Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground is one of the most beautiful places for tent camping in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Sites are located a stone’s throw from Lake Superior, so you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up to a spectacular sunrise.
About the Campground
There are 10 campsites at Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground. Sites 1-8 are tent-only; you can reach each one by walking along narrow, sandy trails. Sites 9 and 10 are located next to the parking lot, so they’re accessible for smaller RVs and travel trailers.
Campground amenities:
- Picnic tables
- Fire rings
- Pit toilet
- Water pump
The tent campsites are tucked into the towering trees next to Lake Superior. Each one offers beach access and a view of the water. Site 1 has the most privacy; it’s hidden away at the north end of the campground. If you’re coming with a group, sites 7 and 8 are located in a large, open area.
Here’s the best part: the campsites are surrounded by a sea of blueberry plants. Visit from late July through August, and you’ll have a steady supply of fresh berries.
Bring sturdy garbage bags — the campground does not offer trash collection, so you’ll need to pack out your garbage.
How to Reserve a Campsite
You’ll need a reservation to camp at Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground. There are three ways to reserve a site:
- Visit the campground host (near site 8)
- Call 906-281-9700
- Stop by the Schoolcraft Township Office in Lake Linden
Schoolcraft Township Campground Beach
The white-sand beach is the main attraction at Schoolcraft Township Campground. Ultra-quiet and peaceful, it’s the perfect spot to sunbathe or relax with a book. If you’re feeling brave, you can jump into the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior. This massive lake is famously cold, but it’s usually pleasant — though brisk — by August.
The beach is open to the public, but it’s rarely used by anyone but campers. Instead, most locals head to the park down the street. If you’re visiting for the beach, there’s an access trail by sites 7 and 8.
How to Get to Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground
Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground is located about 14.5 miles southeast of Calumet, Michigan. From Lake Linden, it’s a 10.8-mile drive. The roads are paved until you hit South Big Traverse Road, which is gravel.
Directions to Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground
- From Calumet, drive 4 miles south on M-26 to Lake Linden
- Turn right at the flashing light
- Drive one block
- Turn left onto 9th street after one block and drive 2.2 miles (road becomes Bootjack Road)
- Turn left on Rice Lake Road, and follow it for 7.6 miles
- Turn right on South Big Traverse Road
- Drive 0.8 miles, and look for the campground on the left
The campground has a large gravel parking area, so there’s lots of room to park. All vehicles must remain in the parking lot.
Things to Do Nearby
Drive about 0.6 miles north on South Big Traverse Road to enjoy the beach, playground, and picnic areas at Schoolcraft Township Park. Nearby Rice Lake offers a boat launch and shallow, warm water. If you’re interested in waterfalls, head north to Tobacco River Falls.