The best waterside campgrounds in Lake Superior

Lake Superior’s shoreline delivers over 690 waterside camping spots, so you can pitch your tent within earshot of real waves, not just wind in the trees. Average nightly rates sit around $80, but you’ll find sites as low as $10 if you’re quick. Expect easy access to fishing, swimming, and—when the season turns—snow sports. Top picks like Keweenaw Homestead Camping (91 reviews), Beach Camp (65 reviews), and Lake Superior Beach Perfection (59 reviews) get high marks for easy water access and straightforward setups. Bring your pup, light a fire, and don’t stress about basic toilets—they’re common here. You’ll find campsites tucked behind dunes, perched on rocky bluffs, and right on the sand. Lake Superior doesn’t do boring.

98% (572)

Top-rated campgrounds

Lake Superior’s shoreline delivers over 690 waterside camping spots, so you can pitch your tent within earshot of real waves, not just wind in the trees. Average nightly rates sit around $80, but you’ll find sites as low as $10 if you’re quick. Expect easy access to fishing, swimming, and—when the season turns—snow sports. Top picks like Keweenaw Homestead Camping (91 reviews), Beach Camp (65 reviews), and Lake Superior Beach Perfection (59 reviews) get high marks for easy water access and straightforward setups. Bring your pup, light a fire, and don’t stress about basic toilets—they’re common here. You’ll find campsites tucked behind dunes, perched on rocky bluffs, and right on the sand. Lake Superior doesn’t do boring.

98% (572)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. EcoXtreme Adventure Destination

99%

(221)

1 site · Lodging · Delaware, MI

"It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that it makes life worth living." David AttenboroughWe've been about a greener lifestyle for decades--before green was "popular," before building tiny houses was the "trend," and before living a freer life off-the-grid was "a thing". Our mission is to provide an environmentally sustainable getaway where you will encounter off-the-grid living first hand for that unique experience. In the beautiful backdrop of the Keweenaw Peninsula of Upper Michigan (U.P.), we've built a sustainable, off-grid retreat where you can design your own personal EcoXtreme adventure. Enjoy this back-country timber- frame haven among a forest of birch and pine, next to the magical flow of the Montreal River, and surrounded by a cornucopia of recreational offerings. Extreme skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, sailing, surfing, and scuba are just a few of the exploits available.

2. Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

91%

(95)

11 sites · Tents, Lodging · South Range, WI

At Amnicon you'll find the perfect blend of far-enough-away and easy-enough-to-get-to. We're located at the end of a 5-mile-long dirt road, just 30 minutes outside of Duluth, MN. Our site features 600 acres of protected forests along the Amnicon River on the South Shore of Lake Superior. The wildlife is abundant, and we even have an eagle's nest on site. You'll enjoy falling asleep to the sound of the waves on Lake Superior, and waking up to 118+ species of birdsongs. We have an enormous sandy beach on Lake Superior that's a great place to watch the sunset and have a SMALL campfire. You're going to love it here.

3. 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.

4. Sunshine Motel Rustic Camping

95%

(89)

3 sites · Tents · Ontonagon, MI

Escape to Nature at Sunshine Motel & Cabins’ Off-Grid Tent Campground Answer nature’s call with a getaway to Sunshine Motel & Cabins in Ontonagon, Michigan, where adventure meets tranquility at our rustic tent campground. Nestled behind our cozy cabins and up a gentle hill, discover three secluded dry tent sites designed for those who cherish the wilderness and an authentic off-grid experience. True Rustic Camping – Embrace the Wilderness Our campsites are a haven for eco-tourists and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a genuine back-to-nature experience. These primitive sites offer: No electricity, running water, or restroom facilities. Essential camping with privacy and serenity at the forefront. Walk-Up Access – Preserve Natural Beauty To maintain the pristine condition of our environment, campsites are accessible by foot only. Vehicles are parked separately to ensure the least impact on the landscape. Site Features for a Comfortable Stay While embracing the simplicity of off-grid living, each campsite is equipped with: Individual fire pits for cozy evenings under the stars. Private picnic tables and communal seating areas for dining and socializing. BBQ grills for outdoor cooking adventures. Conveniently located trash receptacles to keep sites clean. Family-Friendly with Private Beach Access Spread out and relax in our spacious campsites, featuring a play area for children and exclusive access to a private beach—perfect for a peaceful day by the water. Explore the Surrounding Wilderness Located near some of Ontonagon’s top outdoor attractions, our campground offers easy access to scenic hiking trails, lakes, and rivers. A short drive brings you to local shops and cultural sights. Sunshine Motel & Cabins invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature at our off-grid tent campground. Whether you’re seeking solitude or adventure, find it here amid the natural beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Book your stay today and step into a world where nature dictates the pace.

Public campgrounds in and near Lake Superior

Courtney Lake Campground

21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ottawa National Forest

Porcupine Mountains Union Bay Campground

94%

(16)

Porcupine Mountains Union Bay Campground

120 sites · Tents, RVs · in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Bob Lake Campground

17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ottawa National Forest

100%

(2)

Trap Hills Campground

1 site · Tent, RV · in Ottawa National Forest

Sparrow Rapids Campground

6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ottawa National Forest

Sturgeon River Campground

9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ottawa National Forest

Porcupine Mountains Presque Isle Campground

100%

(13)

Porcupine Mountains Presque Isle Campground

50 sites · Tents, RVs · in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

100%

(1)

Robbins Pond Campground

3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ottawa National Forest

Stories from the community

J

John

October 2025

21 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Superior Beach Camp

Great spot and private beach area with lots to explore.

Sarah

October 2025

22 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Superior Beach Camp

It was clean. Very peaceful. Very little to no traffic. Perfect for an escape in nature with the beach. We hope to be back next year.

Dustey

October 2025

2 nights at EcoXtreme Adventure Destination

Gorgeous, cool and super secluded. We loved staying here and started planning our next trip before we even left.

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Emily

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

I really enjoyed this campsite, it has truly breathtaking views of the lake and you can’t beat a beach fire! It was very peaceful, even with the other cabins being occupied. We ended up arriving later than planned so it was dark, and still the maps, signs, and trails were very easy to follow. The lodge with the showers and sauna is a HUGE bonus. The cabin and outhouse were very well maintained and very clean, my entire group commented their enthusiasm on that. Overall a great spot and I can’t wait to plan another trip back!

Emily

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

If you are looking for privacy, this site is IT! The campsite is essentially at the very end of one of the many paths on the property. Some parts of the path are harder to navigate if you are using any of the carts provided to haul your gear. There are a few spots with large roots that make it a challenge. However, there’s a stunning overlook shortly before the campsite where we watched the sunset over Lake Superior. The sound of the waves were so peaceful to fall asleep to. It was easily accommodated to our dog as well, he had a great time on his first camping trip! We greatly enjoyed celebrating our 1 year wedding anniversary here.

A

Andrea

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

Super cool spot. Everything was clearly set up and clean. The beach alone was worth the stay.

c

chris

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

Balsam site is a little bit of a hike. It was worth it for us to be right by Lake Superior and the beach. Having the main lodge available to you with hot showers and flush toilets is very nice. Site was really nice. We got our 6p north face down nice and level. It felt really private and the only vehicles we heard at night was planes. Had a really good time and will go back. Only thing that would have made it better would have been a pit bathroom at the site or closer.

L

Luke

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

This place is just spectacular. It was our second time and we enjoyed it even more this time around! I love how secluded and alone we felt the whole time, having that big beach to ourselves was incredible. Nothing beats having a fire on the shore of Lake Superior with a killer sunset in the background. Can't thank you all enough! See you next time.

Agate point campsite. Fire ring, charcoal grill and picnic bench available for use.

M

Molly

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Superior Beach Camp

We have camped at this site the past two years. We love it! Great area, awesome lookout point, excellent beach! This year we had an incredible northern lights show! Can’t wait to return next year!

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Annika

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

We love camp amnicon! Clearly such a special place cared by those who love it. I feel lucky they share it with the public! Will be back many more times.

H

Holly

September 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Superior Beach Camp

This site is amazing! It’s our favorite spot now and we’ve highly recommended it to several friends. It’s beautiful and clean and feels secluded yet safe. We’re grateful to have the chance to be on the lake. My boys saw a porcupine on the trail which was a highlight. The stars are amazing. The beach is perfect and private. 10 out of 10 all around.

K

Kim

September 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Superior Beach Camp

Our time at Matt’s land was absolutely wonderful! It is very beautiful and peaceful. He worked with us when we needed to switch days and got back to us quickly. We very much recommend!

J

Jean

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

Was a most lovely time. We had everything we needed at our glamping cabin site! There's so much beauty to explore. Beautiful experience!

K

Kayla

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Superior Beach Camp

My family and I really enjoyed camping here! It’s a wonderful spot if you have little kids or dogs—there’s plenty of room to spread out and roam. The outhouse was impressively clean and well-kept, which made our stay even more comfortable. We’d definitely come back!

A

Amanda

September 2025

16 ft car

With pets

2 nights at Superior Beach Camp

Great open spot for camping. There is bit of a hike down to the beach, and after the rain the red clay was very slick, but still an amazing place. There is a lot of beachfront access and the view is amazing. We spent most of our time at the beach. Dogs couldn’t get enough of it!

Lindsay

September 2025

4 nights at EcoXtreme Adventure Destination

My husband and I are expecting our first baby in December and this was the perfect spot to get away and find stillness within all the excitement 🥲 we love to camp and backpack but being pregnant this was the perfect in between of comfort and rustic backcountry vibes! We loved the sense of adventure and truly felt at home in this space. It was really fun to learn about the off grid / sustainable practices that make this place unique and fun to explore. This off grid cabin/land had such nourishing ambiance and character there was always something unique to notice within all the tiny details Linda and Darryl put into it or from others that were left behind. We enjoying slow mornings reading journal entries from past visits over slow brewed coffee, walking the land, fishing in the river and playing games over a home cooked meal! The cabin was located perfectly on the peninsula we were able to explore copper harbor and close enough to houghton hancock if we needed anything. This is definitely a trip we will always remember and can’t wait to make it back with our little guy sooner than later! Many continued blessings to everyone who gets to experience this GEM in Gods Land 🌲

C

Claire

September 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Superior Beach Camp

This was a beautiful campsite with an amazing beach!! Our trip was very rainy and cold, but we were still able to enjoy a campfire and make the trek down to the beach. The portapotty was pristine and the campsite was easy to find, as well as close to amnicon state park and about 1/2 hour to Pattison state park. Site is completely private.

A

Athena

September 2025

Tent

3 nights at Superior Beach Camp

Amazing completely private campsite with stunning private beach! I couldn't recommend it more. The locked gate, private clean outhouse, picnic table, and large firepit were great touches. The only things I would note are that there is no shade at all in the camping area, so maybe bring an easy-up if it's hot. Also the outhouse light is very high and bright, interfering slightly with dark night star gazing and tent sleeping. Would be great if it were lower or had an off option. Overall, one of the very best campsites I have ever visited. Thank you! We will be back.

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Amy

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

Walk is longer than expected. Think 25 minutes one way. Other than that, we had a good stay. We loved being so close to Lake Superior

E

Emma

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

Beautiful and nostalgic stay at Camp Amnicon. The campsites are a bit of a walk in, but it's worth it for the seclusion and peace. The lakeshore is lovely (walk to the west to find some red clay!) and the camp itself had everything we needed. Excellent retreat not too far from the cities.