Can You Camp Free in Hiawatha National Forest?

Hiawatha National Forest is a stunning 894,836-acre forest located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is home to a vast variety of wildlife, trees, and flora and fauna. With its gorgeous views, abundant wildlife, and captivating nature, Hiawatha National Forest is a great destination for camping.

Where to Camp?
Hiawatha National Forest has many camping opportunities available. The most popular type of camping is primitive camping, which allows visitors to camp without the use of modern amenities such as electricity or running water. Primitive camping can be done in designated areas or select campsites throughout the forest.

Campers can also stay at one of Hiawatha National Forest’s three developed campgrounds with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, flush toilets, and drinking water. These developed campgrounds are located near Munising (East Munising Campground), Grand Marais (Grand Sable Campground), and Seney (Seney Campground).

The forest also provides several designated backcountry campsites that are accessible by foot or boat only. These sites offer basic amenities such as fire rings and pit toilets.

Is it Free?
Yes! Primitive camping in Hiawatha National Forest is totally free! Visitors are allowed to stay up to two weeks at a time within the boundaries of the national forest as long as they follow all applicable rules and regulations.

Campers who wish to stay in one of the developed campgrounds must pay a fee for each night they stay at the site. This fee varies depending on the type of site you choose but ranges from $15-$20 per night per site.

Conclusion
Yes! You can indeed camp free in Hiawatha National Forest! Primitive camping within the boundaries of the national forest is completely free, with no fees or permits required. However, if you choose to stay in one of the developed campgrounds, you will need to pay a fee for each night you stay there.

Photo of author

Chris Powell