 miles were harrowing! Just follow the directions on JoeIda’s website.
We were extremely happy with our stay at JoeIda. The campground is located as one of the first private properties you come to if you're heading east to west on H-58 through the park. This central location makes it great if you want to do activities on either end of the park. You're 20-30 minutes away from most attractions at the park and about 35 minutes away from Munising. There are very few sites and they are spread out well. If you are used to state park campgrounds you'll be glad to know that all the sites here are much more spread out and private. I don't think there is a bad site on the property. I am fine to camp without electricity, flush toilets, cell signal, etc., but if that isn't your speed, this might not be the campground for you. If you have a large trailer or RV you might have a hard time getting it down the entrance road but any SUV or really any car isn't going to have a problem. You can tell everything on the property is of high quality. As others have stated, the vault toilets are great. It is a well built building with amenities and plenty of room. The well pump is high end and works great. At the site you'll have a large picnic table and fire pit. Water is a short walk from sites 7/8, a bit further for the others. Same for the bathroom. Look for the map on their website. No electricity or cell signal. When I booked the site, the firewood option was sold out. I was able to buy firewood from several sellers along H-58, southwest of JoeIda. Bring cash. For cell signal you will either have to drive back out to Grand Marais or Munising. You might get signal a few miles before Munising. I can't wait to return to JoeIda for my next trip to PRNL.
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