Rustic campgrounds along Lake Superior are covered in “golden carpet” as first leaves fall

ONTONAGON COUNTY, MI – There‘s still time to camp among the fall foliage in one of the Upper Peninsula’s most rustic spots.

Campsites are still available through the fall at the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

On Wednesday, Oct. 23, Porkies park rangers posted on social media that Presque Isle Campground is “in FULL fall mode” even with early leaves dropping. The campsite is covered in “a golden carpet.”

Camping options include the Union Bay Campground, Presque Isle campground as well as backcountry camping including the park’s cabins and yurts.

With a late peak in fall colors the state park is still welcoming leaf peepers.

The Porcupine Mountains Visitors Center is staying open later into the season to welcome travelers, now extending their dates to Sunday, Oct. 27.

After the visitors center closes campers will check in at headquarters.

The park is still accessible for camping until the end of November when the park closes its roads for the season on Dec. 1.

You can still access Presque Isle scenic area by traveling north on County Road 519 just east of Wakefield.

Both roads transition to designated snowmobile trails during the snowmobile season and remain closed until deemed safe to travel by the Ontonagon County Road Commission.

The state park features 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, waterfalls, Lake Superior shoreline, rivers, trails and ridges.

It’s a popular destination for camping, hiking, snowmobiling, fishing and more. Attractions include Lake of the Clouds, Summit Peak observation tower, Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex, fall chairlift rides, disc golf and more.

Find more information for visiting and camping at the Porkies at
michigan.gov/porkies.