Best Camping near Houghton, MI

Searching for the best camping near Houghton, MI? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Houghton. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Houghton camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Houghton, MI (44)

Showing results 1-10 of 44 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Houghton

Recent Reviews In Houghton

291 Reviews of 44 Houghton Campgrounds


  • Oli
    Camper-submitted photo from Perkins Park & Campground
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Perkins Park & Campground

    Good

    Many campers have enjoyed the swimming beach and the nearby boat launch, making it easy to get out on the water. Solar  As one happy camper noted,“The beach area for swimming in Lake Independence is nice with a pavilion, volleyball, and ping pong nearby.”

  • k
    Camper-submitted photo from Van Riper State Park
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Van Riper State Park

    Campers beware

    Van Riper State park has very unlevel sites with no water and 30 amp service. Unacceptable with today’s campers. Time to update Michigan

  • Micheal S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Van Riper State Park
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Van Riper State Park

    Great campgeound

    We are not a big state park fan as, in Michigan, there are very close sites and tons of noise. This one was relatively quiet. The site were the standard Michigan close but the campgeound was t full and there many options to choose from. The lake is real nice and the beach area is clean, spacious and it has a general store that has firewood for sale. We first reserved a rustic site, then changed to an electrical hook up site after arriving. The ranger was very accomodating.

  • Stephen L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground

    Just awesome

    This place is way off the beaten path. Long dirt road to get back here. There are tent sites all along the beach front to watch the sunset and pick rocks. Most sites are fairly level. I feel like we got one of the only ones that wasn't but I'm not real picky. @ramblinsmurf

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Ontonagon Township Park Campground
    Aug. 13, 2024

    Ontonagon Township Park Campground

    Been coming here for years…

    We love the area. Very nice people, well run campground. Staying on Lake Superior is almost always beautiful. Sunsets are amazing!! The sites are generous and partially wooded. Drawbacks, no laundry facilities, even in town. Stores, restaurants and gas stations nearby but expensive. (Though there is a dollar store) They do not take reservations, so it’s a gamble to just show up. You really have to be there, in person by 7AM to wait in line to get a site.

    Overall, great place to stay!!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Van Riper State Park
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Van Riper State Park

    Serenaded by snoring

    I’m a very simple camper used to having space and quiet…this was not the best time to pass through for an overnight. I arrived and the campground was so loud with people and kids shouting. There is zero privacy (they pack you in) so be sure to get a spot along the edge where you’ll at least have trees. I was very surprised and grateful how respectful everyone was of the quiet hrs…other than snoring and some traffic it was quiet. On a positive, the pit toilet was really clean and spacious. And the ranger at check in was so nice.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground

    Great location. Friendly Hosts.

    We really liked this campground mostly for its location and beautiful beach on Lake Superior. It has a long driveway that is gravel and all of the campground loops are also gravel or sand so it can be a little dusty. The lake shore sites have beautiful, full views of the lake but just know that many sites will be a tight fit for larger rigs. We have a 26' travel trailer and stayed in the newer loop a little ways away from the beach. It didn't bother us as it was easier to park and a very short walk to enjoy the beautiful sunsets this campground is all about.

  • C S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ontonagon Township Park Campground
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Ontonagon Township Park Campground

    Holding spots for people who may never even come

    They don't do reservations, but despite having 10+ sites available, they're holding them for people who may never come.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtney Lake Campground
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Courtney Lake Campground

    Very quiet and relaxing

    We tented on lot 7 during the second week of June. It was very quiet. I was lucky to find this gem and you will only have spotty phone service at best. My dog had more fun than I did and we did a lot of hiking.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Baraga State Park
    Jul. 4, 2024

    Baraga State Park

    Camp sites are WAY too close together

    I can hear my neighbors talking at their campsite from mine. We are packed in here like sardines.

    Beautiful area, though. Caught a rainbow just as we were setting up camp. And they had wood and ice.

  • Pat F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Perrault
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Lake Perrault

    Great little overlook of the lake

    Very nice n open for pulling in and doing dispersed camping, nice overview of the lake from the hill , quite too, fire pit made of rocks

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from McLain State Park
    Jun. 22, 2024

    McLain State Park

    Amazing campground on the shore of Lake Superior

    Really nice and level site(62) just a short walk from the beach. Really clean and well kept state park. Hiking trails are plentiful. Centrally located on the Keweenaw Peninsula allows time for exploring many sites this location has to offer. Too bad the “Gitch” washed away some of the lakeside campsites, hopefully they rebuild soon! My family will definitely come back!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay

    Absolutely Amazin

    DO NOT BRING A STANDARD CAR DOWN HERE! Road was incredibly rough and no cell service. That being said, risking my lifted 4WD SUV was well worth it. I may have forgotten to get a permit. Oops. There’s a large turnaround at the end of the road with spectacular views. I turned left at the outhouse and found a similar spot. Flies and mosquitos were abundant but didn’t kill my vibe. Make sure to check the weather before you go. If it had rained overnight, I probably wouldn’t have been able to make it out.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Perrault
    Apr. 29, 2024

    Lake Perrault

    Idyllic camping spot.

    I spent an overnight in this beautiful place. I was all alone in the campground. A few people drove down to the water while I was there. The place is a "lovers lane" of sorts. 

    The road in is AWFUL. But slow driving is the cure for that. 

    There are a few spots suitable for a small travel trailer, but most of them are better suited to tents.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Perrault
    Dec. 14, 2023

    Lake Perrault

    Free dispersed

    Nice small lake, easy access from the main road. Road to the lake isn’t paved and there are huge potholes so go slow. A couple of the campers looked like they’re long-termers, but there was still plenty of room. It’s a dispersed area with some sites with fire pits that are cleared and open for camping, maybe about 6 spots or so. A couple of the spots are right down at the water. 

    There’s also a little trail by the water but the mosquitoes were too bad for me to try and hike it. Though this is definitely a local hangout, with trucks coming in and out almost all day and late into the night, everyone was respectful and quiet, and it was really nice and peaceful overnight. 

    There was a little road noise but not bad at all. Some interesting animal calls overnight as well. There was good cell reception for Verizon and ATT.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hancock Recreation Area Beach & Campground
    Nov. 27, 2023

    Hancock Recreation Area Beach & Campground

    Good location for base camp

    City run operation. Close to downtown Hancock. A few sites right along the canal. Variety of site configurations - from remote tent pads to open areas that permit families to set up camp units close together. Limited sites that have sewer, water, and/or electric.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Van Riper State Park
    Nov. 27, 2023

    Van Riper State Park

    Nice Park

    Older well established state park. Has high usage in summer. Being older, many lots in modern area are close together. Decent restroom/shower building. Poor wifi reception.

  • Jill M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bob Lake Campground
    Sep. 22, 2023

    Bob Lake Campground

    Secluded, serene & beautiful.

    Our campsite possibly was the best one  The Beaver Lodge Interpreted Trail System is a good hike. Bathrooms are conveniently located. Cell phone service isnt good, but didnt come for that.A great get away.. I gave  a 5 star, for the beauty.

  • Langford113
    Camper-submitted photo from Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay
    Sep. 13, 2023

    Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay

    Hard to access

    You have to drive like 30 minutes down an old logging road that has atvs and dirt bikes running around. I wouldn’t suggest doing it in a car as some spots got really rough. Any standard suv or truck will make it just take your time. The views are incredible and there’s about 10 spots you can camp. There was some strong winds when I was there.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hancock Recreation Area Beach & Campground
    Sep. 9, 2023

    Hancock Recreation Area Beach & Campground

    Great little campground on the edge of town

    Very nice place, well set up. It was super hot so the bathroom floors were sweating and wet But over all clean.

    If you don’t have water it’s a bit of a pain but onboard tanks or jugs are doable.

  • Doug L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Wilkins Historic State Park
    Sep. 4, 2023

    Fort Wilkins Historic State Park

    Awe Inspiring Lakes and Deep Forest Beauty

    Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is a place of great beauty. We stayed on the west side campground (site 153) and found the nearby lake an lush green forest to be very beautiful.

    For Astronomy this is a Bortle Class 2 site ( bordering Class 1) with an SQM of: 21.98 mag./arc sec2. Alas, i could not observe from this site as it was cloudy every night I was there.

    There is no cell service over Verizon or ATT at the park. However, there is a nice town nearby (Copper Harbor) with restaurants and gas. The restaurants had wifi so we could go there for internet access.

    Gas up before you leave. The next gas is a very long way off.

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ahmeek Copper Mine Camp
    Sep. 1, 2023

    Ahmeek Copper Mine Camp

    Stay in a Historic Copper Mine

    Jake from the Dyrt here!  Ahmeek Copper Mine is a cool spot to checkout a historic mine while you camp.  Check them out and share some pics on the Dyrt!

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hancock Recreation Area Beach & Campground
    Aug. 22, 2023

    Hancock Recreation Area Beach & Campground

    Kind of cramped,

    Very convenient to Houghton and rest of Keweenaw Peninsula. But spots are practically on top of one another. Great if you’re camping with kids and friends, but no so great if you’re looking for some quiet.



Guide to Houghton

Camping near Houghton, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore Fort Wilkins Historic State Park: This park features a reconstructed 1844 fort and scenic views. One visitor mentioned, "The fort was worth exploring; it's really nicely set up."
  • Hike in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Known for its stunning trails, one camper said, "The East and West trails bordering the Presque Isle River are worth the drive to get there."
  • Visit Lake Superior: Many campgrounds, like Union Bay Campground, are right on the lake. A reviewer noted, "Campground right on Lake Superior. We were along the Lakeshore and it was nice and quiet."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for McLain State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms and showers were awesome and made for an easy experience even if tent camping."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Union River Big Bear Campground mentioned, "Some sites have more room than others. We had site 16, which was roomy."
  • Natural beauty: The scenery is a big draw. A visitor to Bond Falls Campground said, "Beautiful spots, friendly staff, clean toilet and trash can at each site."

What you should know:

  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds, like Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, have no cell service. One camper noted, "No cell service in this entire area but there’s free wifi at the bathrooms."
  • Reservations recommended: Especially during peak season, it's wise to book ahead. A long-time visitor to McLain State Park Campground said, "Reservations are hard to get for RVs wanting a premiere spot!"
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping mentioned, "We visited with our dog... the firewood in the area was sparse."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose quieter campgrounds: Some sites can be noisy. A family camper at Van Riper State Park Campground said, "The site were the standard Michigan close but the campground was not full and there were many options to choose from."
  • Look for kid-friendly activities: Many parks have playgrounds and swimming areas. A review for McLain State Park Campground highlighted, "The beach area for swimming in Lake Independence is nice with a pavilion, volleyball, and ping pong nearby."
  • Pack for bugs: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance. One camper at Union Bay Campground advised, "Bring bug nets!!!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site levelness: Some sites can be uneven. A camper at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park suggested, "If you’re in an RV and levelness is important to you, then I’d really try and not make reservations, but pick a site when you arrive."
  • Bring extension cords: Many sites have electric hookups but may require longer cords. A reviewer at McLain State Park Campground mentioned, "Bring an extension cord. Required for some sites."
  • Plan for limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full services. A camper at Van Riper State Park Campground noted, "Decent restroom/shower building. Poor wifi reception."

Camping near Houghton, Michigan, offers a unique blend of nature, adventure, and community. Whether you're in a tent or RV, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Houghton, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Houghton, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 44 campgrounds and RV parks near Houghton, MI and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Houghton, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Houghton, MI is McLain State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 27 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Houghton, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Houghton, MI.

  • What parks are near Houghton, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Houghton, MI that allow camping, notably Ottawa National Forest and Isle Royale National Park.