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Portage Bay State Forest Campground
Portage Bay State Forest Campground
Nestled along northern Lake Michigan, this beautiful campground gives visitors an unplugged back-to-nature experience. Many of the rustic campsites sport spectacular views of Lake Michigan. The Ninga Aki Pathway provides visitors 2.7 miles of maintained hiking trail amidst a boreal forest ecosystem. There are 23 sites for tent and small trailer use.
The campground is located 10 miles south of Garden via County Road 483 and Portage Bay Road.
What to expect, finding a site
These rustic campgrounds offer stunning river and lakefront settings, perfect for fishing, boating, and paddling. Here's what you can expect:
- No reservations. Sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- There are vault toilets.
- Potable (drinking) water is available from a hand-pump well.
- No electrical available.
- Overnight fees ($20 for most sites) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground.
- Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay.
- One camping unit and six people are allowed per site.
Rates, dates and more
Recreation Passport required
A Recreation Passport (park pass) is required for vehicle entry into all state park and forest campgrounds.
Operating dates and amenities
View state forest campground rates. operating dates & amenities
State forest campground info
Find more info on state forest campgrounds.
Amenities & activities
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At a glance
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Detailed view
Boat launch
Cross-country skiing
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Mountain biking
Rustic sites
Snowshoeing
Vault toilet
Water access
Boat launch
A boat launch is located south of the campground on Lake Michigan.
Cross-country skiing
Fishing
Lake trout, steelhead and coho are caught in Lake Michigan
Hiking
Hunting
This campground provides access to state land open to hunting. Firearm hunting is not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling.
Mountain biking
Rustic sites
Snowshoeing
Vault toilet
Water access
This rustic campground is located on Lake Michigan.