What a surprise to see my picture on the front of an article
https://www.islands.com/2161491/detour-state-forest-campground-michigan-lake-huron-beach-camping
It’s not every day you’re scrolling through a national travel site and see a piece of your own journey looking back at you. Recently, Islands.com featured an article on DeTour State Forest Campground, and I was surprised to see they used one of my photos from a Google review! It’s a nice nod to a place that has become a staple for Lori and me.
For the past five years, we’ve made it a point to camp at DeTour at least once a year. If you’re looking for “dry camping at its best,” this is exactly where you want to be.
The Experience
The journey in sets the tone: a winding, single-track dirt road that eventually opens up to about 21 secluded campsites. While I’m not about to “leak” the numbers of my absolute favorite spots, I will say that several sites feature a short, private path that leads directly to a stunning, rugged beach on Lake Huron. There is nothing quite like waking up to the sound of those Great Lakes waves.
Know Before You Go (The “Big Rig” Reality)
A word of caution for my fellow travelers: this campground is not big rig friendly. Our 26-foot rig is about as large as I would comfortably recommend for this tight terrain. While I’ve seen larger units squeeze in, the number of spots that can actually accommodate them is extremely limited, and the turns are tight.
Exploring the Neighborhood
One of the best parts of staying at DeTour is the balance between total seclusion and nearby local flavor.
Cedarville (To the West): This is our go-to for supplies and a bit of civilization. You’ll find a solid local grocery store (Cedarville Foods) and Les Cheneaux Distillers, which is a great spot for a meal and a local drink.
DeTour & Drummond Island (To the East): If you head the other direction, you’re at the gateway to Drummond Island. It’s a fantastic area for exploring, and if you have a 4×4, the island’s trail system is legendary.
If you’re passing through the Upper Peninsula and want a rustic escape that feels worlds away from the standard RV park, DeTour is a must—just make sure you’re ready to go off-grid!
