This post is part of our record of (mostly) great campsites and spots we find along the way. We are hoping that the information below, accurate to the best of our knowledge, will help you in planning an awesome camping experience. For a more general recap of free and budget camping options, check out this post.
Overview
Point Detour Campground is a small, out-of-the-way campground run by the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. To camp here, you must stop and register at the Red Cliff Casino, which is about 9 miles away from the campground. It is not free or even cheap ($25) and there are no hook-ups or water. But this spot DOES include free showers… at the casino. The 25 first-come-first served sites are small, designed for tenting or small rigs. From the casino, the campground is about nine slightly rough, zig-zaggy dirt road miles away. The Dyrt has some helpful details.
At first, the place is underwhelming, a flat grassy spot surrounded by trees and a decrepit pit toilet. However, many sites have paths that lead down (seriously down!) to the rocky shores of Lake Superior. When we were here, mid week in July, it was very quiet, with only one other site taken. The trail behind our site led down to the lake, and included an anchored rope. The water was beautiful and just cold enough to be refreshing. We were able to catch some amazing sunsets here, and when we walked to the end of the dead end road beside the campground, we found an even more expansive and swim-able spot.
What’s Awesome:
— Private swimming on Lake Superior
— Perfect spot for sunsets
— Quiet (at least when we were there)
— Wonderful hot showers available at the casino before or after your stay
— Might be a good spot for kayak access to Lake Superior (for experienced kayakers)
The Downside:
–The pit toilet was not well maintained; usable but nasty
–During the heat of the day in July, there were many biting flies (ugh!)
— Not many other things to do within walking distance