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Camping on Lake Superior

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One of the biggest freshwater lakes in the world, Lake Superior offers some of the best camping in the United States. Clear, cold waters lap at rocky beaches backed by dense forests. Charming small towns welcome visitors. In the evening, the stars and aurora borealis light up the light pollution-free sky.

The best part? The coastline is remote and relatively unpopulated, so you can enjoy the lake in peace. It stretches from the Canada border and across northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, creating an endless selection of campsites.

If you’re starting in Minnesota, drive from Duluth and up the North Shore toward Canada. The snowmelt brings a series of waterfalls to life in April and May. At Split Rock State Park, you can camp near a historic lighthouse and bike the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. Near Grand Marais, watch surfers navigate enormous waves in the November gales.

If islands are your thing, Lake Superior has you covered. Glide over crystal-clear waters and under tree-covered cliffs in the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin. In the winter, you can walk across the frozen lake to sparkling ice caves. Or, hop a seaplane or boat to the remote Isle Royale National Park. Here, a stunning trail network takes you over rocky ridges to backcountry campsites.

For some serious small-town friendliness, head for Copper Harbor in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. From your Lake Superior campsite, you’re moments from a killer network of mountain biking and hiking trails. In the fall, the changing leaves rival the East Coast for grandeur (bonus: no crowds). Winter brings cross-country skiing and snowboarding—nearby Mount Bohemia has the highest vertical drop in the Midwest.

Summer is the best time for camping on Lake Superior. Take advantage of the sunny days to paddle Pictured Rocks or see the raging Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan. Fall and spring bring crisp temperatures and low crowd levels.

The intense Lake Superior winters aren’t for the faint of heart. If you have a warm sleeping bag or an RV, however, the cold is worthwhile. Spend your days cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing. Then, pop into a local brewery to have a pint with the hardy locals.

94% (733) 969 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Lake Superior

Superior Times Resort & Campground

1. Superior Times Resort & Campground

94%
(464)
Au Train, MI · 35 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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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Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

2. Amnicon Adventures & Retreats

92%
(119)
South Range, WI · 6 sites · Tents, Lodging
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.
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Northern Oasis Camping

3. Northern Oasis Camping

97%
(186)
Negaunee, MI · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Our property is located between Marquette and Negaunee, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We are 7 miles from downtown Marquette, 8 miles from the shores of beautiful Lake Superior and 53 miles from Pictured Rocks National Park. We are about 4 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 -no roosters to awaken you! Come and enjoy some peace and quiet at our Northern Oasis! There is guest internet but its patchy in camping area-better closer to the house and large firepit area There is a charcoal grill near communal firepit area. We are near 2 river basins(McClure Basin and Dead River Basin) for fishing, swimming and boating ( kayaks and canoe 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 options of open sites and a couple more private wooded sites. There are at least two areas for small campers and several choices for tents and/or hammocks.. There is a communal/central fire pit, picnic table area as well as a larger fire pit with picnic table closer to house. We have nice fire wood available on site -see "extras" or for purchase when you get here! 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! There is a "port-a-john" on site- extra TP is kept in red shed hanging on nail in a bag. Please let us know if this needs attention.
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Hiawatha National Forest

4. Hiawatha National Forest

92%
(32)
National forest in Michigan · 513 sites
This woodland wilderness borders not one but three of Michigan’s Great Lakes.
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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

5. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

94%
(41)
National park in Michigan · 65 sites
Sandstone cliffs and wild beaches fringe America’s first National Lakeshore.
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Ghost House Farm

6. Ghost House Farm

Hancock, MI · 1 site
Ghost House Farm is a small vegetable operation in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. A busy hive of activity, especially on harvest days, we also love rest, flowers, and quiet time. We offer u-pick flowers in August and September. Ask us about having a seasonal bouquet or basket of veggies delivered to the cabin for you.
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High Swamp Camp (Camping/Retreats)

7. High Swamp Camp (Camping/Retreats)

98%
(190)
Seney, MI · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
(Full Camp Pricing...Text 231-590-0418) 🌲Private Separated Campsites🌲 🌲Quiet🌲Dark🌲WI-FI🌲Laundry🌲 🌲World Famous Hot Shower🌲 🌲Direct Access Trail 88🌲 🌲Tour Planning🌲 🌲2.5 RV's Allowed Per Site🌲 Very Close To The Pictured Rocks! Flush-T & Shower! Electric & Water Sites. Waste Caddy Dump Station. Miles Of Hiking Trails. Close to the Fox River Trout Stream. Close to the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. 1.5 hours to the Tahquamenon Falls. 1.5 hours to the Big Springs. 2 hours to Mackinaw Island. 2 hours to the Soo Locks & Canada.
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Balsam Ridge Retreat

8. Balsam Ridge Retreat

100%
(1018)
Duluth, MN · 7 sites
Hello friends! Thanks for your interest in Balsam Ridge Retreat! Many folks that have visited our place refer to it as 'country living in the city'. We are so blessed to live in this little piece of serenity just inside the city limits of Duluth. Our home was once an abandoned house that sat for years until a friend mentioned to us that it might be going up for sale. We loved the location and rolled up our sleeves. Twenty years later we still marvel at the beauty around us and can hardly believe that we LIVE here! Just down the road is a trout stream and beyond that was a popular farm that attracted many folks to this neighborhood for hay rides and sleigh rides. The farm has since retired its horses and closed its doors to make room for new homes, but memories live on in the beauty of the open fields. I often imagine the sound of horses and sleigh bells and people singing carols and then warming up around a toasty fire sipping hot cocoa. Some of those memories live on right here at Balsam Ridge (minus the horses). Over the years many groups of folks have enjoyed a sense of community in these back woods no matter the season. Campfires, kids catching frogs, neighborhood campouts, snow picnics, hair-raising toboggan runs, family campouts, spiritual silent retreats, a take-your-breath-away giant swing, and some tales too daring to mention are all part of the fun. This is why we do what we do. We've been given much, and love to give back. It just wouldn't seem right to keep all this good to ourselves.
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Andy’s Wolf Traxx

9. Andy’s Wolf Traxx

98%
(276)
Newberry, MI · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
This property is heavily wooded with pine and maple trees. Wild raspberry and blueberries are found to be plentiful in season. Formerly wooded by lumberjacks during the early 1900’s, this area is rich with history and sights to see. Located between Seney National Wildlife Refugee and Grand Mairas on Lake Superior.
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Finland State Forest

10. Finland State Forest

95%
(11)
State forest in Minnesota · 82 sites
Discover the natural allure of Finland State Forest.
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Tettegouche State Park

11. Tettegouche State Park

100%
(17)
State park in Minnesota · 45 sites
You may not know it by name, but guaranteed if you like nature photography, you’ve seen Shovel Point. Its steep, bridge-like cliff on the shore of Lake Superior attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. Wanna experience the magic? Visit its home: Tettegouche State Park. With cliffs like these, Tettegouche was bound to attract dirtbaggers from all over. Like to climb rock? Come join ‘em! Visit the 60 foot High Falls of the Baptism River and feel the spirit of nature rejoice. Remote hiking through the Sawtooth Mountains offer views made for a life time and lakes made for skinny dipping. This parks nearly 10,000 acres house accommodations from cabins to backpacking and kayaking sites open year-round. Hurry there!
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Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

12. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

97%
(29)
State park in Michigan · 170 sites
Michigan’s largest state park is an honest Porkies wilderness.
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Tahquamenon Falls State Park

13. Tahquamenon Falls State Park

100%
(19)
State park in Michigan · 276 sites
Discover the majestic Tahquamenon Falls amid lush Michigan wilderness.
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Doe Creek Hideaway

14. Doe Creek Hideaway

100%
(52)
Engadine, MI · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Located in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the small town of Engadine. We are a few miles from Lake Michigan with the camp nesting beside the tranquil waters of Doe Creek. There is wildlife traveling through the property and at times make this their home. This is a birding paradise for those birds migrating through and others building their nests and raising their babies here. Every spring is different those birds migrating, we see Indigo Bunting, Baltimore Oriole, Grosbeak and Bobolink. Occasionally we see just a flicker of color and wing and they are gone to another home. Actually nesting here are Hummingbirds, Cedar Waxwing and Sandhill Cranes, Every kind of Woodpecker is a daily sighting with the Pileated announcing his arrival that vibrates across the field and through the trees. We are a hobby farm, we hay in July, garden during the summer and at times have a variety of farm animals. There is recreation galore including swimming, fishing, boating, skiing, hiking, and biking to name a few very familiar activities to this area.
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Heritage Hills

15. Heritage Hills

100%
(383)
Ishpeming, MI · 4 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!
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Shivering Timbers Family Campground

16. Shivering Timbers Family Campground

99%
(65)
Paradise, MI · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Shivering Timbers Family Campground, the closest private camp to Tahquamenon Falls (3 miles) and 15 minutes from Two Hearted River Trailhead and Crisp Point lighthouse access. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, access to water spigot, and portable toilets. We offer 4 primitive tent/van/small RVs to park on spacious sites in private spots surrounded by state land. Our boys sell firewood, delivered to your site! We can be your headquarters for all attractions that will make your stay enjoyable. Located only 5 minutes from Lower Falls State Park, 10 minutes from Upper Falls, we have a variety of trails, river access and lakes to get you going on a nice hike or a relaxing afternoon of fishing. Rustic it may be but the use of quiet generators are allowed and we are pet friendly. We have a community field with games and a fire pit to use. Self-contained trailers are welcome (no hookups yet). Steps from snowmobile trails and near Lake Superior (10 miles), Star gazing, rock hunting or bird watching are all ideal for family fun or quiet escapes. Showers and RV amenities are available at the state park (3 miles). Check back for new sites and book now for a much needed U.P. adventure!
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Northland Outfitters

17. Northland Outfitters

98%
(33)
Newberry, MI · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
15 Acres situated on the gorgeous Manistique River. We offer 10 RV sites, 4 tent camping sites, and 4 cabins. We are also a canoe/kayak livery business. Trips can be anywhere from 1 hr, 2 hr,4 hr and multi-day. The Manistique River flows right through the National Wildlife Refuge, making for a beautiful float. We are also short drives 30 away from Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls, 5 Min from Seney Wildlife Refuge and 35 min from Lake Kitch-iti-ipi
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Lake Superior Beauty

18. Lake Superior Beauty

88%
(4)
Port Wing, WI · 1 site
Secluded camp site on south shore of Lake Superior. Close to Port Wing for boat launch and Shopping. Beautiful sunrise and sunsets. Have a campfire and cook out while enjoying peace and quiet.
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Explore the U.P. from here!

19. Explore the U.P. from here!

97%
(417)
Newberry, MI · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Best Hipcamp in Michigan – 5x Finalist! Experience total privacy and rustic charm at our spacious, secluded campsites—perfect for tents, campers, or our unique levitating tents (already set up—just bring your sleeping bag and pillow!). Each site features a private entrance and is so spread out, you’ll likely never see another camper. No crowds. No noise. Just nature. Ideally located near top Upper Peninsula attractions—Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls, and Kitch-iti-kipi—with a convenience store just a short walk away, as is the public boat launch onto East Lake. Bonus: Mention your stay for a discounted shower at the Pleasant Moose Hotel in Newberry!
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Keweenaw Homestead Camping

20. Keweenaw Homestead Camping

98%
(178)
Calumet, MI · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Our property provides a mixture of fields, forest, pond, and creek with some views of Lake Superior and of Isle Royale. We are conveniently located between Calumet and McLain State Park as well as adjacent the Swedetown Recreation Area (our property touches Swedetown's boundary and the M203 trailhead is just down the road). Using us as a basecamp, everything the Keweenaw has to offer is easily within reach. Important details regarding our sites:  Sites 1 - 3 are for tenting groups. Among these sites 1 and 3 will accommodate multiple tents while site 2 only has room for one.  There is a short walk to access our tent sites. Site 4 is available for multiple tents, vehicle camping, and rv's.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Frequently Asked Questions

You can camp on Lake Superior in Minnesota at several campgrounds and state parks. Some popular options include:

  • Split Rock Lighthouse State Park - Offers cart-in campsites with beautiful views of Lake Superior.
  • Tettegouche State Park - Provides a mix of drive-in, walk-in, and cart-in campsites, as well as a few camper cabins.
  • Temperance River State Park - Features drive-in and walk-in campsites near the shores of Lake Superior.

Keep in mind that for public parks and campgrounds, you cannot make reservations on Hipcamp, but you can learn about the available options and facilities. You can find more camping options on Lake Superior in Minnesota by visiting Hipcamp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top regions near Lake Superior