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The best camping near Van Riper State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Van Riper adventure.

Discover Van Riper State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.  

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Community favorites near Van Riper State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Van Riper State Park

98%
(78)

Northern Oasis

7 sites ¡ RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ MI
Our property is located between Marquette and Negaunee, in Michigans Upper Peninsula. We are approx 8 miles from the shores of beautiful Lake Superior and 53 miles from Pictured Rocks National Park. We are about 4.5 miles off of US 41 nestled in a quiet forest like setting. We built our home here in 2019 and are continually making improvements to the land. We tap our trees for maple syrup in the spring-you will drive by our "sugar shack" and raise chickens in our very nice coop -say hello to them when you fill up with water from our spout/hose near the large fire pit and the coop. Come and enjoy some peace and quiet at our Northern Oasis! We are near rivers for fishing and kayaking-kayaks for rent on this site-see extras! We are on the route of the Ore to Shore Mountain Bike epic and not far from the North Country Trail. We have open sites and a few more private sites. If you don't like what is available please don't hesitate to contact us-we do have other options. The picnic table and fire pit is for anyone on the site. There are yard games, extra chairs and a small table in the red shed. This can also be used as a storm shelter if needed!
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$28
 / night
100%
(260)

Heritage Hills

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents21 acres ¡ Ishpeming, MI
Heritage Hills isn't called Heritage Hills for nothing! It's situated on 21 acres of what was the original Wawonowin Country Club, a 9-hole golf course that was built in the early 1800s and then closed in the mid 1960s. This area was boom town in those early days because the very spot where iron ore was discovered is within walking distance! You are free to explore by foot, bike or horse the whole 800 acres between Ishpeming and Negaunee (and further if you would like!) and expedience this diverse area of hardwoods, pines, meadows and some wetlands, too, to discover many historical spots of interest.
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$25
 / night
100%
(305)

Bear Tree Homestead

3 sites ¡ Lodging50 acres ¡ Trowbridge Park, MI
Bear Tree Homestead is nestled among the cliffs and ravines which drains the south face of Hogback Mountain into Lake Superior. Hogback Mountain is one of the larger rock formations in the Huron Range, a surprisingly rugged, and diverse region of low mountains carved by glaciers. We have been inspired by these ancient rocks to build our homestead with materials gathered on our land. Each cabin is hand-built of log and stone using traditional Scandinavian building tools and techniques. The Pond Cabin is completely off the grid and the Orchard Cabin with electricity and handpump water. Our buildings, gardens, and pastures are integrated into the forested landscape and are not your typical homestead. One of the most wonderful things we have to offer is the accessibility to thousands of protected acres surrounding us and the trails that bisect them. We are located 8 miles from downtown Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where there are many great restaurants, shops, and brewpubs. However, once you drive into Bear Tree Homestead and settle in you will not want to leave.
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$87
 / night
99%
(147)

Bear Lake Meets da Yellow Dog

2 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents10 acres ¡ Marquette, MI
The land around Bear Lake was divided into 10-acre parcels in the 1970s using an original logging trail. Logging artifacts have been found on the property. The Yellow Dog River is a legendary trout stream, and many artists have found that the river satisfies their need for the wild. We are 20 miles (app) north of Marquette, which is my home town.  It is a destination for bikers, skiiers, and outdoor rec folk!  There are so many things to see and do in Marquette, so make sure to plan enough time to check out the town!  Also, just six miles to our north is historic Big Bay.  A lumber town back in the day, it is full of history.  Check out the Thunder Bay Inn, where parts of Anatomy of a Murder, starring Jimmy Stewart and Lee Remick were filmed.  Don't miss going to the Lumberjack to see where the actual murder took place, either!  You will find good eats and perhaps even some live music at either establishment. You'll also find everything you need in the way of groceries, and gas at Cram's General Store, where there's also a laundromat.  Burns landing has the historic Burns family home renovated in a park setting, and a public beach access to mighty Lake Superior.  Yellow Dog falls is a short drive on Co. Road 510, and on the way be sure to climb Thomas Rock overlook.  There are new bike trails if you're into that as well!   Stay awhile.  You'll be glad you did! We strive to offer peace and serenity to our guests, and love to share these woods with those needing tranquility and respite from a busy world. In this sensitive environmental area, we have only two sites to keep traffic down, enhance our visitors experience, and to protect the wildlife here. Unplug with us, eh!
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from 
$30
 / night
95%
(11)

Wood Pecker Creek

4 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents40 acres ¡ Big Bay, MI
The Sugar Shack & Woodpecker Creek Camping 40 Acres of Northwoods located 17 miles north of Marquette. Nestled in the foothills of the Huron Mountains, our space offers a peaceful and rustic off grid camping experience. Close proximity to all the outdoor recreation that the Upper Peninsula has to offer. The small town of Big Bay is minutes away with a general store, fuel, bar, cafe and restaurant.
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from 
$30
 / night
98%
(43)

Private Wooded Camping on the Lake

1 site ¡ RV, Tent5 acres ¡ L'anse, MI
Learn more about this land:Camp only feet from the lake. Go kayaking boating fishing hiking . Restaurant/ bar grill only 1 Mile away. Porta potty for tent campers. Launch your small boat or canoe right from the site. Many scenic sites nearby. 
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$35
 / night
100%
(2)

Ellens Cabin

1 site ¡ Lodging40 acres ¡ West Ishpeming, MI
Looking for a remote cabin for a romantic getaway or a relaxing time in the big Northwoods? Ellen’s cabin is off-grid (12volt DC, solar), has no running water and limited cellphone service. It’s 1/2 a mile from a dirt road which is a portion of the North Country Trail, sitting in the rugged Michigamme Highlands, close to Silver Lake and Dead River Basins. The cabin is fully equipped and is 45 minutes from Ishpeming and an hour from Marquette. There is a wood stove and back-up propane for heat, a gas stove and small grill for cooking and a small fridge. There is a double bed, two single beds and a pull-out futon and all bedding is provided. There is also an open area upstairs for yoga or for children to play. There is a fire ring with wood provided, a deck with great views of the Mulligan escarpment and an outhouse. There are lots of opportunities to see birds and other wildlife and for this reason we do not allow dogs, hunting or motorized sports.
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$100
 / night
100%
(77)

Hemlock Ridge Homestead

3 sites ¡ Lodging10 acres ¡ Marquette, MI
This was a custom log home built in the early 2000's. It has been updated over the years to make it more livable year round. This site is on a seasonal road so travel in and out can be impeded at times due to weather or external forces, such as tree falls, wash outs, etc. This is a self sufficient homestead in the making. Our garden has progressed greatly, and our fruit tree orchards are in just starting to produce. We just opened our second site, the Prairieview Chalet to our already great, Acorn Retreat cabin. Which includes a hot tub and other amenities, including a heated in the winter bouchee outhouse. The new Prairieview Chalet is an exceptional adventurers haven! It has all the things you want after a day(s) out in the wilderness, with amenities like a hot shower, fully stocked kitchen, linens and more. Our property reflects our love of the land and space. We are always making improvements, such as the timber framed chicken coop. We now have a ping pong table for our guests, and still over farm fresh eggs. We strive to make every place better than we found it and hope our guests will do the same. This is a zen, quiet place to heal, reflect and refill your cup of life:)
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$145
 / night
100%
(2)

RUTH LAKE RESORT

1 site ¡ RV, Tent1 acre ¡ Michigamme, MI
We are located in Three Lakes, on Lake Ruth. We have 200 LF of beach front. We have a sauna, kayaks and paddle boards for use. We have 4 motel rooms, 4 cabins, and room for tenters and 2 RV electrical hook-ups. The property includes gas grills and fire pits. Our large garage has room for activities on rainy days. Our outdoor kitchen area is covered and a great place for cooking. Garage has a bath, with toilet, lavatory, and shower for tenters and RVers that need a restroom.
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$75
 / night
100%
(4)

Pinecrest Northwoods

2 sites ¡ Lodging105 acres ¡ Republic, MI
Pinecrest Northwoods is a UP paradise. Located in Republic, MI and nestled between the Michigamme River and Juncob Lake. The entrance to the property brings you over a bridge and along Pinecrest Ln. There are multiple cabin rentals and glampsites available for rent. While here you can enjoy our 100 year old authentic Finish sauna, miles of forested trails, our sandy beach on Juncob Lake, multiple styles of boats, yard games and more!
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$80
 / night
79%
(7)

Chocolay River

91 sites ¡ RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Marquette, MI
Our 75 camp sites are located conveniently near Lakes Superior off M28 right by Ojibwa Casino-Marquette, NMU Golf Course, and the ATV trail heads. Check out Things to Do for more information. 80 foot camp sites All pull through sites Full hookups at every site – electric, water, sewer Tent sites also available
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from 
$25
 / night
100%
(32)

Possum Creek Campground

4 sites ¡ Tents80 acres ¡ Trowbridge Park, MI
ATTENTION: 4 Wheel Drive is necessary to access this private gated campground. Site 1, The Falls Site, is limited to 2 campers who must hike approximately 1/4 mile to the site from parking. Site 2, The Garden Site, has vehicle access. This 80 acres has been family-owned for almost a century and has not been cut in that time. Many trees are mature. The southern half is home to 8 charcoal kilns which employed a community prior to ownership. The mountain is approximately 1.8 billion years old. Learn more about this land: This property has 2 tent sites at the western base of Hogback Mountain. Site 1, The Falls Site, is located on a spring fed stream. The hike from parking to tent site is 1/4 mile on a well-marked hilly path. Campers can park at the main property on County Road HD or on the Garden Road, and will need to pack supplies to their site. Site 2, The Garden Site, is 100 feet from the stream and campers can drive to and park their vehicles at the site. Current (summer 2023) County Road HD road conditions require 4-wheel drive due to storm washout. Future road grading may allow a 2 wheel drive or non-SUV type vehicle with lower clearance to pass. Sites have picnic tables, fire pits, and an outhouse. Campers are responsible for removal of all other waste. The 2-foot wide stream provides water for washing, but is not considered potable, and use of filters or boiling water is recommended. These isolated sites are beautiful and rustic and nestled in the midst of the Noquemanon Trail Network (cross country skiing and mountain biking) and North Country Trails and are approximately 2 miles from Lake Superior, Harlow Lake and Dead River. 2 kayaks/paddles/life vests and a 12 foot boat are available for camper use. First come, first serve. You transport.
Pets
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from 
$60
 / night

The best camping near Van Riper State Park guide

Overview

About

Sun up to sun down and stay van-stoked at Van Riper State Park. Bordered by half a mile of luscious lake length, this 1055-acre park is waiting for YOU to come and take the plunge into nature. Disconnect all 'pads and phones and pods and connect to the “I” within. The docks here aren’t just good for fishin’. Use them as a stage to align those mixed up chakras, and yoga your morning aches away.

Hike, swim, bike, swim, repeat. It’s all about gratitude folks, find yourself in the North side of the park and you may be rewarded with a moose sighting! Find the effects of fresh air intoxicating? Stay a night, heck a week! Van Riper’s got the C&C (campgrounds & cabins) for your Z's.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Van Riper State Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the park is full of life. However, autumn also offers a spectacular display of fall colors. Winters can be harsh and are best suited for snow-based activities, while spring may bring unpredictable weather and muddy trails.

Know before you go

  • Ensure you have a Recreation Passport for park entry, as it's required for access.
  • Check the trail conditions before you set out, especially after inclement weather.
  • Remember to pack out all your trash and leave the park as pristine as you found it.
  • For those planning to hike, sturdy footwear is recommended due to the varied terrain.
  • Be aware of park-specific safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

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