Campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula Michigan – The Best Campgrounds

Mike

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We searched for the best Upper Peninsula campgrounds and we found Natalie Hardy.

Natalie’s Michigan outdoor adventures inspire us every year, from hiking the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to exploring the High Banks Trail on the AuSable, and more. To help you plan your next camping trip to the U.P., Natalie has shared her top campgrounds with you. Scroll down to see an interactive map showing Natalie’s top camping spots!

Best Upper Peninsula Campgrounds

Happy Camping Season! Although I enjoy camping all year, summer is my favorite season. The Upper Peninsula Michigan has plenty of beautiful camping spots.

There are many options for camping in the Upper Peninsula, including inland lakes, rustic campgrounds and camping along the Lake Superior shoreline. For the ultimate guide to camping in Michigan’s best state parks, see this article.

PRO-TIP – To enter the state parks, you will need a Recreation Passport. They can be purchased at the visitor center upon entry to the park. More information is available from the State.

Eastern Upper Peninsula Campgrounds

Straits State Park
720 Church Street, Saint Ignace, MI 49781

Just across the Mackinac Bridge from St. Ignace you’ll find a Michigan State Park that offers one of the most spectacular views in Michigan.

Straits State Park is located on the Lake Huron side the Upper Peninsula. Numerous campsites are situated right along the shore, with a stunning view of the Mackinac Bridge. This State Park has three areas, with 274 sites.

The Upper Loop is perfect for campers and trailers with electric hookup and 145 unisites. The East Loop has 56 sites, while the West Loop has 73. Both have electrical hookup, with most of them being in the West Loop. Although the sites are not wired, they offer a beautiful view and are rustic.

Three modern bathhouses are located in each loop with vault toilets. Two mini cabins with electricity and bunk beds are located in the East Loop.

There are a few trails that can take you to better views in the park. The Mackinac Bridge Overlook trail is a 1-mile loop hike that leads to an Instagram-worthy shot of the Mackinac Bridge.

WHAT TO DO: Take a stroll through downtown St. Ignace and then hop on a ferry to go to Mackinac Island. Be sure to visit Castle Rock!

To KNOW Camping at Straits State Park is available from May 16th to October 16th.

Tahquamenon Falls
41382 W M123, Paradise MI 49768

You can camp at the Tahquamenon Falls State Park near Tahquamenon Falls, which is the largest waterfall east-of the Mississippi. There are two campsites within this park so you can enjoy the beautiful Upper Peninsula.

The Rivermouth Campground can be found at the east end the state park. It features Rivermouth Modern and the Rivermouth Pines area. You can camp on one of the 36 rustic sites or in the modern camper cottages. This section of the campground has vault toilets as well as water pumps. You can find modern bathrooms and electricity hookups in the Modern section.

You can also walk to the Lower Falls Campground for a closer view of the falls. All campsites have modern toilets and electricity hookup. These campsites can also be used for winter camping. I recommend it highly! The DNR will snowplow your site if you make a reservation in advance

There are many hiking trails in the area. One of them is the 4-mile hike from Lower Falls to Upper Falls, which runs along the Tahquamenon River.

TO DO Grab a tasty bite to eat along with a refreshing beer at the Tahquamenon Brewing Company. They are open all year round at the Upper Falls trailhead.

To KNOW: You can camp at the Lower Falls Hemlock sites all year. Rivermouth and Lower Falls Portage can be accessed from April 22 to October 8. Rivermouth’s camper cabin is available from April 21 to November 29.

Muskallonge Lake State Park
29881 Co Rd 407, Newberry, MI 489868

This gem of a campground is located north of Tahquamenon Falls along the shores Lake Superior and Muskallonge Lakes (one of the largest inland lakes in the Upper Peninsula).

All 159 sites have electricity and access to water pumps. There are vault toilets, fire rings and modern bathrooms. Anyone who loves tenting or trailer camping will love their stay. There is a boat launch to Muskallonge Lake right from the campground. Hiking trails lead down to Lake Superior are also available across the campground.

You can drive only 40 minutes to Grand Marais, where you can hike at the eastern end on Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. You will also find many ORV trails.

TO DO: Tahquamenon Falls is just 45 minutes away. Enjoy a meal and a drink at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery or hike the many trails. You can find great local restaurants like Timer Charlie’s Pizza, Sedder’s Pizza and Zellar’s Restaurant just 30 minutes away from Newberry.

TO KNOW Muskallonge Lake State Park can be rented for camping between April 15th and October 30th

Western Upper Peninsula Camping

Indian Lake State Park
8970 Co Hwy 442, Manistique, MI 49854

Go to Manistique to camp along one of the most beautiful inland lakes in Upper Peninsula (4th largest).

Two campgrounds are available at Indian Lake State Park. One is located along the west shore and has 70 sites for tents and trailers. Both have electricity, water pumps and vault toilets. There are 143 sites at the campground, all with electricity, water pumps and modern bathhouses. The main campground has a boat launch and swimming beaches.

You will find a variety of hiking trails in the state park and forest, suitable for all levels and lengths. For a shorter hike, take the Indian Lake Pathways loop for approximately 5 miles. Or you can go on to the Dufour Creek Trail for just 1.4 miles.

TO DO: The famous Kitch-iti-Kipi (also known as Palms Book State Park), is just a short drive away. This park is known for its natural spring waters and crystal clear water. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and coffee at Cedar Street Cafe and Coffee House. You can also grab a burger from Clyde’s Drive In, or The “40”, Bar and Grill. You should also make sure you walk down Cedar Street to browse the shops.

TO KNOW Indian Lake State Park can be rented for camping between April 21 and November 6.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
33303 Headquarters Road, Ontonagon, MI 49953

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is one of the most famous places in Michigan that will leave you wondering if Michigan is still your home.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers a wide range of camping options. For 100 modern-electric sites located on the shores or Lake Superior, head to Union Bay at the east end.

These sites have water, vault toilets and modern bathhouses. Presque Isle, a large campground is found at the west end. These 49 sites are only rustic and do not allow generators. However, water and vault toilets are available at each site. You will find many backcountry cabins and hike-in spots, as well as rustic drive-in locations with vault toilets.

This is not your typical tourist park. There are more than 60,000 acres of outdoor recreation. Everybody will find something that they enjoy, from fishing and hunting to mountain bike, backpacking and hiking. The park is open all year round to allow you to take in the tranquility of the landscape’s green summers and snow-covered winters . You can also enjoy the stunning fall colors Michigan and wildlife viewing from this spot.

TO DO: Go 15 miles east to Ontonagon, where you can grab a bite at the UP North Café. Then sit by the shores of Lake Superior. You can also head 30 miles west towards Ironwood to grab a cup from Contrast Coffee Company. This is one of my favorite local Michigan coffee shops.

To Know: Union Bay Campground can be reserved from May 27 to September 29. Presque Isle and other backcountry hike-in and drive-in sites are available from May 15 to October 30. All year, Yurts and backcountry cabins can be reserved. Canyon Falls, Baraga County

Upper Peninsula Campgrounds on the Keweenaw Peninsula

Baraga State Park
1300 US Hwy 41, Baraga, MI 49908

This state park is located at the base of Keweenaw Peninsula. It has 95 sites and includes electricity, water pumps, vault toilets and modern restrooms. The campground also has a mini cabin with a bunk bed, electricity and a mini-fridge.

This beautiful spot on the L’Anse Bay is the ideal spot for fishing, swimming and boating. This park is unique in that it allows ORV access to the park and nearby trails. Take a 1-mile hike to Bond Falls on the Ontonagon River.

TO DO: Visit downtown Baraga, a charming UP town. Grab a bite at the Baraga Drive In. You can also travel just one hour east on US-41 to Marquette for a little more action!

TO KNOW Camping at Baraga State Park is available from April 29th to October 30th.

McLain State Park
18350 M-203 Hancock, MI 49930

You’ll find one my favorite state parks for winter camping, right in the middle the Keweenaw Peninsula. It offers lots of fun activities! McLain has 135 sites for trailer and tent camping. Each site has an electrical hookup and water pumps.

Seven mini cabins are also available, each with electricity, microwave, mini fridge and hot plate. McLain State Park boasts spectacular views from its 2 mile sandy shore on Lake Superior. There are several options for summer activities, including a concession stand, beach shelters, fishing piers, and lighthouse. This is a great place to catch a glimpse at the northern light.

TO DO: You can easily head to Hancock and Houghton to grab a bite, drink, or explore the twin towns. My personal favorites include The Library Restaurant and Brew Pub and La Cantina Mexican Restaurant and Keweenaw Brewing Company. You can grab a cup of coffee from 5th & Elm Coffee House, Houghton. Also, Keweenaw Coffee Works, Calumet is a must-see.

KNOW WHAT: McLain State Park offers camping for tents and trailers starting May 6th through October 30th
Mini-cabin camping is possible all year. However, vault toilets only are available during winter ).

https://7bb461c02548bb28cc39cf73ef7da616.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html Copper Harbor Lighthouse, Fort Wilkins across the Harbor

Fort Wilkins State Park
Copper Harbor, MI 49918, 15223 US Hwy 41

This campground, which has 159 sites, is located in Copper Harbor. It features an electrical hookup at each site. This campground is ideal for tent and trailer camping. Two modern bathhouses, vault toilets and pump water spigots are available. Day shelters are also available. Boat launch and fishing pier to Lake Fanny Hooe are also available.

Two cabins are also available for rent. Two bunk beds are provided in one cabin. The other cabin has a queen-sized futon and full-sized fridge and freezer. Hot plates, microwave and a coffee pot are all included. A mini cabin has a bunk bed, two beds, electricity, refrigerator and Wi-Fi. This campground also offers group sites that can be reserved.

The restored 1844 military outpost can be viewed in the State Park. It is an educational and fascinating Northern Michigan Greenfield Village.

TO DO: Drive through Brockway Mountain Scenic Drive, a scenic drive that takes you to the heart of Michigan. You can take a day trip to Isle Royale by taking the Isle Royale Line, which departs from Copper Harbor. You can visit nearby waterfalls such as Montreal Falls, Haven Falls and Silver River Falls.

KNOW WHAT: Fort Wilkins State Park offers camping for tents and trailers between May 6th and October 30th. Mini-cabin camping is possible all year. Vault toilets are only available during the winter months ).

PRO-TIP : Plan a stop at Keweenaw National Historic Park. It is one of seven Michigan national parks. This park is home to the unique Michigan copper mining history and its cultural heritage. To learn more about the role that Michigan’s copper mining industry has played in the history of the world, visit 21 sites located throughout the park

There are more Upper Peninsula campgrounds to explore

Eastern UP

  • Soo Locks Campground
    1001 E Portage Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
  • Aune Osborne Campground
    1225 Riverside Dr., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

Central Upper Peninsula Campgrounds

  • Munising Tourist Park Campground
    E8518 M28, Munising MI 49862
  • Bay Furnace Campground
    E7900 W. M-28. Munising. MI 49862
  • Twelvemile Beach Campground
    Grand Marais, MI 49839
  • Roads End Campsite, Grand Island
    Munising, MI 49862

Campgrounds in Western UP

  • City of Houghton Park
  • 1100 W Lakeshore Dr. Houghton (MI 49931)

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