Little Beaver Lake Campground in Shingleton, MI
Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Shingleton, MI 46.557922, -86.362348 Elevation: 614′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – National Park Service (Official) This is a PAY campground. ($12 or less) The price is $12.00 |
Previous Reviews:
Little Beaver Lake Campground: 6-15 campsites. Stay 14 days. This is a beautiful secluded campground. Fire grates and tent pads.
Turn down Little Beaver Lake Campground rd. About 4 miles at the turn off to a dead end. 8 large campsites. Nice, clean, large Pit toilets. Free Running water at the self serve camping kiosk – $12 per night unless you are a senior, then it’s $6.00 per night.
Boat ramp for your kayak, canoe (no motors allowed) Little Beaver lake runs into a much larger Beaver Lake. There is access if you’re lucky to find it, into Lake Superior from Beaver Lake. 1-to 2 mile hiking trail.
About This Location
Little Beaver Lake Campground in Shingleton, MI, gives you a peaceful getaway tucked among pine forests and a quiet inland lake. With just eight sites, it’s a solid pick if you want to skip the crowds and really soak up some nature.
It’s pretty easy to get to—about 20 miles northeast of Munising—which is handy for most travelers. You’ll find nearby hiking trails, including a short interpretive loop and a path out to Lake Superior. That alone makes it a favorite for hikers and anyone eager to experience the area’s natural beauty.
You get camping in a scenic, low-key setting with the basics covered and quick access to some great trails. If you want a simple, relaxing trip close to nature, this place just works.
Key Takeaways
- Only eight campsites—expect a quiet vibe.
- Convenient roads northeast of Munising get you there.
- Hiking trails are right nearby for exploring.
Little Beaver Lake Campground in Shingleton, MI
Little Beaver Lake Campground sits by the shore of its namesake lake, just outside Shingleton, Michigan, and is wrapped in thick pine woods. It’s a peaceful little spot, perfect if you’re looking to escape the crowds and just enjoy the outdoors.
The campground has 8 campsites, which work well for tents or smaller RVs. Sites are spaced out for privacy and have direct access to the lake. There’s drinking water and vault toilets—just the basics, but that’s usually all you need out here.
You’ll find a 1-mile self-guided interpretive trail nearby that highlights local plants and wildlife. Another trail, about 1.5 miles long, heads all the way to Lake Superior, and the views along the way are worth the effort.
Being about 20 miles northeast of Munising, the campground makes a good base for exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Boating, fishing, and swimming on Little Beaver Lake are all options, or you can venture out for day trips to other natural spots.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Campsites | 8 |
| Location | Near Shingleton, MI |
| Trails Nearby | 1-mile interpretive trail, 1.5-mile trail to Lake Superior |
| Facilities | Drinking water, vault toilets |
| Nearby Activities | Fishing, boating, hiking |
Things To Do
There’s plenty to keep you busy at Little Beaver Lake Campground if you love the outdoors. The lake stays calm, so it’s great for paddle boarding and kayaking. You can fish right from shore or from a small boat with an electric motor.
Hiking is a big draw here. A 1.5-mile trail leads from the campground straight to Lake Superior and also connects with the North Country Scenic Trail, opening up even more to explore.
Big Star Cove is nearby and comes up often as a favorite hike. It’s a beautiful spot to just be outside and unwind.
If you’re just looking to chill, every site has picnic tables and fire rings. Cooking outside or spending an evening by the fire is pretty much the perfect way to end the day.
Quick list of what you can do:
- Paddle boarding
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Hiking (access to longer trails)
- Picnicking and campfires
Whether you’re after a mellow paddle or a longer trek, there’s something for everyone. The vibe is simple and peaceful—just how camping should be.
Directions
To get to Little Beaver Lake Campground, start in Shingleton, MI and head north on the local roads toward Alger County Road H-58.
Once you hit H-58, turn onto Little Beaver Lake Road. The campground sits about 3 miles up this road.
From Munising, it’s about 20 miles northeast. Take H-58 east, then turn north to the campground.
The road is paved but seasonal, so it’s smart to check conditions before you go—especially if the weather’s been rough.
With only eight campsites, planning ahead is a must. Double-check directions and road access, since conditions can change with the seasons.
Quick Summary
| Starting Point | Route | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Shingleton, MI | North to Alger County Road H-58, then Little Beaver Lake Rd | Approx. 10 miles |
| Munising, MI | East on H-58, then turn north on Little Beaver Lake Rd | Approx. 20 miles |
Vehicle Access
You’ll want to pay attention to the road conditions heading in. The access road is narrow, twisty, and has some hills—definitely not ideal for bigger vehicles.
Large motorhomes or trailers? Not recommended. The sites are small, and maneuvering anything big gets tricky fast.
Each campsite allows a maximum of two vehicles, including trailers. Single vehicles longer than 36 feet or combined setups over 42 feet just won’t fit.
Stick to these rules to keep things safe and avoid blocking others. If you drive a bigger rig, you might want to look elsewhere.
There’s enough space for cars and smaller RVs, but oversized vehicles will struggle with both the roads and the sites.
For anyone needing wheelchair accessibility, there’s a site designed for that, but the same road and size limits still apply.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
If you’re bringing an RV or trailer, keep a few things in mind. The road in is gravel for about 3 miles and has some tight curves, so take it slow.
Vehicles are limited to 30 feet in length. Most trailers just don’t fit well here. The sites aren’t built for large trailers or combos over 42 feet.
If you’re in an RV, you’ll get basic amenities like electric hookups, but don’t expect full hookups everywhere—sewer and water aren’t always on offer. Best to check ahead so you’re not caught off guard.
Here’s a quick rundown:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Road type | Gravel, 3 miles |
| Vehicle length limit | 30 feet |
| Combined vehicle + trailer | Up to 42 feet |
| Trailer suitability | Not recommended |
| Electric hookups | Available at many sites |
Plan ahead with these details in mind for a smoother stay. If you’re in a big RV or towing a large trailer, you might be happier at a different campground nearby.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At Little Beaver Lake Campground, you’ll need a permit or a reservation for every campsite—no drop-in or overflow camping here. This system keeps the visitor numbers in check and helps keep things safe and tidy.
There are just 8 sites total, so you’ve got to reserve ahead if you want a spot. Especially in peak season, these sites disappear fast.
We pay about $25 per night for each campsite, which gets us the spot and basic amenities. You’ll pay this as part of securing your permit.
If you’re in an RV, each site has full electric hookups, sewer, water, and Wi-Fi. The setup’s pretty convenient—just drive right through, park, and you’re set.
Each site also gives you a picnic table, firepit, and chairs. It’s nice not having to lug those in, and it really makes campfire dinners a breeze.
To reserve a site, just go through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore office or their website. It’s worth planning ahead to lock in your spot.
Sticking to these rules helps keep Little Beaver Lake looking good and makes camping there better for everyone.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Boat Ramp Drinking Water Fire Ring Near Water Restrooms |
RV Camping Tent Camping Boating Fishing Hiking Wildlife Viewing |
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