RV camping near Alpha, Michigan provides access to the Upper Peninsula's dense forests and waterways. Summer temperatures typically range between 60-80°F with cooler evenings, while winters bring significant snowfall with temperatures often below freezing. Most campgrounds in the region operate on gravel or natural surfaces that can become muddy after rain, requiring extra stabilization equipment for larger RVs.
What to do
Fishing access: Bewabic State Park Campground offers good fishing opportunities in both streams and lakes. "Very hospitable. Sites were large and well cared for. Trails, parks, and a beach. Very affordable kayak and canoe rentals," notes a visitor. The park also provides fishing pole rentals on site.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds maintain walking paths through wooded areas. At Morgan Lake Campground, "Trails from the campground to the beach and fishing were nice," according to a camper. The campground is situated along Morgan Lake with access to non-motorized boating.
ATV routes: Many campgrounds provide direct access to regional trail systems. "The ORV Route is right outside the campground entrance and you can ride to the trail," reports a visitor at Paint River Hills Campground. Riders should note that the Morgan Lake area sees heavy ATV traffic, with one camper mentioning, "We passed more ATVs than cars."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer generous site dimensions. "Sites are large and well cared for," mentions a Bewabic State Park visitor. Another notes, "Loop A is nice and wooded and private," providing better separation between campsites than some other options in the region.
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently praise maintenance standards at Paint River Hills Campground. "Very small and quiet campground. The showers and bathroom facility were clean," reports one camper. Another adds, "It's small, clean and quiet. You self register for check-in, there's a bathroom building with 3 stalls and two showers and hot water."
Water recreation: Lakes and rivers provide swimming and boating options throughout the area. One camper described Borderline RV Park as "Excellent for adults, fishing base camp," noting "numerous lakes nearby for fishing; a boat ramp into the Wisconsin River for canoes/kayaks is just across 45."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the region's campgrounds. While the existing information mentions Bewabic's limited service, visitors to other parks report similar challenges. "This campground is out there," notes one camper about Morgan Lake Campground, highlighting its remote location.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds recommend advance bookings, particularly for weekend stays. At Paint River Hills Campground, self-registration is common: "You self register for check-in," explains a visitor. Park occupancy fluctuates seasonally, with one Bewabic camper noting it's "busy on the weekends, but empties out during the week."
Campsite variations: Privacy levels differ significantly between parks and even within the same campground. While some areas offer wooded separation, others place sites closer together. One Morgan Lake visitor cautioned, "If you like a private, quiet campground this is not for you. Extremely small sites with very little foliage to provide privacy."
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas suitable for children. Bewabic State Park includes "a nice beach area" that's "very nice" according to visitors, with one adding that the park has "hiking trails and playground" options for kids.
Playgrounds and recreation: Country Village RV Park offers family-friendly amenities beyond standard camping. "Our kids loved that there is a pool, hot tub & bouncy pillow," shares one visitor. Another confirms, "Playground which they are expanding. Large sites as it is a big rig park."
Weekday visits: For families seeking quieter experiences, timing matters. "Busy on the weekends, but empties out during the week," notes a Bewabic State Park visitor, suggesting midweek stays provide a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Most sites in the region require some adjustment. At Country Village RV Park, one RVer noted, "The sites are well maintained and we required no additional leveling." However, experiences vary, with another RVer at the same park stating, "We were assigned site #104 but could tell our motorhome was not going to get level in the site."
Power options: Electrical service varies between campgrounds. Paint River Hills offers "4 pull through sites with full hook-ups; $25 a night. 50/20 amps, high water pressure," according to a visitor. Campers should note that some parks only offer 30-amp service while others provide 50-amp connections.
Water pressure awareness: RVers report significant variation in water system pressure. One Paint River Hills camper specifically mentioned "high water pressure" at their site, suggesting pressure regulators may be necessary for some RVs.
