Natural Resources Department

For Michiganders seeking a truly authentic Upper Peninsula (U.P.) camping experience, far from the crowds and the concrete, the **DeTour State Forest Campground** offers an unparalleled rustic retreat. Managed by the **Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)**, this campground is a secluded gem located directly on the picturesque shoreline of Lake Huron. It provides a simple, natural environment perfect for those who prioritize tranquility, stunning water views, and direct access to Michigan's expansive Great Lakes system.

This campground is not a modern RV park; rather, it embraces the classic Michigan forest camping tradition. It features a limited number of sites designed for tents and small trailers, encouraging visitors to connect with the rugged beauty of the region. The setting is heavily wooded, offering excellent shade and a sense of privacy that is increasingly rare in more developed parks. Visitors frequently enjoy the sound of the lake lapping the shore, the sight of passing lake freighters, and the excellent opportunities for stargazing in an area with minimal light pollution.

As a facility operated by the Natural Resources Department, the campground emphasizes conservation and the enjoyment of Michigan's natural heritage. Please note that a **Recreation Passport** is required for vehicle entry, as is standard for all Michigan State Parks and Forest Campgrounds, supporting the maintenance of these vital public spaces.

The DeTour State Forest Campground is situated in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, approximately five miles west of the quaint community of **De Tour Village**. De Tour Village itself is located at the easternmost tip of Chippewa County, where Lake Huron meets the St. Mary's River. This location serves as the “Gateway to the North Channel” and is a major point of transit for commercial and recreational vessels.

Accessibility is straightforward via **M-134**, a scenic highway that winds through the eastern U.P. For residents in the northern Lower Peninsula, the campground is easily reached by crossing the Mackinac Bridge and traveling east. For U.P. locals, it’s a quick jaunt to an isolated shoreline. The location is strategically positioned for exploring the wider region, including ferry access to the beautiful Drummond Island, and day trips to Mackinac Island or Sault Ste. Marie.

Critically, the campground is noted for its commitment to basic accessibility, offering designated features for guests with mobility challenges. The provided information specifically highlights:

• **Wheelchair accessible entrance**
• **Wheelchair accessible parking lot**

While the overall experience is rustic, the DNR ensures that key areas are manageable for all visitors, allowing a wider range of Michiganders to enjoy the natural beauty of the Lake Huron shoreline.

Consistent with its "State Forest Campground" designation, the amenities at DeTour are rustic, providing the essentials for a comfortable stay while maintaining a low impact on the surrounding environment. This means campers should be prepared for a traditional, self-sufficient experience.

• Campsites: The campground offers a total of 21 sites, primarily for tents and small trailers. A few larger sites are available, capable of accommodating vehicles and trailers up to 40 feet in length.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available on-site, sourced from a hand-pump well.
• Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are provided for all guests.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring for campfires and cooking, subject to local fire restrictions.
• Picnic Tables: A picnic table is provided at every designated site.
• First-Come, First-Served: The campground operates on a strict first-come, first-served basis; no advance reservations are accepted.
• Registration: Overnight fees (typically around $20 per night) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk.

It is important to note that, as a rustic campground, **no electrical hookups** are available at the campsites, reinforcing the secluded and off-grid feel of the area.

The true highlights of the DeTour State Forest Campground are the recreational opportunities and the natural environment that surrounds it, making it a spectacular destination for Michigan outdoor enthusiasts.

• **Lake Huron Shoreline:** The most prominent feature is the campground's direct location on Lake Huron. Many sites offer immediate access or clear views of the water, providing incredible sunrises and a truly Great Lakes atmosphere.
• **Paddling Access:** The shoreline location provides excellent carry-in access to Lake Huron, making it a perfect launch point for kayaking and canoeing along scenic bays.
• **Fishing Opportunities:** Anglers can enjoy fishing for Walleye, Bass, Pike, and Musky in Lake Huron. Nearby inland lakes like Caribou Lake offer additional fishing options.
• **Hunting Access:** The campground provides access to surrounding state land that is open for regulated hunting, appealing to Michigan's passionate sporting community.
• **Wildlife Viewing:** The heavily forested area is rich with native Upper Peninsula wildlife, offering great opportunities for birdwatching and observing local fauna in their natural habitat.
• **Proximity to De Tour Village:** The charming De Tour Village is just a few miles away, offering boat launches, the DeTour State Harbor, and small shops for resupply, balancing isolation with convenience.
• **Scenic Route M-134:** The drive to and from the campground is a recognized scenic route, adding to the overall vacation experience.

For information regarding the operation, availability, and specific rules of the DeTour State Forest Campground, or any facilities managed by the Michigan DNR in the region, please use the following contact details:

Address: 834 M-134, De Tour Village, MI 49725, USA

Primary Phone Contact (Local DNR): (906) 297-2581

Alternate Phone Contact (DNR): (906) 248-3422 (Often noted for Brimley State Park, which manages this forest campground)

**Note:** Operating dates typically run from mid-May through September, depending on seasonal weather conditions. Always call ahead for current status, especially for late-season camping.

DeTour State Forest Campground is the ideal choice for Michigan residents who are veteran campers or those specifically seeking a deeply immersive, rustic Great Lakes wilderness experience. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that set it apart from typical commercial campgrounds or modern state parks.

First, the **unspoiled Lake Huron shoreline setting** is its main selling point. You are not simply *near* the lake; you are on it. This offers unique proximity to the water for fishing, paddling, and simple enjoyment of the views, including the majestic sight of passing lake freighters. Second, its **rustic nature** ensures a peaceful, quiet stay. The lack of modern hookups and the first-come, first-served system naturally limits traffic and maintains an authentically serene environment that is hard to find elsewhere in the state. For those who own smaller camping setups, tents, or self-contained rigs, the simplicity is a welcome escape from developed areas. Finally, the campground’s position in the **Eastern U.P.** acts as a perfect base camp. It offers the isolation you desire while keeping essential regional attractions like Drummond Island and the Mackinac Bridge within reach for day excursions. If your idea of a perfect Michigan vacation is a private, wooded site where the sound of the wind through the pines and the waves on the shore are your only neighbors, DeTour State Forest Campground is an essential Upper Peninsula destination.

Natural Resources Department

834 M-134, De Tour Village, MI 49725, USA