Get close to nature when camping in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Lakes, rivers, forests and wildlife abound in "da U.P., eh?" (You'll hear a lot of "ehs" in the Upper Peninsula on the Canadian border!)
The peninsula's vast landmass has minimal population and cities, making camping one of the best options to stay during your visit. Read on to find out where to camp.
Getting to Michigan's Upper Peninsula
The first step to camping in the Upper Peninsula is getting there. If you look at a map, you'll see that Michigan's Upper Peninsula is pretty far from anywhere!
This is because it's a peninsula, connected to the rest of the US Lower 48 only along a roughly 200-mile border with Wisconsin and the mighty Mackinac Bridge (pronounced “mack-ih-naw”).
While Wisconsin is a great state to explore on your way to the "U.P." The true Michigan experience is crossing the massive 5-mile suspension bridge. There is a small toll, but the thrill of driving 150ft across the Mackinac Strait is well worth it!
Diverse camping opportunities on the upper peninsula
Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers the opportunity to camp on a variety of terrains. Approximately eighty-four percent of the Upper Peninsula is forest. Many species of wildlife live in the forest, including moose and wolves.
Waldcamping gives you access to hiking andOffroad. And during the winter months, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are very popular.
Michigan's Keweenaw by Air | Mortons on the move
Lakes, rivers and streams are also prevalent in the geography of the Upper Peninsula. Three of the Great Lakes border the peninsula - Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Superior. With these three major lakes and various inner water springs, you can easily enjoy fishing, boating and other water sports while camping here.
There are mountains too, kind of a rarity in the Midwest. ThatStachelschweinbergeare among the most popular and offer you fantastic walks and some of the cleanest air around. Waterfalls and wildlife are highlights of this terrain. Take advantage of the state park's campground in the area for easy access throughout your visit.
Best campground in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
We don't want you to travel to this beautiful destination without knowing where to stay. Below is a list of some of the best campsites in the Upper Peninsula.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park Rivermouth Campground
Ort: 41382 M-123, Paradise, MI 49768
Rivermouth Campground is five miles south of Paradise, Michigan.
One:Tahquamenon Falls State Park Rivermouth Campgroundsits on the Tahquamenon River with multiple access points to overlook the majestic falls. The Upper Falls drop nearly 50 feet and span more than 200 feet in diameter.
While the falls are the main attraction, there are plenty of things to do in and around Rivermouth Campground. From cycling to fishing, you can stay active in the area. Or if you want to sit back, the campsite is in a beautifully wooded, peaceful spot.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park Rivermouth Campground offers 20 and 30 amp hookup sites ($28/night) and some 50 amp ($32/night). There is also a waste disposal station in the park.
Camping in Straits State Park on the Upper Peninsula
Ort: 720 Church St, St. Ignace, MI 49781
Straits State Park is located on Lake Huron in St. Ignace, Michigan, just at the entrance to the Upper Peninsula across the Mackinac Bridge.
One: Excellent views of the famous Mackinac Bridge from hereStraits State Park. It really gives you the feeling of camping on the Upper Peninsula as you face south towards the Lower Peninsula.
There are plenty of restaurants and shops in St. Ignace. From St. Ignace and Straits State Park you can fish, boat, bike, bird watch and hike. The state park also has a beach. You can also take a ferry ride from St. Ignace to explore Mackinac Island.
You will find very few cars on this island that will seemingly take you back in time. If you have your bike, take it on the ferry and cycle around the island. It's an 8.2 mile loop. Plus, you can load up on homemade Mackinac fudge.
Straits State Park has 30 amp and 50 amp hookup points and a mini cabin for rent with a disposal station in the park. Sites are $22 per night for semi-modern, $30 per night for 20 and 30 amps, and $34 per night for 50 amps. The mini cabin is $52 per night.
→Premises Tip:Michigan's state parks have some of the best campgrounds. Here areour favorite campgrounds in Upper Michigan State Park.
Soo Locks campsite
Ort: 1001 E Portage Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Soo Locks Campground is located on the St. Marys River and 1.5 miles from Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan (pronounced "soo saint marie").
One: ThatSoo Locks campsiteis a private campsite on the upper peninsula with 100 campsites with water and electricity. There are toilets, a shop, a recreation room and a garbage station.
The campground is perfect for visiting the Soo Locks, which allow ships to pass between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. You can see this phenomenon from Soo Locks Park. You can also take boat trips to the locks to experience them for yourself. In addition, Sault Ste. Marie has several maritime themesMuseums.
Sault Ste. Marie is also a gateway to Canada. An international bridge crosses the St. Marys River, connecting Michigan to Canada, and you can see Canada directly from the campground! You will probably also receive Canadian channels on your TV.
Twelvemile Beach Campground
Ort: Alger Co. Rd H-58, PO Box 399, Grand Marais, MI 49839
Twelvemile Beach Campground is located on thePictured Rocks National Lakeshoreof Lake Superior and is 16 miles west of Grand Marais, Michigan.
One:Twelvemile Beach Campgroundoffers easy access to the wonders of Pictured Rocks. Best seen by boat, the Pictured Rocks are made up of sandstone cliffs that tumble out of Lake Superior. You can see them for about 15 miles along the National Lakeshore. There is also a 12-mile stretch of beach that you can access from the campsite.
The area offers many recreational opportunities. You can hike through dunes and paths leading to waterfalls. Several shipwreck remains can also be seen near the AuSable Point Lighthouse. This memorable stop is a reminder of why the lighthouse was built in 1874.
The Twelvemile Beach Campground on the Upper Peninsula offers 38 campsites. There are some tight corners in the park; Therefore, the maximum RV length is 42 feet. The sites aren't electric, but there are water fills, pit toilets, and fire rings for $20 a night. If you have America the Beautiful Senior Lifetime, Senior Annual or Access passes, you are eligible for a 50% discount.
→Pro tip:Pictured Rocks is just one of themBest National Parks in Michigan. Add more to your travel bucket list!
Bay Furnace campsite
Ort: E7900 W, M-28, Munising, MI 49862
Bay Furnace Campground is located in Munising, Michigan across from Grand Island on Lake Superior's Bay Furnace.
One: Similar to Twelvemile Beach Campground,Bay Furnace campsiteprovides easy access to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It's about 7 miles from the west side.
From the campsite you have access to a rocky beach and you can enjoy the viewGrand Island National Recreation Area. Hiking trails, waterfalls and boat trips are nearby.
There are 50 unpowered sites at Bay Furnace Campground. Restrooms and drinking water are available, and each site has a fire pit and picnic table. The park also has a disposal station and a drinking water filling station. It's $20 a night to camp at this Upper Peninsula campground, and they accept Golden and America the Beautiful National Park passes.
Camping in Fort Wilkins State Park on the Upper Peninsula
Ort: 15223 US-41, Copper Harbor, MI 49918
Fort Wilkins State Park is located almost as far north as you can get on the Upper Peninsula in Copper Harbor, Michigan.
One: Camping on the Upper Peninsula is unique, andFort Wilkins State Parkactivates this check box. With a restored 1844 military outpost and one of the first lighthouses on Lake Superior, this state park is a history lesson. It even has costumed actors interpreting itKeweenaw PeninsulaFortress history for you.
The state park is located between Copper Harbor and Lake Fanny Hooe. If you enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, biking and wildlife viewing, you can do it here.
Fort Wilkins State Park Campground has 30 amp and 50 amp sites, a rental cabin, and a group site. The campsite has a disposal station and water tanks. Sites are $25 per night for 20 and 30 amp outlets and $29 per night for a 50 amp outlet. The group seat is $17 per six people and the cabin is $75 per night.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Ort: 33303 Headquarters Road, Ontonagon MI, 49953
Der Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park liegt am Lake Superior in Carp Lake Township, Michigan.
One: The Porcupine Mountains offer sweeping views of forests, waterfalls, rivers and lakes. Overall, it has a rustic and modern campsite as well as backcountry camping. What more could you ask for when camping in the Upper Peninsula?
This large wilderness area has approximately 60,000 acres to explore with 90 miles of trails. And in winter there is oneSki Area!
The campground has pitches that range from $15 to $28 per night. For on-site rates and a list of hiking trails, seeclick here. The campground also offers rustic cabins and yurts that can be rented for $68 a night, as well as the Kaug Wudjoo Lodge for $200 a night.
Camping on the Upper Peninsula is the way to go
If you're looking for a great northern adventure, camping in the Upper Peninsula is the way to go. Plan your visit between late June and August for the best chance of warm-weather activities.
If you come in September, you can embark on a magical fall tour as the leaves change color. And if you're traveling in winter, visit the local ski resorts!
We'd love to hear about your camping experiences in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.What was your favorite part of staying there?Write a comment below.
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