Camping in Upper Peninsula

Sandwiched between three great lakes is the fishing, hiking, and paddling of Michigan’s wild country.

97% (1097 reviews)
97% (1097 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Upper Peninsula

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campgrounds in Upper Peninsula

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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$30
 / night
100%
(310)

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
98%
(79)

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%
(78)

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
95%
(344)

Superior Times Resort

24 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Au Train, MI
Hello, and welcome to Superior Times Resort and Campground! We would like to take a moment and introduce ourselves. Our names are Tom and Heather Holmstrom. We were married in 2016 and have four children as part of our blended family. We are both originally from the Upper Peninsula. Superior Times Resort and Campground was the result of us wanting to do something “outside of the box” that would allow us to raise our family and show them there is more out there than the traditional path. We also wanted showcase our love and respect for the beauty of the Upper Peninsula; the area that many refer to as “God’s Country.” In December of 2016, we mistakenly pulled into the driveway of this property. At that time, it was known as Coleman’s Paradise Resort. There was a For Sale sign marking the property. We both knew at that point our fate was sealed to become this property’s new owners. We learned that this property had been a family vacation destination for nearly 100 years. We could only imagine the special memories that had been made here over the years! We wanted to become a part of that deep history. Through the many years of the resort’s history, the owners had changed and the cabins were showing true signs of their age. We knew there was A LOT of work that simply had to be done. On a wing and prayer, we somehow made this great resort ours. In April of 2017, we opened what we named Superior Times Resort and Campground. We pulled up or sleeves and went to work! Thank you for choosing us and allowing us to be part of the memories that you create here. We know that you work hard for your own money, as we do. Knowing that you chose our resort to support, means a lot to our Superior Times and Resort family team. We truly appreciate your loyalty and give special thanks to our returning customers. There is nothing more rewarding to us than a return visit! It means to us that we have exceeded your expectations. Thank you for considering us for your next vacation! Tom and Heather Holmstrom
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$35
 / night
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(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
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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$30
 / 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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$25
 / night
98%
(67)

Blueberry fields campground

4 sites · RVs60 acres · Marquette, MI
Learn more about this land:Rustic grounds in the works to provide all the things one could want !! You can stay as long as you would like, we just ask you only have 2 tents per site ! We are 7 miles east of Marquette and 30 miles west from pictured rocks national lakeshore ! We are also within 1 mile of public accessible sandy shoreline of lake Supireor
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$20
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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
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100%
(25)

Lake Superior Beach Perfection

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Linden, MI
What more do you need than a private camping site and your 125' of your own pristine Lake Superior beachfront access? Well, there is the need of a fire ring so we added that, too! Everything else you will to bring to enjoy the million dollar views. Oh, and on the opposite side of the camping site is quiet slough which is great for smooth water paddling and exploring. Down the gravel road about 1/3 miles are logging roads to hike, bike and explore. OHV trails are a couple miles away but check local maps for detailed information. There is a port-a-john available. You will need to bring your own firewood if you desire a campfire.
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$45
 / 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.
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$60
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Star Hosts in Upper Peninsula

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Camping in Upper Peninsula guide

Overview

In Michigan, the Upper Peninsula (UP) is highly valued for outdoor fun. The geographical position is ideal, with Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Lake Michigan providing endless miles of shoreline with dense forests between them. Extending west to Wisconsin and north to both the water and the Canadian border, the region puts campers in close proximity to great backroads, abundant campgrounds, charming towns like Marquette, and enough recreational opportunities to keep you busy for a lifetime. If you're planning an Upper Peninsula camping trip, expect a combination of water and woods with unique topography, stunning lighthouses, and the distinct feeling of going back in time.

Where to go

Paddle Remote Shorelines

UP paddling options are limitless with three great lakes bordering the peninsula. Turquoise waters will have you feeling like you’re on a Caribbean island, but the cold, freshwater will say otherwise. Kayak and canoe launch sites are plentiful—navigate cliff sides with waterfalls and paddle alongside waterfowl and loons watching from the shore. Some shore areas are private, but simply pull up a map to see state parks, recreation areas, and public sites for paddling launches and landings.

Hit the Beach

White, sandy beaches are the highlight of summer for most campers on the Upper Peninsula. Many extend for miles with great public access, but you can also head north to the shores of Lake Superior, where the 12-mile Great Sand Bay Beach sits off the beaten path with trails, sandy shorelines, and gorgeous waters. If you want plenty of space and nice, soft sand, Sand Point Beach is also worth considering.

Explore Hiking Trails

While the abundance of water is a major draw, the interior peninsula areas are also ripe with opportunity. Hit the Porcupine Mountains for a slew of trails, many of which are connected and prime for creative route planning to loop back to your vehicle or pass through to different areas. The Escarpment Trail is perfect for a half-day hike, while the Eben Ice Caves are a quick two miles in to leave you time to check out the caves.

Visit the Keweenaw Peninsula

The northernmost section of the UP holds some of its greatest treasures. The Keweenaw Peninsula’s aforementioned Great Gray Sand Beach is a fun place to visit, Brockway Mountain is a great hike, and the Keweenaw Water Trail offers a 100-mile loop of the entire peninsula (technically an island). Visit Copper Harbor to drive around and take in the natural beauty of area state parks and lighthouses.

When to go

Summer and fall are the prime visiting seasons on the Upper Peninsula. Fishing, boating, and beachcombing are all excellent during these seasons, when crowds are larger but there is plenty of space. Even during high season, it’s likely possible to find RV campsites, tent camping, and room to roam on the waterfront. Although the water is a bit chilly for swimming, fall is especially nice as the colors change and the busy summer tourism season winds down. Meanwhile, winters are long and quiet on the Upper Peninsula. Experienced cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and snowsport enthusiasts may love the empty off-season, when waters are ice cold, beaches are closed, and trails may be difficult to access.

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