The best mountainous campgrounds near Marquette, Michigan

Hidden away on the shores of Lake Superior, Marquette is one of Michigan’s best-kept secrets. Getting there is an adventure in itself — this small town lies 450 miles north of Detroit. With its evergreen forests, starry skies, and crisp, clean water, Marquette is worth the trip.

Here, you’re never far from the perfect campsite. About 2 miles north of downtown, the Marquette Tourist Park offers 110 sites with picnic tables and fire pits. Book the RV park to enjoy full hookups, or choose a rustic tent site near the Dead River. Cool off at the kid-friendly beach, or ride into town on the city bike path.

Are you looking for true Upper Peninsula wilderness? Head to the secluded Little Lake State Forest Campground. Local families love the quiet sites, calm water, and Wi-Fi connection at Van Riper State Park. Or, get off-grid with a backcountry campsite in the Hiawatha National Forest.c

Summers are warm and sunny in Marquette, creating perfect camping conditions. Stay in town, or drive down to Munising to paddle by the Pictured Rocks. Fall, with its brilliant leaves and crisp air, is one of the best times to visit. Head down to the lake during an autumn gale — you might even see surfers riding the huge waves.

In the winter, lake-effect snow blankets the Marquette area. Try ice fishing on an inland lake, or break out your cross-country skis. Tent camping is possible, but a cabin or yurt rental is more comfortable when the temperatures drop below zero. Be sure to bring warm layers; evenings are cool year-round.

99% (784)

Top-rated campgrounds near Marquette

Hidden away on the shores of Lake Superior, Marquette is one of Michigan’s best-kept secrets. Getting there is an adventure in itself — this small town lies 450 miles north of Detroit. With its evergreen forests, starry skies, and crisp, clean water, Marquette is worth the trip.

Here, you’re never far from the perfect campsite. About 2 miles north of downtown, the Marquette Tourist Park offers 110 sites with picnic tables and fire pits. Book the RV park to enjoy full hookups, or choose a rustic tent site near the Dead River. Cool off at the kid-friendly beach, or ride into town on the city bike path.

Are you looking for true Upper Peninsula wilderness? Head to the secluded Little Lake State Forest Campground. Local families love the quiet sites, calm water, and Wi-Fi connection at Van Riper State Park. Or, get off-grid with a backcountry campsite in the Hiawatha National Forest.c

Summers are warm and sunny in Marquette, creating perfect camping conditions. Stay in town, or drive down to Munising to paddle by the Pictured Rocks. Fall, with its brilliant leaves and crisp air, is one of the best times to visit. Head down to the lake during an autumn gale — you might even see surfers riding the huge waves.

In the winter, lake-effect snow blankets the Marquette area. Try ice fishing on an inland lake, or break out your cross-country skis. Tent camping is possible, but a cabin or yurt rental is more comfortable when the temperatures drop below zero. Be sure to bring warm layers; evenings are cool year-round.

99% (784)

Top-rated campgrounds near Marquette

1. Possum Creek Campground

99%

(81)

3.4mi from Marquette · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging

ATTENTION: Please note the following before requesting booking: 1. County Road HD road conditions require 4-wheel drive. 2. Campers are required to sign a waiver on arrival protecting property owner of all liability related to risks associated with wilderness camping. 3. Please provide an estimated time of arrival on the morning of arrival and plan to arrive by 8:00 p.m. This is necessary in order to be available to assist campers with finding sites and other needs. Please also message if your plans have changed and you will not arrive as scheduled. Read more about the sites and property below: 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. Site 3, Mountain View Cabin, includes an outhouse and sauna. 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. 4 kayaks/paddles/life vests and a 12 foot boat are available for camper use. First come, first serve. You transport.

2. Hemlock Ridge Homestead

99%

(132)

3.5mi from Marquette · 3 sites · Lodging

Welcome to the Hemlock Ridge Homestead! This custom log home built in the early 2000's was a dream of mine since I was 8 years old. Our family lives here year round and absolutely love it. These sites are 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 starting to produce. The free range chickens are fun and quirky, offering farm fresh eggs. We just opened our second site, the Prairieview Chalet 2024 summer. Both sites offer great amenities. The Acorn Retreat cabin includes a hot tub, gas weber grill and other amenities. The boujee outhouse is shared by both sites and is cleaned regularly. 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 offer farm fresh eggs. Our motto is 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:)

3. Bear Tree Homestead

100%

(423)

4.2mi from Marquette · 3 sites · Lodging

Bear Tree Homestead is nestled among the cliffs and ravines which drains the south face of Hogback Mountain located in Marquette Township Michigan. 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. Each cabin is hand-built of log and stone using traditional Scandinavian building tools and techniques. The cabins have access to the pond, use of the canoe, a private fire pit, picnic table, charcoal grill and privy. Inside the cabins is a functional kitchen with dishes, flatware, pots and pans, so you can prepare meals onsite. Cabins also have table and chairs as well soft chairs/sofa sitting area, bookshelves with a variety of books, board games and puzzles, and covered porch in case of rain. Our buildings, gardens, and pastures are integrated into the forested landscape and are not your typical homestead. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, collect fresh eggs (when they are laying), lay in the hammock, listen to the sounds of nature and the barnyard or take an adventure hike, bike ride, snowshoe, or ski right out the door.  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. The property is on the North Country Trail, just over a Noquemanon Trail Network Forestville trailhead where access to year round recreation awaits. Hogback Mountain is just up the trail from the cabin with spectacular views of forest, mountains and lake superior. 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.

4. Heritage Hills

100%

(369)

13mi from Marquette · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

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. And now we have a beautiful mix of hardwoods and pines, forests and fields with multiplied non-motorized trails accessible right off the property. The very popular RAMBA bike trails are literally an ‘stones throw’ away! Our biggest site, Fairway Field is big enough for group camping that horse campers love, and one site, the Homestead, with an electric hookup. We don’t have a dump station or trash cans so please pack in and pack out. Phone signal is good throughout the area and we are close to civilization for necessities and only 20 minutes from Marquette. So much stuff to do in this area!

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Dan

November 2025

6 nights at Bear Tree Homestead

Wonderfully beautiful cabin and property. A true homestead with cows, chickens, ducks, and a sauna. I will be recommending this place to as many people as possible. Can hike from cabin to Lake Superior on the North Country Trail! Phenomenal, very close to Marquette, but a feeling of great seclusion.

A

Adriana

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Possum Creek Campground

Shawn was super friendly and very helpful. The camping spot was absolutely gorgeous and secluded.

Liz

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Bear Tree Homestead

This was our second stay at the Orchard House, and it was every bit as magical as the first! Jill continues to be the perfect host — warm, attentive, and full of thoughtful touches (including another batch of her amazing homemade cookies!). The house itself is absolutely enchanting, from its cozy, well-appointed rooms to the peaceful property that feels like a true escape from the world. We loved being so close to the Hogback trailhead — it makes for the perfect day hike before coming back to unwind in such a serene setting. We can’t wait to return and try out the new sauna on our next visit! If you’re considering a stay at the Orchard House, don’t hesitate — it’s the kind of place that fills your soul and leaves you with memories you’ll want to relive again and again.

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Andrew Scott

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Bear Tree Homestead

From the moment we arrived at the Pond Cabin, everything we experienced exceeded our expectations. The cabin itself was cute, cozy, and very clean. It had a lot more kitchen and camping supplies than we expected. Loved the layout. It comfortably slept three adults and two dogs. The woods surrounding it and the pond are very beautiful and serene. No road sounds or artificial light, just peaceful nature and the quaint farmhouse. We were welcomed by our gracious hosts and their dogs who made us feel very at home, were so friendly, and made great recommendations for hikes and experiences. The hike to Hogback mountain is a must. The view from the top and fall colors were just breathtaking and you can walk there right from the cabin! We spent most of a day hiking the NCT and were just blown away by the trails and views. None of us knew how great the traditional Finnish sauna and cold plunge (into the crystal clear spring fed pond?!?) would relax and rejuvenate us. Wow! Also worth mentioning it’s an easy, very pretty drive to Pictured Rocks. You can do it all. All I can say is we will definitely be back and would recommend it to anyone who’s looking for what must be the ultimate UP experience.

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Rick

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Heritage Hills

Everything was great! Easy to access. Everything worked as expected. Great location. Will probably be back next year.

Jonathan

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Possum Creek Campground

So close to Marquette but so peacefully remote. Would absolutely stay again. So many excellent tent camping. Appreciate that this land was available.

A

Amanda

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Heritage Hills

We loved our stay at Hole 1 very much! It was so quiet and peaceful. Portajohn was super clean. Hosts were very kind. Did a small walk from our campsite but could have spent more time to explore the trails around it because the fall colors were beautiful.

Scrambling up Hogback (10 minutes from the campsite)

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Jayme

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Possum Creek Campground

The Garden site at Possum Creek was perfect. It was gorgeous with the stream and Hogback right there. The site itself was nicely cleared yet tucked in. Shawn was a great host...friendly, helpful yet respectful of our wanting to find a little stillness. His directions about points of interest were spot on, including the rock-solid brew pub! Will certainly come back.

K

Kamron

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Possum Creek Campground

We have camped here for our fall trip 2 years now. It’s one of our favorite camping sites we’ve been to and will definitely be back here again. Very private and amazing scenery around the sites.

C

Chris

October 2025

1 night at Bear Tree Homestead

The cabin was perfect, the land was beautiful, beds are quite comfy, oil lamps and fire are ever so cozy and the cookies so tasty. Hogback mountain trail is very close by and well worth the venture if you can manage a bit of a scramble at lest once. One evening here was not sufficient, we definitely plan to return. Well worth checking out if taking a trip to the area or just looking to go somewhere beautiful and peaceful to retreat from the world for a while.

r

rebecca

October 2025

2 nights at Bear Tree Homestead

Pond cabin is clean, comfortable on the inside, slept exceptionally well, in the warm and cozy loft, using wood stove that kept me warm all night using very little wood. For those who like disconnecting in primitive spaces where the sounds of birds and wind rustling through the trees, an occasional distant rooster's crow, then this is the place you'll not want to leave. So close to North Country trail and easy hike to Hogback Mtn summit with amazing views. Jill the hostess and her family were very friendly as were her 3 dogs. Only heard them bark for a short time in the distance 1st night, while they protected the homestead chickens from wildlife. Jill showed me the authentic Mongolian Yurt they just installed, located on the trail towards the North Country Trail and Hogback mtn. Beautiful! I thought it was easy to find using Jill's directions and my satellite map/location phone. I would definitely stay here again. Hiked Dead Man's River trail nearby many waterfalls, enjoyed Marquette MI Pasties Lawry's and Iron Town Pasty the best, Presque Isle Black Rocks at sunset, and Ore Dock & Black Rock Breweries. Even say an ore freighter being loaded at Marquette's active Ore Dock!

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Maya

October 2025

3 nights at Bear Tree Homestead

beautiful space ! such a special piece of land — couldn’t be more thankful jill + nick opened their home to visitors !

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Megan

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Heritage Hills

This was our third time coming here and it’s always a wonderful camping experience. Secluded and love the trails nearby!

M

Mark

September 2025

15 ft campervan

2 nights at Heritage Hills

Spent two peaceful, quiet nights. Site is as described which is really what’s important! Check in was a breeze as Joni met me when I arrived and directed me to the site. Will stay again if in Marquette area.

M

Matt

September 2025

Tent

4 nights at Heritage Hills

This is one of the best spots to camp near Marquette. It's quiet, with plenty of space. Great access to the trails and the nearby towns of Ishpeming and Negaunee. Phil and Joni are so nice.

T

Tyler

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Possum Creek Campground

Words can’t describe how amazing this place is. Peaceful, tranquil, and beautiful. It’s a bit of a trek with camping gear from the parking spot, but completely worth it. Shawn offered to help take things in and out with his ATV, but we were stubborn and did it ourselves. We set up a hammock over the creek and spent a few days exploring and relaxing. Really, nothing could have improved this place. No phone service down at the camp spot was fantastic (some may disagree, but we needed to disconnect). If you want a secluded, peaceful place to unwind, it really doesn’t get much better than this. Thanks for sharing Shawn!

L

Lindsay

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Bear Tree Homestead

We have loved coming back to Orchard Cabin! This is my family's third trip in and second for a bike race. We love the cabins close proximity to forestville trail head mountain biking and Marquette. This is such a great way to experience Marquette and connect with nature. The host are super kind and great communicators, also a great baker!

Jeff

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Heritage Hills

Great location and very quiet and peaceful. They keep the property very well maintained and are great to have conversations with.

K

Keeyana

September 2025

Tent

3 nights at Possum Creek Campground

My friends and I chose Possum Creek for our annual camping trip this year, and needless to say we will definitely be back in the future! Shawn was immensely helpful and kind - from taking time to guide us to the campsite, providing directions and suggestions for sights to see on and off the campsite, and checking in on us to make sure we had the necessary provisions to make our trip successful - Shawn is the best! The site itself could not have been more perfect! It was extremely well maintained and had plenty of things to see. It was just a couple minutes from town, which made it easy for us to pick up any last minute necessities, but also secluded enough for us to have a calm and quiet weekend. We found plenty of trails to hike very close to our campsite, all of which offered breath-taking views and plenty of opportunities for photos. Thank you so much Possum Creek, and thank you Shawn!!!!!!

S

Slotty

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Bear Tree Homestead

Off the beaten path but close to town and very close to some fun hikes/bikes/swims. Very charming rustic+electric log cabin nestled in the forest. Would love to return in the future! Thanks to Jill and Nick for opening up your cabin to us.