River, stream, or creek cabins in Upper Peninsula

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

98% (447 reviews)
98% (447 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Upper Peninsula

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4 top river, stream, or creek cabins sites in Upper Peninsula

100%
(311)

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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from 
$87
 / night
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%
(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

Camp Rock

1 site · Lodging140 acres · Rock, MI
Welcome to Camp Rock, your gateway to a bygone era of rustic charm and timeless adventure in the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula! Nestled on a sprawling one-hundred and forty-acre tree farm, our classic deer camp offers a unique retreat where you can unwind, explore, and reconnect with nature. Step inside our cedar log cabin, lovingly built in 1952, and feel the essence of a bygone era wash over you. While the cabin is remote and private, offering a true escape from the modern world, it's conveniently located just thirty minutes from some of the U.P.'s most coveted destinations. Disconnect from the digital realm as you immerse yourself in the simple pleasures of cabin life. Enjoy the warmth of the wood stove or propane heat in the living/dining/kitchen area, where you'll find all the essentials for comfortable living, including a full refrigerator, electric stove, running hot water, and ample space to prepare meals and dine with loved ones. Embrace the nostalgia of days gone by with four free-to-air television stations and a collection of classic movies, perfect for cozy evenings by the crackling fire. Retreat to the bunk room, where you'll find comfortable sleeping arrangements for up to four guests, complete with fresh linens and the option of additional cots. For added privacy, our spacious lockable shower room provides a tranquil oasis with modern amenities such as a twin bed, television, and DVD player, ensuring your comfort during your stay. Step outside to discover our named trails, ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting, or gather around the fire pit to share stories and marvel at the starry night sky. As morning breaks, venture to our unique insulated outhouse with a viewing window, adorned with amusing signs and stickers, for a truly memorable experience. Whether you seek outdoor adventure or peaceful solitude, Camp Rock promises an unforgettable U.P. escape for all who visit.
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from 
$300
 / night
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River, stream, or creek cabins 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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