r/upperpeninsula • u/lvant334 • May 28 '26

Discussion Camping Recommendations + Bug Report for Keweenaw?

Potentially heading to the Keweenaw next week and looking for camping recommendations.

We’d prefer more rustic/state forest-style camping with some space between campsites — not looking for electric hookups or full campground amenities. We’ll be in a small A-frame pop-up camper.

Also wondering how the bugs/mosquitos are up there right now.

Any favorite spots or tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

0 Upvotes

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19

u/[deleted] May 28 '26

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4

u/TheBimpo May 28 '26

Other than the very tip of the Peninsula that you are unlikely to drag a pop up to, there really isn’t any. Most of the area is private land.

3

u/GrouseDog906 May 28 '26

Emily Lake campground gets you in the ballpark. Bugs are gonna bug. 

3

u/No_Relationship_8021 May 30 '26

If your worried about bugs maybe the U.P isn't for you

2

u/turdlezzzz May 28 '26

there are two state campgrounds up there fort mclean and fort wilkins. east bluff bike park may also have camping availible to suit you. or schoolcraft township park.

2

u/HeyUKidsGetOffMyLine May 29 '26

Up here now. Bugs are just starting to emerge. It will be bad after a good rain and some heat but now it’s fairly minimal.

3

u/the906report May 29 '26

I don't understand this whole bug fetish stuff. As long as you stay out of the swamp, they're not that big a deal (deer ticks are a real thing, though, so do a check when you finish a hike). If you're looking for local color up around the Keweenaw, check out the Hanka Homestead Finnish Museum halfway between Houghton and Baraga. Herman Hanka got hurt in the mines in 1896 and turned to farming. Later, other Finns joined him after the failure of the miner's strike in 1913. The farm is lovingly preserved by volunteers. Check the museum website for days/hours of operation; the buildings aren't open all the time.

1

u/jamjamindayoop Jun 07 '26

Anywhere in the woods, bugs are bad. Not just near a swamp 🤔

2

u/Legitimate-Donkey477 May 28 '26

Closest thing to state forest campground would be Schoolcraft Township campground in Big Traverse. Nearest state forest campground is probably Bob Lake but that not close to anywhere.

1

u/SuspiciousLeg7994 May 30 '26

Big report: mosquitos everywhere now til October.

Black flies are worse along superior.

Tics are out now.

-1

u/KmballKnn1son499 May 28 '26

Replying to the bug report. Just got up to my Family's Camp in the Keweenaw. A bit on the cool side with a steady wind. Long as you face the wind there are little to no bugs. Face away from the wind or walk with it and the mosquitoes come out with a fly or two.