Portage Bay State Campground

Hello, fellow Michiganders and lovers of the great outdoors! Are you yearning for a genuine escape into nature, far from the hustle and bustle, where the sounds of waves replace city noise? Michigan, particularly our stunning Upper Peninsula, is renowned for its wild beauty and pristine natural areas. Today, we're taking a closer look at Portage Bay State Campground, a hidden gem nestled in Garden, MI. If you're a local seeking a truly quiet, peaceful, and rustic camping experience with direct access to Lake Michigan's majestic shores, Portage Bay is an unparalleled destination.

Portage Bay State Campground is much more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's an immersive natural experience that connects you directly with the raw beauty of Lake Michigan. This campground is part of Michigan's state forest campground system, which means it offers a more primitive and unplugged experience compared to larger, more amenity-rich state parks. This is precisely what draws many campers looking for solitude and a true "back-to-nature" feel. As one visitor aptly put it, it's "very, very quiet and peaceful once you arrive," providing the perfect antidote to modern life.

The reviews consistently highlight the campground's unique charm and stunning natural features. Visitors praise the "beautiful campsites!" and note that it's "Way back, on the water, rugged sites," indicating a more adventurous and secluded feel. The "Trail to sandy beach from site" is a significant draw, offering direct, convenient access to the glorious shores of Lake Michigan. Another reviewer, visiting off-season, still found the campsites to "look great" and thoroughly enjoyed the "two trails (one to Bog Lake and the other a loop through the woods and along Lake Michigan)" located nearby. These comments paint a picture of a campground that, despite its rustic nature, provides ample opportunities for exploration and connection with its surroundings.

While a crucial advisory mentions "no potable water FYI" as of June 30, 2025, this information is vital for planning and emphasizes the rustic nature of the campground, requiring campers to come prepared. However, this aspect often contributes to the serene, "unplugged" atmosphere that many seek. The drive to the campground, described as a "nice drive through the woods," further enhances the sense of getting away from it all. For Michigan residents, Portage Bay State Campground offers an authentic Upper Peninsula experience, ideal for those who prioritize natural beauty, tranquility, and direct access to Lake Michigan over extensive modern conveniences.

Portage Bay State Campground is located in Garden, MI 49835, USA. More precisely, it is situated on Portage Bay Road, about 10 miles south of the village of Garden, via County Road 483. This location places it deep within the scenic Upper Peninsula, on the northern shores of Lake Michigan.

The drive to the campground is a notable part of the experience. It involves a "nice drive through the woods" and can be a "long ways back in the boonies," possibly half an hour on gravel roads. While it might sound remote, visitors confirm that the "Forest Service Road to the ground... was well maintained and not an issue." This journey through the natural landscape adds to the feeling of an escape and sets the tone for a tranquil stay.

Despite its secluded feel, the campground is managed by Fayette Historic State Park, providing a level of oversight and ensuring maintenance of the grounds. The nearest store might be "at least 45'" away, emphasizing the need for campers to come prepared with their supplies. However, this remoteness is precisely what many campers desire for an authentic wilderness experience, ensuring a "very, very quiet and peaceful" environment once you arrive. For Michigan residents, reaching Portage Bay State Campground offers a scenic journey into the heart of the Upper Peninsula's pristine natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those truly looking to disconnect.

Portage Bay State Campground, being a rustic state forest campground, provides essential services focused on a back-to-nature camping experience. Visitors should come prepared for a less amenity-rich environment than modern private campgrounds.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: Offers a total of 23 primitive campsites suitable for tents and small trailers (up to 30 feet in length).
• No Hookups: All sites are rustic with no electrical, water, or sewer hookups.
• No Potable Water (as of June 30, 2025): Visitors must bring their own drinking water. Historically, potable water was available from a hand-pump well, but recent advisories indicate its unavailability due to lead.
• Vault Toilets: Clean and well-maintained vault toilets are available on-site for basic sanitation.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires.
• Boat Launch: A boat launch is located south of the campground on Lake Michigan, providing access for small watercraft.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the campground (typically on a leash).
• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not accepted.
• Maximum Stay: Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay.

Portage Bay State Campground offers a collection of unique features and highlights that make it a truly special destination for campers seeking an authentic, peaceful Upper Peninsula experience.

Features / Highlights:

• Direct Lake Michigan Access: A significant highlight is the "Trail to sandy beach from site," providing direct, convenient access to the beautiful sandy shores of Lake Michigan for swimming, strolling, and enjoying the vast freshwater expanse.
• Unparalleled Quiet and Peace: Consistently praised for being "very, very quiet and peaceful," offering a serene environment free from man-made noises, perfect for relaxation and disconnection.
• Beautiful, Rugged Campsites: Campsites are described as "beautiful" and "rugged," many offering views of Lake Michigan, providing a truly immersive natural setting.
• Scenic Hiking Trails: Access to two distinct trails—one leading to Bog Lake and another a loop through the woods and along Lake Michigan, including a section of the Ninga Aki Pathway (2.7 miles)—perfect for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing.
• Secluded Location: Situated "way back, on the water" and requiring a "nice drive through the woods" on gravel roads, enhancing the feeling of remoteness and escape.
• Affordable Camping: As a state forest campground, it offers a budget-friendly option for accessing Michigan's natural beauty. The camping fee for these sites is generally around $20 per night.
• Excellent Wildlife Viewing: The serene forest and lakeside environment provide opportunities for birdwatching and observing local wildlife.
• Stargazing Opportunities: Far from city lights, the campground offers excellent conditions for stargazing on clear nights.

For inquiries or more information about Portage Bay State Campground, you can use the following contact details. Please note that as a state forest campground, it typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis without direct site reservations.

Address: Garden, MI 49835, USA (Specific address provided as Portage Bay Rd, Garden, MI 49835)

Phone: (906) 644-2603 (This is the phone number for Fayette Historic State Park, which manages Portage Bay State Campground).

Email: DNR-ParksAndRecreation@michigan.gov (General email for Michigan DNR Parks and Recreation)

Note: It is always recommended to check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for the most current information regarding potable water status, operating dates, and any advisories before your visit.

For Michigan locals, Portage Bay State Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for those who truly seek an authentic, rustic, and profoundly peaceful outdoor experience in the Upper Peninsula. Its unique appeal lies in its "way back, on the water" location, offering unparalleled tranquility and direct, secluded access to the majestic shores of Lake Michigan. This is not a place for those seeking extensive amenities or a bustling social scene, but rather for individuals and families who desire to unplug, reconnect with nature, and revel in the quiet beauty of one of Michigan's most stunning natural landscapes.

The beautiful, rugged campsites, many with direct trails to a sandy beach, provide an intimate connection with the Great Lake. The extensive hiking trails, including the Ninga Aki Pathway, offer abundant opportunities for exploration, whether you're a hiker, biker, or even a snowshoer in the right season. While the lack of potable water (as of June 2025) requires campers to be self-sufficient, this aspect contributes to the campground's primitive charm and ensures a truly natural experience, free from modern intrusions. Its affordability as a state forest campground also makes this unique Upper Peninsula gem accessible to many.

In conclusion, Portage Bay State Campground is a highly recommended choice for any Michigan resident who values serene wilderness, direct lake access, and a genuine escape from the everyday. It's a place where the sounds of Lake Michigan waves replace artificial noises, and where the raw beauty of the Upper Peninsula can be fully appreciated. If you're ready for an "unplugged back-to-nature experience" and to discover one of Michigan's most "serene" campgrounds, Portage Bay is waiting for you.

For a visual tour of this serene campground, watch this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUBTc7U8cN4).

Portage Bay State Campground

Garden, MI 49835, USA