The best river, stream, or creek RV camping in Lake Superior

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One of the biggest freshwater lakes in the world, Lake Superior offers some of the best camping in the United States. Clear, cold waters lap at rocky beaches backed by dense forests. Charming small towns welcome visitors. In the evening, the stars and aurora borealis light up the light pollution-free sky.

The best part? The coastline is remote and relatively unpopulated, so you can enjoy the lake in peace. It stretches from the Canada border and across northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, creating an endless selection of campsites.

If you’re starting in Minnesota, drive from Duluth and up the North Shore toward Canada. The snowmelt brings a series of waterfalls to life in April and May. At Split Rock State Park, you can camp near a historic lighthouse and bike the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. Near Grand Marais, watch surfers navigate enormous waves in the November gales.

If islands are your thing, Lake Superior has you covered. Glide over crystal-clear waters and under tree-covered cliffs in the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin. In the winter, you can walk across the frozen lake to sparkling ice caves. Or, hop a seaplane or boat to the remote Isle Royale National Park. Here, a stunning trail network takes you over rocky ridges to backcountry campsites.

For some serious small-town friendliness, head for Copper Harbor in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. From your Lake Superior campsite, you’re moments from a killer network of mountain biking and hiking trails. In the fall, the changing leaves rival the East Coast for grandeur (bonus: no crowds). Winter brings cross-country skiing and snowboarding—nearby Mount Bohemia has the highest vertical drop in the Midwest.

Summer is the best time for camping on Lake Superior. Take advantage of the sunny days to paddle Pictured Rocks or see the raging Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan. Fall and spring bring crisp temperatures and low crowd levels.

The intense Lake Superior winters aren’t for the faint of heart. If you have a warm sleeping bag or an RV, however, the cold is worthwhile. Spend your days cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing. Then, pop into a local brewery to have a pint with the hardy locals.

97% (284)

Top-rated campgrounds

Superior Beach Camp

2. Superior Beach Camp

99%
(204)
2 sites · Tents, RVs · South Range, WI
Escape to Superior Beach Camp and immerse yourself in the beauty and privacy of a cleared camping area situated above 500' feet of sand and pebble beach on the world’s greatest lake. Agate campsite is very generously sized and is all yours. Surrounded by a mix of poplar and birch with a few white pine sprinkled in, the main camp area is set back from the lake atop a 70' bluff with peekaboo views of Lake Superior. A short walk down a private path from your campsite gives you access to a beautiful Lake Superior beach to swim, skip rocks, search for agates, or just enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and the town of Duluth on the opposite shore. Agate campsite previously featured a "look out point" that has been altered by the natural erosion of the red clay banks that comprise much of Lake Superior's south shore. While you can still access this area, doing so will require more effort and care, and we no longer allow camping on the point. Superior Beach Camp located is 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities and perfectly positions you to discover all the wonders of the Twin Ports. Explore this amazing area or stay at camp, set up your chair in the sand and take in the many moods of Mother Superior. Watch the ships come and go to the sparkly backdrop of Duluth’s city lights. The crackle of a driftwood fire on the beach provides the perfect soundtrack as you watch for shooting stars and the aurora. Stock up on supplies and explore the charming industrial town of Superior, WI – 15 minutes from your campsite. Spend a day mountain biking the Duluth Traverse and touring the the wonderful local dining and tap room scenes of Duluth and Superior. Canal Park, downtown Duluth, is a 25 minute drive. If you’d like to venture further, you could meander up the North Shore. Or keep it local and check out Bayfield and the Apostle Islands – only 75 minutes East. Stop through the charming lakeside village of Cornucopia on your way. Or perhaps you’d like to experience world class trout fishing on the Brule River a half hour from Superior Beach Camp. Maybe Parks are your thing: Amnicon Falls, one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful State Parks, is reachable in 10 minutes by car. Drive a half hour further to Pattison State Park and take in Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall. On the Minnesota side, the magic of Jay Cooke State Park is 30 minutes west (and puts you on the doorstep of legit white water rafting). Whether you're looking for solace and relaxation in a blissful [great] lakeside setting or simply seeking a convenient place to rest your head while exploring the many adventures a stone’s throw from your campsite, there is something for everyone who camps here. Superior Beach Camp is a clean, quiet, peaceful, primitive setting. We appreciate that our campers help us keep it this way; remember to pack in any supplies or provisions you need, and leave no trace when you depart so our next guests can enjoy a clean campsite.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$59
 / night
Grand Marais Get-A-Way site with seasonal creek

3. Grand Marais Get-A-Way

92%
(33)
1 site · Tent, RV · Grand Marais, MN
Site: ***2024 Update - The hillside campsite is now cleared and available for tent camping. Driveway has been extended (now 115 feet long) , two firepits have been constructed (one at end of driveway & one on hillside campsite) and picnic table on site. We are currently accepting bookings for Spring/Summer/Fall of 2024. A 10 acre secluded forest site nestled between Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains. This is a single site property; enjoy complete privacy during your booking dates. Property is primitive and dense with trees/ground cover. 115 feet of cleared driveway is best spot for RV set up; levers likely needed as driveway is gravel is uneven in spots. Tent camping with firepit on hillside campsite. Second firepit at the end of the driveway. Hiking/Biking Options: There are no marked trails on the property. For guests interested in hiking we recommend: 1) The 310 mile Superior Hiking Trail easily accessible at multiple locations throughout Grand Marais OR 2) The Woods Creek Superior Hiking trailhead approximately 1 mile from property; parking lot at trailhead. Biking not possible on site but nearby gravel roads are an option for advanced riders or bikers looking for a challenging ride. For other biking options, including family friendly routes, check out: www.visitcookcounty.com. Site is a private 10 acres forest plot. A perfect primitive home base for laid back families and seasoned adventurers. Tired of the outdoors? A 10 minute drive takes you to downtown Grand Marais with restaurants, shops and Artists Point. Come enjoy the picturesque Minnesota North Shore!
Pets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night
Oakbrook

11. Oakbrook

94%
(8)
2 sites · Tents, RVs · Poplar, WI
Welcome to our little retreat in the Northwoods of Wisconsin! We've got 24 acres of mostly Aspen Forest with oaks and maples. There's around 3km trails and a seasonal stream. We're located just 15 minutes from Lake Superior and Lake Nebagamon for fishing, swimming, and boating and 20 minutes from the twin ports of Superior and Duluth. Enjoy the touristy sites of the twin ports and then retreat to a quiet rural rustic campsite for a fire and conversation at the end of the day. Currently no outhouse on the property (hence the low price) but we have 15amp electric on our solar microgrid and we're working to add more everyday! Gichi-apiitenimaanaanig Meskwaabikikejig, Wenamanikejig, gaa-wenjibaawaad omaa miinawaa Anishinaabeg daawaad geyaabi ge-ganawendamowaad o’o aki. Ginisidawaabandaamin Gichigabegikendaasowigamig Miskwaa-Gete-Oodenang ateg Ojibwewakiing. Bizaan minjimendamog gaye jiikendamog ezhi-gizhi-inendaagwag gakina akiin. In honor of the Anishinaabe people, the original peoples and caretakers of this land, we would like to recognize that we inhabit the land of the Ojibwe people. We would like to take this space to honor and celebrate ancestral Ojibwe land and the sacred lands of all Indigenous peoples.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
Stutts Creek 40 Acre Camp Site

12. Stutts Creek 40 Acre Camp Site

100%
(4)
1 site · Tent, RV · Manistique, MI
40 acres well off the beaten path. Approximately 6 miles off of State Hwy M-94. A two track will lead you back to 40 acres of undeveloped land containing a variety of pine and poplar. Our private property borders State and Federal Forest land that contains an overwhelming amount of two track roads to explore Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The sky is unobstructed from trees leaving the stars to be enjoyed all night long. A section of the Stutts Creek flows through the property where you can enjoy a quiet morning listening to the water flow and the occasional rise of a brook trout feeding. Deer, Turkey, Grouse, Bears and Wolves are all found in our area and are often photographed by visitors. Please practice safe food storage due to a healthy bear population in the area. You're welcome to set up a campfire wherever you camp, please practice fire safety and adhere to state and county burn bans that may be in effect. Once you arrive you are free to set up camp wherever you want. This is primitive camping so come prepared to enjoy nature at its finest. There is no bathroom so plan accordingly. The property is less then an hour from Lake Superior and the heart of downtown Munising and about 30 minutes North of downtown Manistique. A GPS app such as OnX will help you navigate property lines and show you all the water bodies in the area you can enjoy. The road is generally fine for 2wd but 4 wheel drive is recommended when there is rain or snow in the forecast. Our property is fairly remote which will give you a unique experience. We hope to have you.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

One of the biggest freshwater lakes in the world, Lake Superior offers some of the best camping in the United States. Clear, cold waters lap at rocky beaches backed by dense forests. Charming small towns welcome visitors. In the evening, the stars and aurora borealis light up the light pollution-free sky.

The best part? The coastline is remote and relatively unpopulated, so you can enjoy the lake in peace. It stretches from the Canada border and across northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, creating an endless selection of campsites.

If you’re starting in Minnesota, drive from Duluth and up the North Shore toward Canada. The snowmelt brings a series of waterfalls to life in April and May. At Split Rock State Park, you can camp near a historic lighthouse and bike the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. Near Grand Marais, watch surfers navigate enormous waves in the November gales.

If islands are your thing, Lake Superior has you covered. Glide over crystal-clear waters and under tree-covered cliffs in the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin. In the winter, you can walk across the frozen lake to sparkling ice caves. Or, hop a seaplane or boat to the remote Isle Royale National Park. Here, a stunning trail network takes you over rocky ridges to backcountry campsites.

For some serious small-town friendliness, head for Copper Harbor in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. From your Lake Superior campsite, you’re moments from a killer network of mountain biking and hiking trails. In the fall, the changing leaves rival the East Coast for grandeur (bonus: no crowds). Winter brings cross-country skiing and snowboarding—nearby Mount Bohemia has the highest vertical drop in the Midwest.

Summer is the best time for camping on Lake Superior. Take advantage of the sunny days to paddle Pictured Rocks or see the raging Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan. Fall and spring bring crisp temperatures and low crowd levels.

The intense Lake Superior winters aren’t for the faint of heart. If you have a warm sleeping bag or an RV, however, the cold is worthwhile. Spend your days cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing. Then, pop into a local brewery to have a pint with the hardy locals.

97% (284)

Top-rated campgrounds

Superior Beach Camp

2. Superior Beach Camp

99%
(204)
2 sites · Tents, RVs · South Range, WI
Escape to Superior Beach Camp and immerse yourself in the beauty and privacy of a cleared camping area situated above 500' feet of sand and pebble beach on the world’s greatest lake. Agate campsite is very generously sized and is all yours. Surrounded by a mix of poplar and birch with a few white pine sprinkled in, the main camp area is set back from the lake atop a 70' bluff with peekaboo views of Lake Superior. A short walk down a private path from your campsite gives you access to a beautiful Lake Superior beach to swim, skip rocks, search for agates, or just enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and the town of Duluth on the opposite shore. Agate campsite previously featured a "look out point" that has been altered by the natural erosion of the red clay banks that comprise much of Lake Superior's south shore. While you can still access this area, doing so will require more effort and care, and we no longer allow camping on the point. Superior Beach Camp located is 2.5 hours north of the Twin Cities and perfectly positions you to discover all the wonders of the Twin Ports. Explore this amazing area or stay at camp, set up your chair in the sand and take in the many moods of Mother Superior. Watch the ships come and go to the sparkly backdrop of Duluth’s city lights. The crackle of a driftwood fire on the beach provides the perfect soundtrack as you watch for shooting stars and the aurora. Stock up on supplies and explore the charming industrial town of Superior, WI – 15 minutes from your campsite. Spend a day mountain biking the Duluth Traverse and touring the the wonderful local dining and tap room scenes of Duluth and Superior. Canal Park, downtown Duluth, is a 25 minute drive. If you’d like to venture further, you could meander up the North Shore. Or keep it local and check out Bayfield and the Apostle Islands – only 75 minutes East. Stop through the charming lakeside village of Cornucopia on your way. Or perhaps you’d like to experience world class trout fishing on the Brule River a half hour from Superior Beach Camp. Maybe Parks are your thing: Amnicon Falls, one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful State Parks, is reachable in 10 minutes by car. Drive a half hour further to Pattison State Park and take in Wisconsin’s tallest waterfall. On the Minnesota side, the magic of Jay Cooke State Park is 30 minutes west (and puts you on the doorstep of legit white water rafting). Whether you're looking for solace and relaxation in a blissful [great] lakeside setting or simply seeking a convenient place to rest your head while exploring the many adventures a stone’s throw from your campsite, there is something for everyone who camps here. Superior Beach Camp is a clean, quiet, peaceful, primitive setting. We appreciate that our campers help us keep it this way; remember to pack in any supplies or provisions you need, and leave no trace when you depart so our next guests can enjoy a clean campsite.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$59
 / night
Grand Marais Get-A-Way site with seasonal creek

3. Grand Marais Get-A-Way

92%
(33)
1 site · Tent, RV · Grand Marais, MN
Site: ***2024 Update - The hillside campsite is now cleared and available for tent camping. Driveway has been extended (now 115 feet long) , two firepits have been constructed (one at end of driveway & one on hillside campsite) and picnic table on site. We are currently accepting bookings for Spring/Summer/Fall of 2024. A 10 acre secluded forest site nestled between Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains. This is a single site property; enjoy complete privacy during your booking dates. Property is primitive and dense with trees/ground cover. 115 feet of cleared driveway is best spot for RV set up; levers likely needed as driveway is gravel is uneven in spots. Tent camping with firepit on hillside campsite. Second firepit at the end of the driveway. Hiking/Biking Options: There are no marked trails on the property. For guests interested in hiking we recommend: 1) The 310 mile Superior Hiking Trail easily accessible at multiple locations throughout Grand Marais OR 2) The Woods Creek Superior Hiking trailhead approximately 1 mile from property; parking lot at trailhead. Biking not possible on site but nearby gravel roads are an option for advanced riders or bikers looking for a challenging ride. For other biking options, including family friendly routes, check out: www.visitcookcounty.com. Site is a private 10 acres forest plot. A perfect primitive home base for laid back families and seasoned adventurers. Tired of the outdoors? A 10 minute drive takes you to downtown Grand Marais with restaurants, shops and Artists Point. Come enjoy the picturesque Minnesota North Shore!
Pets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night
Oakbrook

11. Oakbrook

94%
(8)
2 sites · Tents, RVs · Poplar, WI
Welcome to our little retreat in the Northwoods of Wisconsin! We've got 24 acres of mostly Aspen Forest with oaks and maples. There's around 3km trails and a seasonal stream. We're located just 15 minutes from Lake Superior and Lake Nebagamon for fishing, swimming, and boating and 20 minutes from the twin ports of Superior and Duluth. Enjoy the touristy sites of the twin ports and then retreat to a quiet rural rustic campsite for a fire and conversation at the end of the day. Currently no outhouse on the property (hence the low price) but we have 15amp electric on our solar microgrid and we're working to add more everyday! Gichi-apiitenimaanaanig Meskwaabikikejig, Wenamanikejig, gaa-wenjibaawaad omaa miinawaa Anishinaabeg daawaad geyaabi ge-ganawendamowaad o’o aki. Ginisidawaabandaamin Gichigabegikendaasowigamig Miskwaa-Gete-Oodenang ateg Ojibwewakiing. Bizaan minjimendamog gaye jiikendamog ezhi-gizhi-inendaagwag gakina akiin. In honor of the Anishinaabe people, the original peoples and caretakers of this land, we would like to recognize that we inhabit the land of the Ojibwe people. We would like to take this space to honor and celebrate ancestral Ojibwe land and the sacred lands of all Indigenous peoples.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
Stutts Creek 40 Acre Camp Site

12. Stutts Creek 40 Acre Camp Site

100%
(4)
1 site · Tent, RV · Manistique, MI
40 acres well off the beaten path. Approximately 6 miles off of State Hwy M-94. A two track will lead you back to 40 acres of undeveloped land containing a variety of pine and poplar. Our private property borders State and Federal Forest land that contains an overwhelming amount of two track roads to explore Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The sky is unobstructed from trees leaving the stars to be enjoyed all night long. A section of the Stutts Creek flows through the property where you can enjoy a quiet morning listening to the water flow and the occasional rise of a brook trout feeding. Deer, Turkey, Grouse, Bears and Wolves are all found in our area and are often photographed by visitors. Please practice safe food storage due to a healthy bear population in the area. You're welcome to set up a campfire wherever you camp, please practice fire safety and adhere to state and county burn bans that may be in effect. Once you arrive you are free to set up camp wherever you want. This is primitive camping so come prepared to enjoy nature at its finest. There is no bathroom so plan accordingly. The property is less then an hour from Lake Superior and the heart of downtown Munising and about 30 minutes North of downtown Manistique. A GPS app such as OnX will help you navigate property lines and show you all the water bodies in the area you can enjoy. The road is generally fine for 2wd but 4 wheel drive is recommended when there is rain or snow in the forecast. Our property is fairly remote which will give you a unique experience. We hope to have you.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

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