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From the MI DNR Porcupine Mountains website:
Union River Outpost is a small three-site rustic campground located on the Union River. The campground offers solitude and a camping experience unlike a typical modern campground. Union River is a classic UP trout stream. The sites are ideal for tent, van or compact campers.
There is a vault toilet, but no running water is available at any of the outpost campgrounds. Fill up at park headquarters or visitor center.
Union River Outpost Rustic Camping
$ 17 per night
Just $12 when purchased with your license plate registration renewal, the Recreation Passport is your very own key to exploring Michigan state parks, trails, historic sites, boat launches, and more. It’s the easiest way to support and protect these resources for the next generation. Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.
Michigan Resident Vehicle Passport When Purchased:
with Annual Plate Renewal via Secretary of State $ 12
at State Parks (Valid Until Next Vehicle Registration) $ 17
Michigan Resident Motorcycle Passport When Purchased:
with Annual Plate Renewal via Secretary of State $ 6
at State Parks (Valid Until Next Vehicle Registration) $ 11
Non-Resident Annual Pass $ 34
Non-Resident Daily Pass $ 9
Registration Office (May 15-October 15): 8am-8pm
(October 16 -May 14): 8am-4pm
Check-in: 3pm, Check-out: 1pm • Quiet Hours: 10pm-8am
UR02 was a secluded, small site tucked into a spruce and hemlock forest that provided a great base camp for exploring the park. It might be a good idea to pack light as the space provided barely fit our 10 person tent. We had ample firewood from the downed wood surrounding forest so an axe and/or hatchet would be useful. Each of the 3 sites on the private road have their own benefits; 1 seemed bigger and more private, 2 tucked in the woods, 3 near the vault toilet. The nearby trail is short but gives nice waterfall and stream views with interesting facts about the area. Would go back again.
Wonderfully woodsy, very private feeling campground with only 3 sites. Camped at site UR02 for 4 nights at the end of May. Bug nets will be your best friend if mosquitoes and black flies are bad. If you're looking for a more rustic/private experience and are OK with no modern campground amenities or showers, this is a great choice. Vault toilet was a short walk from site, closest to site UR03, and farthest from site UR01. An added bonus is that there is a lovely river and waterfall trail (Union Mine) that's accessible by crossing a footbridge in the campground. I had trouble finding any reviews for this campground before booking, so hopefully this review is helpful to anyone considering this place!
