Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a true nature lover’s paradise. With over 90 miles of hiking trails, is one of the best parks in the region for hikers of all experience levels. The varied terrain, with rivers, streams, and waterfalls all leading you to the shores of Lake Superior, makes it an excellent choice for any RV vacation.
The park makes for a spectacular natural getaway just about any time of the year. Come during the summer to enjoy the cool waters of Lake Superior and explore the roaring waterfalls found throughout the park. Or visit in winter for some of the best snowshoeing and alpine and cross-country skiing you’ll find in the region.
With one of the most extensive tracts of old growth forest in Michigan, the park is home to a wide variety of plant and wildlife. Bird lovers will be able to spot bald eagles, hawks, and peregrine falcons. You’ll also see plenty of white-tailed deer, otters, and beavers. You may even catch a glimpse of one of the black bears that call the park home.
The Union Bay campground has 100 sites that can be reserved online, with a variety of sites to accommodate rigs and campervans of different lengths. No matter how long you plan on visiting, you’ll always find reasons to come back to Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park.
RV Rentals in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Transportation
Driving
Located in the west of Michigan’s upper peninsula, Porcupine Mountain State Park can be reached from various cities in the region, making it an excellent stop for your next RV trip.
If you are driving from Green Bay, take WI-32, and you will reach the park in around four hours. From Minneapolis, take US Hwy 63 north, and you will arrive at the park in about five and a half hours.
Many of the park’s areas cannot be accessed by road. However, the main campground is easy to reach by road, as are the main areas of the park. You shouldn't have trouble finding parking either since parking lots are dotted around this massive park.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Campsites in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Reservations camping
Union Bay Campground
There are 100 sites available at the main campground, located on the shores of Lake Superior. All of the sites have a picnic table and fire pit, as well as electrical hookups. There is drinking water available at multiple spots throughout the campground, as well as restrooms and a sanitation station.
The campground is located within walking distance of the beach. There is a boat launch on the edge of the campground, so getting out onto the water is easy. There is also a picnic shelter and playground located in the campground. Hikers will be able to access multiple trails with a short walk from their RV.
All of the sites can be reserved online from April through the end of October. If you plan on a visit during the popular summer months, consider booking well in advance, as the campground fills up quickly.
First-come first-served
First Come, First Served
During the month of November, all of the sites at the campground become first-come, first-served.
Seasonal activities in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
In-Season
Hiking
The network of trails at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is one of the most extensive in the state, offering mile after mile of scenic hiking along the park’s rivers and waterfalls.
Take Lake Superior Trail for a 16-mile hike that weaves its way along the scenic shoreline of the lake. Or take Summit Peak Tower Trail for the chance to get a view that overlooks the whole park.
The hiking is truly excellent no matter when you visit the park, but really stands out during the fall, as the forests come to life for one last burst of color before winter.
Bird Watching
There are over 400 species of bird that have been spotted in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and you will be able to spot many of them at Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park. You’ll see bald eagles, herons, and peregrine falcons, making it one of the best places in the state to spot rare birds.
Michigan has many excellent bird watching societies that produce field guides and lists of birds in the area. Try to track down one of these field guides before you visit the park to help you learn more about local bird species and what you should look for as you explore the forests.
Beach Activities
Located on the shores of Lake Superior, you’ll have a nearly endless stretch of sandy beach to explore. Even on the most crowded summer days, there’s plenty of room to stretch out, soak up the sun, and enjoy the refreshing water of Lake Superior.
There is a large beach area located just outside the main campground, so you won’t have to travel far if you plan on spending the day relaxing on the sand. You’ll be able to get from your campervan to the beach in minutes.
Off-Season
Cross-Country Skiing
If you visit the park during the colder months of the year, you’ll be able to explore the forests on the 90-mile network of cross-country skiing trails. You’ll find plenty of wildlife wandering through the park, and the trees are truly stunning when covered in snow.
The trails are well groomed throughout the winter, so you’ll have miles of packed snow to make skiing smooth. And there’s enough terrain that skiers of all experience levels can find trails that suit them.
Snowshoeing
The extensive network of hiking trails turns into a wintry wonderland in the colder months, with nearly 100 miles for you to explore with snowshoes. Come to the park and wander through the snowy forests. The forest is still packed with wildlife, even in the winter.
The trails are shared with cross-country skiers, but they are wide enough to accommodate both skiers and hikers. Take the Big Hemlock Trail and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of Lake Superior.
Alpine Skiing
Those visiting the park in their rig during the colder months can head to the slopes at Porcupine Wilderness Ski Area. The vertical rise is nearly 1,000 feet, and you get stunning views of Lake Superior from the top of the ski lifts.
There are 42 ski trails, accommodating skiers of all experience levels. Full equipment rentals are offered on site, so you don’t need to worry about coming with the right gear.
If you are planning on a longer visit to the park, the ski area offers season passes that may save you money, especially if you plan on skiing multiple days.
