Little Beaver Lake Campground

Michigan is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, and for residents looking to truly immerse themselves in the state's wilderness, camping offers an unparalleled experience. Among the many hidden gems is Little Beaver Lake Campground, a tranquil escape nestled within the magnificent Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula. This destination provides a rustic yet rewarding camping adventure, perfect for those seeking to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature.

Little Beaver Lake Campground offers a unique opportunity to experience the pristine landscapes that Michigan is famous for, from dense forests to the quiet waters of inland lakes. It's an ideal spot for individuals, couples, and small groups who appreciate a more primitive camping style, where the sounds of nature replace the hum of urban life. Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen angler, or simply someone looking for a peaceful retreat, Little Beaver Lake Campground provides a quintessential Michigan outdoor experience that’s both accessible and deeply rewarding.

Little Beaver Lake Campground is strategically situated in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, a region celebrated for its dramatic landscapes and pristine wilderness. Specifically, you'll find this campground near Shingleton, MI 49884, USA. It's an integral part of the expansive Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, a national treasure that stretches along Lake Superior's southern shore. The campground is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Munising, a popular gateway community to the national lakeshore.

Accessing Little Beaver Lake Campground typically involves navigating Alger County Road H-58. The campground itself is located about 3 miles north of this main thoroughfare on Little Beaver Lake Road. While H-58 is a paved road, the access road to the campground can be narrow, twisting, and hilly. Visitors should be aware that larger recreational vehicles, while permitted, might find the approach challenging due to these road conditions and the relatively smaller size of the campsites. It is highly advisable to check campsite length, width, and height recommendations before booking, especially for RVs and trailers. Despite the rustic feel, the journey to Little Beaver Lake Campground is part of the adventure, leading you deeper into the serene Michigan wilderness. Cell phone reception in the area can be limited, which for many, is part of the appeal of truly unplugging.

• Campsites: Little Beaver Lake Campground features 8 single-family campsites. These sites are suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs, though campers with larger rigs should note the narrow access road and smaller site sizes.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring that includes a grill grate, perfect for preparing meals and enjoying campfires under the Michigan sky.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets, offering essential facilities for campers.

• Drinking Water: Well water is available at the campground via a hand pump, ensuring access to potable water for visitors.

• Boat Ramp: A small boat ramp is available for launching boats onto Little Beaver Lake. It's important to note that only electric motors are permitted on Little Beaver Lake and Beaver Lake, as they are within the Beaver Basin Wilderness area, preserving the peaceful environment.

• Reservations: While previously some sites may have been first-come, first-served, reservations for Little Beaver Lake Campground are now made online through Recreation.gov, allowing visitors to plan their trip up to six months in advance.

• Proximity to Little Beaver Lake: The campground is situated directly on the shores of Little Beaver Lake, offering beautiful lakeside views and easy access for water-based activities like fishing, paddling, and electric motor boating.

• Gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: As part of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, campers have immediate access to a vast network of trails and scenic overlooks that define this iconic Michigan destination. The area is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs, vibrant blue waters of Lake Superior, beaches, and waterfalls.

• Interpretive and Connecting Trails: A 1-mile self-guiding interpretive trail, often referred to as the White Pine Trail, begins at the campground, allowing visitors to explore the local flora and fauna. Additionally, a 1.5-mile trail leads from the campground out to Lake Superior beaches and connects with the larger North Country Trail, which traverses the park for over 40 miles. This offers extensive opportunities for day hikes and longer backpacking trips.

• Beaver Basin Wilderness Access: Little Beaver Lake Campground is located near the Beaver Basin Wilderness, an area offering opportunities for quiet, solitude, and wilderness recreation. This zone features extensive wetlands, clear streams, and old-growth forests, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife.

• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystems surrounding Little Beaver Lake Campground, from the lake itself to the surrounding forests, provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including various bird species and other forest animals.

• Rustic and Secluded Atmosphere: With only 8 campsites, Little Beaver Lake Campground offers a more intimate and secluded camping experience compared to larger, more developed campgrounds. This fosters a peaceful environment, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the tranquility of nature.

• Accessible Site: One of the campsites at Little Beaver Lake Campground is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that a wider range of visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Address: Shingleton, MI 49884, USA

For general inquiries about the campground or the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you can contact the park at:

Phone Number: 906-387-3700

For reservations, please visit Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.

For residents across Michigan, Little Beaver Lake Campground offers an ideal and accessible escape into the heart of the Upper Peninsula's natural grandeur. Its location within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore means that world-class natural attractions are literally at your doorstep. Locals can easily plan weekend getaways or extended vacations to this spot, benefiting from its relatively close proximity to communities within Michigan while still feeling completely immersed in the wilderness.

The rustic nature of the campground, with its vault toilets and well water, encourages a true back-to-basics experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment without sacrificing essential comforts. This kind of authentic outdoor adventure is precisely what many Michiganders seek, whether for a first-time camping trip or as a seasoned outdoors enthusiast. The availability of hiking trails, including the interpretive loop and the connection to the North Country Trail, means there’s always a new path to explore, offering endless opportunities for exercise and discovery amidst stunning scenery.

Furthermore, the presence of Little Beaver Lake itself, with its electric-motor-only restriction, ensures a peaceful setting for fishing, paddling, and enjoying the water without the noise of larger motorboats. This makes it particularly appealing for families or individuals looking for a quiet fishing spot or a serene kayaking experience. The small number of campsites also helps maintain a sense of community among campers, often leading to friendly interactions and a shared appreciation for the tranquility of the surroundings. For Michigan residents, Little Beaver Lake Campground isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's an opportunity to create lasting memories, recharge in nature, and rediscover the unparalleled beauty that makes our state truly special. It's a testament to Michigan's commitment to preserving its natural heritage for all to enjoy, right in our own backyard.

Little Beaver Lake Campground

Shingleton, MI 49884, USA