Presque Isle Campground

For Michigan locals yearning for a truly authentic wilderness camping experience, Presque Isle Campground, nestled within the magnificent Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, stands as an unparalleled destination. Located near Marenisco in the western Upper Peninsula, this rustic campground offers a deep dive into nature, where the roar of waterfalls, the vastness of Lake Superior, and the tranquility of ancient forests become your backdrop. It's a place where modern amenities take a backseat to the raw beauty of Michigan's largest state park, inviting you to reconnect with the wild heart of our state.

Imagine setting up camp near the wild and scenic Presque Isle River, with the soothing sounds of its cascades just a short walk away. Presque Isle Campground provides exactly that—a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a landscape defined by towering trees, pristine waterways, and dramatic Lake Superior shoreline. With 50 campsites, including both drive-up and secluded walk-in options, it caters to different preferences while maintaining a respectful distance from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The rustic nature of the campground, featuring vault toilets and hand pumps for water, only enhances the feeling of being truly embedded in the wilderness, making you "feel that much closer to nature," as described by those who cherish this experience.

The campground's strategic position within the 60,000-acre Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park means that an incredible array of outdoor adventures is right at your fingertips. From miles of hiking trails that lead to awe-inspiring waterfalls and panoramic overlooks to the serene waters of Lake Superior perfect for quiet contemplation, Presque Isle Campground serves as an ideal base for exploring this iconic Michigan wilderness. Its division into a generator-friendly east loop and a peaceful generator-free west loop ensures that every camper can find the atmosphere that best suits their needs, making it a thoughtful choice for a diverse community of outdoor enthusiasts.

For Michiganders seeking a genuine escape, a place where the grandeur of nature takes center stage, Presque Isle Campground offers an unvarnished, unforgettable experience. It's a testament to the rugged beauty that defines our Upper Peninsula, promising adventures and tranquility that will leave you feeling revitalized and deeply connected to Michigan's wild spirit.

Presque Isle Campground is uniquely situated within the sprawling Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, located in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Its address is listed as 13597 State Line Lake Rd E, Marenisco, MI 49947, USA. This places it in Gogebic County, near the Wisconsin border, and strategically positions it as a gateway to some of the most pristine wilderness areas in the Midwest.

Access to Presque Isle Campground is primarily by road, making it a destination reachable by vehicle. The campground is nestled along State Line Lake Road, providing direct access to the individual campsites. Being part of a state park, the roads leading to it are generally well-maintained, though visitors should always be prepared for typical rural Michigan roads, especially in the more remote Upper Peninsula.

Once at the campground, its key feature is its dual proximity to significant natural landmarks: it's located near both the scenic and wild Presque Isle River and the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior. This means campers have convenient trail access directly from the campground to explore the majestic Presque Isle River area, famous for its roaring waterfalls such as Manabezho, Nawadaha, and Potawatomi Falls, and the dramatic Lake Superior coastline. The park itself is vast, spanning 60,000 acres with over 90 miles of hiking trails, and the campground serves as an excellent starting point for many of these adventures.

The campground is split into two loops to cater to different preferences: an east loop that is "generator-friendly" for those who require power, and a west loop that is "generator-free" for campers seeking a more traditional and quieter rustic experience. This thoughtful design ensures that accessibility extends beyond mere physical arrival, accommodating diverse camping styles. While the campground offers drive-up sites, it also features six walk-in sites along the high bank of Lake Superior, approximately 50 yards from the parking area, providing a slightly more secluded and intimate connection with the lake for those willing to carry their gear a short distance. Presque Isle Campground is typically open from April through October, making it accessible throughout the prime Michigan outdoor recreation seasons, and reservations are highly recommended, particularly during peak times, to secure a spot in this popular wilderness haven.

• Rustic Campsites: Presque Isle Campground offers 50 rustic campsites, designed to provide a natural camping experience with minimal modern amenities. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring.
• Drive-Up Sites: The majority of the campsites are drive-up, allowing for convenient access directly to your site with a vehicle.
• Walk-in Sites: For those seeking a more secluded experience, there are six walk-in sites located along the high bank of Lake Superior, approximately 50 yards from the parking area.
• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets (pit toilets) are available throughout the campground for sanitation needs, maintaining the rustic charm while providing essential facilities.
• Hand Pumps for Water: Potable water is accessible via hand pumps, offering a traditional method of fetching water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
• Firewood for Purchase: Firewood is available for purchase directly at the campground office, ensuring campers have a convenient source for their campfires without needing to bring their own or forage.
• Generator-Friendly Loop: The east loop of the campground is designated as "generator-friendly," allowing campers to use generators during specific hours.
• Generator-Free Loop: The west loop is "generator-free," providing a quieter environment for those who prefer to camp without the noise of generators.

• Within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: The campground's location within Michigan's largest state park provides direct access to its expansive wilderness, including over 90 miles of hiking trails, vast forests, and diverse wildlife.
• Proximity to Presque Isle River: Campers have direct trail access to the wild and scenic Presque Isle River, famous for its series of spectacular waterfalls, including Manabezho, Nawadaha, and Potawatomi Falls, all within easy reach.
• Lake Superior Shoreline Access: The campground is situated along the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior, offering stunning views, opportunities for rock hounding, and a chance to experience the immense power and beauty of the Great Lake.
• Panoramic Views: Various points within the park, accessible from the campground, offer breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Superior, dense forests, and the surrounding wilderness.
• Diverse Camping Experience: With both drive-up and secluded walk-in sites, as well as separate generator-friendly and generator-free loops, the campground caters to a variety of camping preferences.
• Waterfalls Galore: The nearby Presque Isle River boasts multiple roaring waterfalls, providing incredible photographic opportunities and serene spots for contemplation.
• Extensive Hiking Opportunities: Over 90 miles of well-maintained hiking trails crisscross the park, ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry treks, ensuring an adventure for every fitness level.
• Wildlife Observation: The wilderness setting means abundant opportunities for observing local wildlife, including deer, various bird species, and other forest creatures.
• Rustic Charm: The primitive amenities (vault toilets, hand pumps) contribute to a genuine rustic camping experience, allowing visitors to feel truly connected to nature.
• Seasonal Operations: Typically open from April through October, the campground is available during Michigan's prime outdoor recreation seasons, from spring thaws to vibrant fall colors.

As Presque Isle Campground is a state-operated facility within the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, it does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense. Its pricing structure is set by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to support the maintenance and operation of the park and its facilities. However, there are aspects of its pricing and access that are beneficial to Michigan residents.

A key "value" for Michigan locals is the Michigan Recreation Passport. This annual pass, purchased when you renew your license plate, grants vehicle access to all Michigan state parks and recreation areas, including the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and thus Presque Isle Campground, for a single annual fee. This means that once you have the Recreation Passport, you only pay the nightly camping fee, which is a significant saving for frequent park visitors or those planning multiple camping trips within the state throughout the year.

Camping fees for rustic sites like those at Presque Isle Campground are generally affordable, reflecting their primitive nature. Reservations are highly recommended, particularly during peak seasons (summer and fall color change), and can be made through the Michigan DNR reservation system (MiDNRReservations.com) or by calling 1-800-447-2757. Booking in advance secures your spot at this popular destination. While specific discounts for extended stays or off-peak periods are not broadly advertised, the consistent, reasonable pricing combined with the value of the Recreation Passport makes camping at Presque Isle an economical way for Michiganders to enjoy our state's incredible wilderness.

For the most current information regarding camping rates, Recreation Passport details, and reservation availability, always refer to the official Michigan DNR website for Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park or the MiDNRReservations.com portal. Any special events or seasonal changes that might implicitly offer a unique experience would also be listed on the park's official pages.

For reservations and general inquiries regarding Presque Isle Campground within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: 13597 State Line Lake Rd E, Marenisco, MI 49947, USA

Phone: (715) 602-3939

Mobile Phone: +1 715-602-3939

Please note that the phone numbers provided appear to be associated with a different Presque Isle Campground in Wisconsin, or a general reservation line that might connect to the Michigan DNR. For direct reservations and the most accurate information regarding Presque Isle Campground in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan, it is highly recommended to use the official Michigan DNR reservation line (1-800-447-2757) or visit their reservation website: MiDNRReservations.com. For park-specific questions or conditions, you can also look up the direct contact information for Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park on the Michigan DNR Parks and Recreation website.

For Michigan locals, Presque Isle Campground within Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to deeply connect with the wild, untamed beauty that defines our state's Upper Peninsula. It’s more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an immersive experience in Michigan's largest state park, making it perfectly suitable for those who cherish authentic outdoor adventures.

Its rustic nature, complete with vault toilets and hand-pumped water, appeals to Michiganders who seek a genuine escape from modern conveniences and desire a closer bond with nature. The division into generator-friendly and generator-free loops shows a thoughtful understanding of diverse camper needs, ensuring everyone can find their ideal level of tranquility. Crucially, the direct access to the magnificent Presque Isle River, with its stunning waterfalls, and the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior, provides endless opportunities for exploration, photography, and peaceful contemplation—all within our state's borders.

The vast network of hiking trails originating right from the campground allows locals to delve into the park's expansive wilderness, discover hidden gems, and witness breathtaking panoramic views. For Michiganders, who often have a deep appreciation for the state's natural resources, the ability to utilize the Michigan Recreation Passport for affordable access to this premier state park makes it an even more appealing and value-driven choice for multiple trips throughout the year. Presque Isle Campground truly embodies the spirit of Michigan's wilderness, offering a revitalizing escape that strengthens our connection to the incredible outdoor heritage we are so fortunate to share.