- Sault Ste Marie
The best river, stream, or creek camping near Sault Ste Marie
97% (194) • 13 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Sault Ste Marie
Just Show Up Camping
1. Just Show Up Camping
90%
(260)
46mi from Sault Ste Marie · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
The Grand Retreat, featuring Just Show Up Camping and Captain’s Quarters, is located right on US2 for easy access to several great locations, including Mackinac Island, Mackinac City, Tahquemenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, Grand Marais, and the Soo Locks. Our campsites are all “man-made” and put you into ancient glacial created forest floors with old-growth white pines. We have a bath
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
Sault Ste Marie 12 Mile Rd Campsite
2. Sault Ste Marie 12 Mile Rd Campsite
100%
(21)
10mi from Sault Ste Marie · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This is a rustic campsite without facilities or electricity. This property borders the South Charlotte River. It is in a very private location. You can drive into the camping area. We are located 12 miles south of Sault Ste Marie 1/3 mile west of M-129 on 12 Mile Road. It is a dirt road. The entrance is on the left or south side of the road.
The property is good for either tent camping or a parking place for RVs. There is a new driveway that leads to the camping or parking areas. You can drive on the grass to get to the campsite. The campsite area is 50 yards from the road. You can set up anywhere in the cut grass area. There will be two white chairs and a garbage can. A small camp porta potty is available for your use.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$32
/ night
Neebish Island Light Station
3. Neebish Island Light Station
100%
(3)
15mi from Sault Ste Marie · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to our family’s historic property on remote and beautiful Neebish Island, Michigan—home to freighter views, starry skies, and timeless peace and quiet. Built in 1889 as a light station keeper’s house, this property later served the U.S. Coast Guard until it was decommissioned in the 1970s. Our family acquired it at auction in the 1980s, and we've cherished it ever since.
We’re now opening up parts of the land for rustic camping and self-contained RVs to help preserve and maintain this special place. This is not a polished campground—it’s a unique, raw, and beautiful setting where you can truly unplug and connect with nature, water, and history.
Located right on the St. Marys River, with unobstructed views of freighters and shipping vessels along the St. Lawrence Seaway, this spot is perfect for anyone who loves maritime history, photography, or just peaceful waterfront camping. Sunsets and sunrises are spectacular, and the beach is sandy and swimmable.
Campers can enjoy:
A wood-fired sauna right on the river (perfect for a dip afterward!)
A large communal fire pit under the stars
Porta-potties (no access to indoor plumbing)
Access to water and electric hook-up
Excellent area for canoeing or kayaking - bring your own boat! The current on the St. Mary's river is VERY fast so be careful. Paddle upstream first and then use the current to return to the campsite.
Regular wildlife sightings: eagles, herons, deer, and more
Neebish Island is remote. Access is via a car ferry from Barbeau, MI, and cell reception is limited—plan for a digital detox. You'll need to research and plan around the car ferry schedule, which is limited to a few runs per/day.
This is a great spot for campers, vanlifers, paddlers, and freighter fans who appreciate quiet, history, and open sky. Interior access to the historical house is not included, but the land is yours to enjoy.
Rustic, serene, unforgettable. Come see why we’ve loved this place for generations.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$60
/ night
Brimley State Park
4. Brimley State Park
100%
(4)
237 sites · Sault Ste Marie, Michigan
Discover Brimley State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hiawatha National Forest
5. Hiawatha National Forest
92%
(32)
513 sites · Chatham, Michigan
This woodland wilderness borders not one but three of Michigan’s Great Lakes.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
6. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
100%
(19)
276 sites · Newberry, Michigan
Discover the majestic Tahquamenon Falls amid lush Michigan wilderness.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
97% (194) • 13 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Sault Ste Marie
Just Show Up Camping
1. Just Show Up Camping
90%
(260)
46mi from Sault Ste Marie · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
The Grand Retreat, featuring Just Show Up Camping and Captain’s Quarters, is located right on US2 for easy access to several great locations, including Mackinac Island, Mackinac City, Tahquemenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, Grand Marais, and the Soo Locks. Our campsites are all “man-made” and put you into ancient glacial created forest floors with old-growth white pines. We have a bath
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$40
/ night
Sault Ste Marie 12 Mile Rd Campsite
2. Sault Ste Marie 12 Mile Rd Campsite
100%
(21)
10mi from Sault Ste Marie · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
This is a rustic campsite without facilities or electricity. This property borders the South Charlotte River. It is in a very private location. You can drive into the camping area. We are located 12 miles south of Sault Ste Marie 1/3 mile west of M-129 on 12 Mile Road. It is a dirt road. The entrance is on the left or south side of the road.
The property is good for either tent camping or a parking place for RVs. There is a new driveway that leads to the camping or parking areas. You can drive on the grass to get to the campsite. The campsite area is 50 yards from the road. You can set up anywhere in the cut grass area. There will be two white chairs and a garbage can. A small camp porta potty is available for your use.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$32
/ night
Neebish Island Light Station
3. Neebish Island Light Station
100%
(3)
15mi from Sault Ste Marie · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to our family’s historic property on remote and beautiful Neebish Island, Michigan—home to freighter views, starry skies, and timeless peace and quiet. Built in 1889 as a light station keeper’s house, this property later served the U.S. Coast Guard until it was decommissioned in the 1970s. Our family acquired it at auction in the 1980s, and we've cherished it ever since.
We’re now opening up parts of the land for rustic camping and self-contained RVs to help preserve and maintain this special place. This is not a polished campground—it’s a unique, raw, and beautiful setting where you can truly unplug and connect with nature, water, and history.
Located right on the St. Marys River, with unobstructed views of freighters and shipping vessels along the St. Lawrence Seaway, this spot is perfect for anyone who loves maritime history, photography, or just peaceful waterfront camping. Sunsets and sunrises are spectacular, and the beach is sandy and swimmable.
Campers can enjoy:
A wood-fired sauna right on the river (perfect for a dip afterward!)
A large communal fire pit under the stars
Porta-potties (no access to indoor plumbing)
Access to water and electric hook-up
Excellent area for canoeing or kayaking - bring your own boat! The current on the St. Mary's river is VERY fast so be careful. Paddle upstream first and then use the current to return to the campsite.
Regular wildlife sightings: eagles, herons, deer, and more
Neebish Island is remote. Access is via a car ferry from Barbeau, MI, and cell reception is limited—plan for a digital detox. You'll need to research and plan around the car ferry schedule, which is limited to a few runs per/day.
This is a great spot for campers, vanlifers, paddlers, and freighter fans who appreciate quiet, history, and open sky. Interior access to the historical house is not included, but the land is yours to enjoy.
Rustic, serene, unforgettable. Come see why we’ve loved this place for generations.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$60
/ night
Brimley State Park
4. Brimley State Park
100%
(4)
237 sites · Sault Ste Marie, Michigan
Discover Brimley State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hiawatha National Forest
5. Hiawatha National Forest
92%
(32)
513 sites · Chatham, Michigan
This woodland wilderness borders not one but three of Michigan’s Great Lakes.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
6. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
100%
(19)
276 sites · Newberry, Michigan
Discover the majestic Tahquamenon Falls amid lush Michigan wilderness.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Kenny
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Just Show Up Camping
I loved the view! Granted it was very windy the day I stayed there so that’s something to consider since your by lake. Very easy to get to the site and overall pretty clean. Had some clutter here and there but not a big deal. My only major critique is one, maybe put stone down on the path to the beach because it had really deep ruts and it was very muddy. I got my car stuck quite a few times. The other is the shower water did not really get warm. Again, not the end of the world but addressing those few things would make the site even better than it already is. Overall I’d give it an 8/10
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D
Don
September 2025
12 ft travel trailer
Dale was friendly and welcoming. The site was quiet and private and a great location from which to explore the eastern UP.
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Emma
September 2025
Tent
With pets
We had such a lovely time here! We’re Neebish Newbies and loved it. The freighters were a highlight for my fiancé and I loved the beautiful beach all to ourselves. Our dogs were able to be off leash all weekend which was so great! We went for a few brisk swims and enjoyed the dock for sunning. At night, we had wonderful fires with the provided fire pit and benches (nice to not have to bring camp chairs!) I can’t say enough good things about this camp!
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Paige
August 2025
15 ft campervan
This spot was absolutely beautiful! I was really sad it just so happened to storm while I was there waking up there is so peaceful and pretty. Shower house was nice
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Adam
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Amazing beech front site on shore of Lake michigan. Great staff. I keep coming back for this site. Can get buggy/windy, it's the outdoors.
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J
Jade
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Tent camping on the private lake, was just what we've been looking for. The views were beautiful, waking up to the calm waves and nature around us was so peaceful. Having my dog unleashed was wonderful not to have to worry about anything. The video Drew sent before we came, was so helpful! I would've never found it without it. Drew met up with us when we first got there just to make sure we didnt need anything but otherwise did not come back but was easily reachable if we needed him or had questions. There was a fire ring, a grill, a picnic table that we could use at our campsite. The beach was not too rocky, all sand in most of the places as long as you walked specific pathways and it is shallow so far out but deeper in sections that really helped with our younger kids and dog. We sat in the water almost all day on one of the days just relaxing. Couldn't have asked for a better getaway.
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M
Michelle
July 2025
19 ft Class B
With pets
Dale’s place was so lush and green! Gorgeous and very private, it felt as though we were camping in the wilderness but with the safety of people near by!!
We have a class B and it was very easy to access!
Dale was very welcoming and friendly!
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D
Danielle
July 2025
Tent
We loved The Lot! It was just as expected. It's primitive so expect that. The water was beautiful and so were the stars at night. It did rain once while we were there and it got a little muddy where you drive in but he is trying to remedy that as it's preserved and he can't change too much to the land. Some things can't be helped, like mosquitoes, so bring long sleeves and bug spray. We would definitely stay again just for the fun of the sea gulls. The porta-john was clean and stocked. I didn't not check out the showers so I can't leave an opinion. Thanks Andy for a great time!
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Dan
July 2025
16 ft pop-up camper
Beautiful on-beach site, was level with sandy beach for wading and swimming. We were lucky enough to watch a bald eagle. The sound of the waves covered the road noise from Rt 2 save for the occasional motorcycle and semi. We were grateful that the site next to us was not booked. They are in quite close proximity without much buffer or barrier between.
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Anna
July 2025
M
Meghan
July 2025
Tent
With pets
We’ve camped all over and this is the BEST drive up camping spot we’ve been to! Even on July 4th, the river wasn’t busy except for a few boats and the freight liners which we loved watching go by.
You have access to water in multiple spots, we camped out of our bronco up by the garage and then set up a beach tent for the day. Huge campfire and access to screened in porch which was helpful when it rained. Our dog ran free and played in the water and we watched incredible sunsets. Having the stretch of beach to ourselves was awesome - and tucked in between trees on both sides. We can’t say enough good things and Garrett communicated quickly and answered our questions. As he said, the ferry times are limited so plan accordingly - groceries, gas, etc aren’t on the island. There was one small store but when we went it was changing owners and closed but hopefully it will open back up for items you forget. Be sure to pack the bug spray - we used that and a portable thermacell and did fine. We’ll be back!
See moreD
David
July 2025
Tent
Great little spot for a vacation. No hassle or fuss, with little to no interaction necessary. Its in the name, "Just Show Up". We had great view of the lakes by the water with very little people around. Very pleased with my stay.
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T
Tanner
July 2025
Tent
Nice quiet campsite. Best part is that you’re the only one there so no need to worry about loud camp neighbors.
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A
Anna
June 2025
Tent
With pets
This was an awesome campsite! It is right off of a dirt road, so there’s light traffic noise but very private! Beautiful large field and the owners have generously mowed the area for camping in as well as trails to explore. Camping area is flat and plenty of room. The owners provide a garbage can and a RV toilet. For five dollars they also provide wood, matches and newspaper for the fire ring. Great communication. I would definitely recommend this campsite!
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Amy
June 2025
15 ft campervan
peaceful , relaxing and beautiful view on lake Michigan.
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Luke
June 2025
Tent
Group trip
Great plot of land and great view, host was very accommodating and helpful. Would definitely recommend!
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Augustus
May 2025
Tent
Perfect spot to set up our tent for a couple nights. The view at sunset was beautiful. The host gives clear directions to find the site. Plenty of firewood and space to hangout.
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Christopher
May 2025
24 ft Class C
With pets
Dale has a very nice spot for camping. Unfortunately they have had a lot of rain and the ground was soft but Dale was very accommodating and we set up closer to his driveway which was great.
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Shawna
April 2025
Tent
Lovely spot conveniently located near the Mackinac Bridge. Andrew was great at communicating with me and was a safe/secluded spot for a solo female traveler. Will return!
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P
Phillip
March 2025
Tent
With pets
Amazing spot!!! It was little cold but we were prepared for it. Will absolutely have to make it back in the summer.
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Marie, on the border of Canada.