Union Bay Campground
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Write a Review 33303 Headquarters Road Ontonagon, MI 49953 906-885-5275 Reservations: 800-447-2757 Official WebsiteGPS: 46.8216, -89.6394
Overview of Union Bay Campground
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: Michigan Recreation Passport
Last Price Paid: $38
Reported by Jim and Alicia Wright on 9/23/2023
Longest RV Reported: 28 feet (Travel Trailer)
Reported by Tomp on 2/7/2015
Number of Sites 100
Pad Type asphalt
Reservations yes
Open Seasonally April - October
Elevation 623 ft / 189 m
Max Stay 15
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Union Bay Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 906-885-5275
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Reviews of Union Bay Campground 18 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 6 Users
Last reported 9/23/2023
Confirmed by 5 Users
Last reported 8/30/2023
Confirmed by 2 Users
Last reported 7/14/2021
“Black flies!!!”
Reviewed 6/18/2024
| Days stayed: | 1 |
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| Site Number: | 83 |
Overall Rating
We are here mid June snd the black flues are the worst I have experienced in my 63 years if life! This very much affected our enjoyment and experience. We were in site 83. Not much privacy but close to the bathrooms and nice but not fantastic. Many sites were a bit muddy and boggy. The first row was on the lake, sites 4 through 24. ... more
We are here mid June snd the black flues are the worst I have experienced in my 63 years if life! This very much affected our enjoyment and experience. We were in site 83. Not much privacy but close to the bathrooms and nice but not fantastic. Many sites were a bit muddy and boggy. The first row was on the lake, sites 4 through 24.
Bathrooms and showers were decent. The black flies were so awful we left a night early. Rumor has it they are bad this year because of the mild winter. They should improve by mid-July.
If we return we will stay in the campground on the other end called Presque Isles. No electricity but fewer flies, more privacy and very beautiful.
We would give this sight a 4 if it weren’t for the awful flies!
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T-Mobile
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“You Have To Get The Right Spot”
Reviewed 6/7/2024
| Days stayed: | 2 |
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| Site Number: | 32 |
Overall Rating
We had site 32. It has the most room with the most privacy. The sites on the water are on top of one another or flooding. The sites on the back row were okay. We picked the wrong time to visit - flies are insane, but that is not the park’s fault. It is convenient to the park and the staff were friendly. Just don’t go if it has rained ... more
We had site 32. It has the most room with the most privacy. The sites on the water are on top of one another or flooding. The sites on the back row were okay. We picked the wrong time to visit - flies are insane, but that is not the park’s fault. It is convenient to the park and the staff were friendly. Just don’t go if it has rained or during fly season
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Verizon
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Amazing State Park, Disappointing Campground ”
Reviewed 9/23/2023
| Nightly rate: | $38 |
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| Days stayed: | 5 |
| Site Number: | 87 |
| RV Length: | 24' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Pros: close to all the fun the Porkies have to offer. Dark skies for viewing the stars and Northern Lights. Beautiful sunrises right on the lake. Easy access. Cons: sites so close together that you think you’re in an rv park. No privacy. Many sites so overused that leveling is extremely difficult. Dumpster area overflowing with trash... more
Pros: close to all the fun the Porkies have to offer. Dark skies for viewing the stars and Northern Lights. Beautiful sunrises right on the lake. Easy access.
Cons: sites so close together that you think you’re in an rv park. No privacy. Many sites so overused that leveling is extremely difficult. Dumpster area overflowing with trash…in bear country.
If in the area again, we would stay instead at the more primitive but much more beautiful Presque Isle campground at the other end of the park.
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Verizon 5G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Park, OK Campground”
Reviewed 8/30/2023
| Nightly rate: | $35 |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 53 |
| RV Length: | 22' (Class B) |
Overall Rating
We really liked the park, the largest state park in MI. Plenty of trails, falls and summits to pursue. The campground is OK but not great. Packed in a little too tight compared to other state parks. There were no actual RV pads (not concrete or gravel) so campers just parked wherever. This results in having most of the campsite wel... more
We really liked the park, the largest state park in MI.
Plenty of trails, falls and summits to pursue.
The campground is OK but not great. Packed in a little too tight compared to other state parks.
There were no actual RV pads (not concrete or gravel) so campers just parked wherever.
This results in having most of the campsite well-trodden and smashed.
Bathhouse and showers were great.
Still, we would stay here again.
AT&T 4G
Verizon 5G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice But Crowded Campground”
Reviewed 7/31/2023
| Nightly rate: | $39 |
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| Days stayed: | 4 |
| Site Number: | 93 |
| RV Length: | 19' (Class B) |
Overall Rating
Sites are very close to each other and very crowded. Quite in the evening and morning, nice hot showers and easy to access dump station and water fill.
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Verizon 4G
SteveWisconsin would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Trails are Excellent, Campground is OK. ”
Reviewed 10/3/2022
| Nightly rate: | $38 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 5 |
| Site Number: | 44 |
| RV Length: | 25' (Truck Camper) |
Overall Rating
Sept '22 - Planned to stay here a week and reduced it to 5 days. The campground sites are pretty tight and felt like you were on top of your neighbor. But the bathrooms were well-kept and they do have some lake-view sites (which are pretty hard to get your hands on for more than a few days). That being said, they have some FANTA... more
Sept '22 - Planned to stay here a week and reduced it to 5 days. The campground sites are pretty tight and felt like you were on top of your neighbor. But the bathrooms were well-kept and they do have some lake-view sites (which are pretty hard to get your hands on for more than a few days).
That being said, they have some FANTASTIC trails that pretty much make up for it. We went on several but maybe we'll try some multi-day hiking on our next trip. The best sites were on trail. Really nice boat launch here as well - great for star gazing too! Here's a video of our stay during that time. If we would do it over again, we'd consider Presque Isle campground as an alternate (no electric, though).
VLOG with more info: https://www.joslynjourney.com/e91/
Video: https://youtu.be/zTYxDXs2J-Y
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Got lucky!”
Reviewed 9/21/2022
| Nightly rate: | $39 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 9 |
| RV Length: | 16' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
I really don't know how I got this lucky (I don't remember reserving this site) but we found ourselves on site 9. Which backs right up to the lake! On our first night we slept to the sound of two foot waves gently splashing on the rocks. The second night it was as calm as could be and we sat on the rocks looking out over beautiful Lake... more
I really don't know how I got this lucky (I don't remember reserving this site) but we found ourselves on site 9. Which backs right up to the lake! On our first night we slept to the sound of two foot waves gently splashing on the rocks. The second night it was as calm as could be and we sat on the rocks looking out over beautiful Lake Superior. Wow. The campground was almost completely full in mid-September but it really didn't feel overwhelming. Lots of big-rigs but quite a few small RVs like us too. However, that was likely due to our terrific site. If you're situated on the inside loop on top of the hill (near the bath house) you'll get to know your neighbors. Very close together! Although it rained quite heavily over night, the campground didn't get too muddy and seemed to drain pretty well. Bathrooms and showers were clean and adequate in quantity for the number of campers. However, I don't think most people choose Union Bay for the campground. It's chosen for its location which can't be beat! Great proximity to all hiking trails and the South Border Road to the South end of the park. And, the Visitor's Center is very nice and inhabited by a tremendously helpful group of Rangers. Although the campground isn't very "wilderness" the surrounding park certainly is. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
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Verizon
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice campground but sites fairly close together for a state park”
Reviewed 8/19/2022
| Nightly rate: | $35 |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 93 |
| RV Length: | 25' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Overall, enjoyed our experience. The outer side we were on had a little shade. Middle area was very exposed and sites close together. Sites on the lake loop obviously are best. Electric was on opposite side of camper as it is shared so you need a long cord. Also site had large roots to drive over so a little precarious in how to park b... more
Overall, enjoyed our experience. The outer side we were on had a little shade. Middle area was very exposed and sites close together. Sites on the lake loop obviously are best. Electric was on opposite side of camper as it is shared so you need a long cord. Also site had large roots to drive over so a little precarious in how to park but overall enjoyed our stay.
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AT&T 5G
MSP Ranger would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Very crowded - more like a municipal park campground”
Reviewed 8/4/2022
| Nightly rate: | $35 |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | 91 |
Overall Rating
The Porkies are a huge park yet this, the developed campground is insanely crowded on a postage stamp sized piece of unlevel ground. The sites along the lake are spectacular, if you are able to book one in the 5 nanoseconds they're available. Otherwise, you're up on the hill in a campground much more like what you'd expect in a city pa... more
The Porkies are a huge park yet this, the developed campground is insanely crowded on a postage stamp sized piece of unlevel ground. The sites along the lake are spectacular, if you are able to book one in the 5 nanoseconds they're available. Otherwise, you're up on the hill in a campground much more like what you'd expect in a city park or county fairgrounds. Distances fire-ring to fire-ring are about 25 feet, and if you're on the very top you have sites on all three sides. There are some trees and a nice new shower house, but IMO this campground leaves a lot to be desired, especially since it's in such a beautiful natural area. Verizon service with a booster was OK.
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Verizon 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Porcupine Mountains and Lake of the Clouds”
Reviewed 7/14/2022
| Nightly rate: | $39 |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | 80, 91 |
Overall Rating
We wanted to spend three nights in the area so we had to move once to another site a few doors down. Site #91 was better than Site #80 but the ground roots were huge and made hooking up dangerous and a bit frustrating. The black flies were awful until it turned cold and rainy on the last day. AT&T connection was lousy, and even though ... more
We wanted to spend three nights in the area so we had to move once to another site a few doors down. Site #91 was better than Site #80 but the ground roots were huge and made hooking up dangerous and a bit frustrating. The black flies were awful until it turned cold and rainy on the last day. AT&T connection was lousy, and even though it showed one or two bars it was pathetically slow and not worth the time nor trouble except for checking email. The price for electrical hookup was $39 per night.
The shower facilities were great. Dump station had only one sewer connection but two fresh water hoses. The water was much better than our western travels proved to be.
The natural area in the Porcupine Mountains is astoundingly beautiful. A bit too hilly for my tastes for hiking these days, but there are many trails to choose from. We were lucky to discover Porkies Trading Post about a couple miles from the campground which served only pizza and burgers but they were both very good and fit the bill.
The Lake of the Clouds overlook and the park’s several waterfalls were beautiful. You must drive or hike to get to these natural wonders but it is well worth the trouble.
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AT&T 4G
Nomad Reign RV would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
Hookups
- 30 Amp
- 20 Amp
- dry camping
- Partial Hookups
Recreation
- boat ramp
- picnic area
- swimming beach
- water access
Site Amenities
- big rig
- fire ring
- picnic table
Facilities
- dump station
- general store
- restrooms: flush
- trash
- water available
Pets
- pets
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- bcswartz
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