Upper Peninsula Michigan's glamping options extend beyond Craig Lake and Van Riper, with additional wilderness lodging scattered around Baraga. The region sits on a geological formation known as the Keweenaw Peninsula, where glacial activity carved out numerous lakes and waterways. Winter temperatures typically drop below 15°F, while summer brings moderately warm days with cool evenings suitable for campfires.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 5 minutes from Twin Lakes State Park Campground, visitors can discover nearby waterfalls that make for perfect day trips. As one camper notes, "Quite little park, a waterfall about 5 minutes away. Right on a lake. We were site 44 it rained a lot. But it didn't flood the site" (Katilyn P.).
Lake Superior shoreline access: L'Anse Township Park & Campground offers direct views of the largest Great Lake. According to a visitor, "Beautiful spot right on Lake Superior. Stayed on a Wednesday and there was space available but booked solid for weekends. Filled up by 4 pm. Spots are small, side-by-side and no privacy, but they have several spots to watch spectacular sunsets. That was worth the stay" (Thomas V.).
Winter exploration: Bond Falls Campground maintains accessibility during colder months, providing off-season glamping opportunities when many other sites close. A visitor mentions, "In mid-October, we woke up to full on winter one morning, so be prepared for anything in the shoulder season. Also, the entrance to this campground is not for low clearance vehicles...it is full of HUGE flooded potholes" (Shari G.).
Water recreation: Michigamme Shores Campground features family-friendly water activities on their lake. A reviewer shares, "There were several Large floating climbing structures in the swim area. Kids were having a blast. Great sandy beach with resort style lounge chairs. Large grassy area adjacent to the beach. Kayak and paddle boat rentals right on site" (Steve).
What campers like
Remote wilderness campsites: Craig Lake State Park Campground provides secluded glamping options that require effort to reach. A camper explains, "Most sites are accessible ONLY by boat. Beautiful quiet lake. Some cabins available to rent. Guessing you need to reserve online" (Rebecca W.).
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region around Twin Lakes State Park Campground offers chances to spot local fauna. As one visitor reported, "Beautiful lake, great swimming, too many four wheelers. Local black bears. Close to Lake of the Clouds and the Porcupine mountains" (Jack T.).
Sunrise and sunset viewing: Perkins Park & Campground positions campsites for optimal lighting conditions. A visitor mentions, "Views of Lake Independence from nearly each site and beautiful sunrises. We stayed in our tents at this site. The sites are reasonably sized and well described on the county website, even details about how level each site is" (S G.).
Quiet, remote atmosphere: The wilderness setting at Big Lake State Forest Campground provides a true escape. As one camper reports, "Way off the beaten path but the sites are HUGE! Quiet setting right on Big Lake. Probably my most beautiful site in the UP so far. Vault toilets and no shower. Very clean. Boat launch" (Tracy W.).
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Van Riper State Park Campground uses Michigan's state reservation system. "The park office also has firewood, ice and even ice cream for sale. I recommend to get your firewood from another local area, the bundles are $5 but are very small bundles like 3 or 4 pieces" (Nona A.).
Access challenges: Remote glamping sites may require special vehicles or equipment. At Bond Falls Campground, "the entrance to this campground is not for low clearance vehicles...it is full of HUGE flooded potholes (small ponds really). Not recommended for 2 wheel drive, low clearance vehicles" (Shari G.).
Seasonal crowds: Summer brings more visitors to the accessible glamping sites. At L'Anse Township Park, "Stayed on a Wednesday and there was space available but booked solid for weekends. Filled up by 4 pm" (Thomas V.).
Insect preparation: Bugs can be challenging in certain seasons. A visitor to Bond Falls noted, "We tent camped... The first night we stayed on the west side campground and the mosquitoes and flies were pretty bad. We left and went to the east side and found a spot along the lake. Mosquitoes and flies were so bad that our dogs faces were getting bloody" (Nathan W.).
Tips for camping with families
Beach access selection: Choose sites with dedicated swimming areas. At Michigamme Shores Campground, "Beautiful lake with great facilities. There were several Large floating climbing structures in the swim area. Kids were having a blast. Great sandy beach with resort style lounge chairs" (Steve).
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer additional recreation. One visitor to Van Riper noted, "My kids made some of their best memories ever camping here. Lots of families, positive environment. Clean campground and park, helpful staff. Swam and paddled on Lake Michigamme for hours. Huge beach with volleyball net. Large bathhouse with private shower rooms. Huge playground" (Jenny G.).
Birthday party accommodations: Glamping sites can host special events. A visitor shared, "Stayed at Van Riper a few years ago. Had my son's 6th birthday party here. We were able to grill our food at our camp site then brought it over closer to the beach where we set up in the grassy area. The kids were are to play on the beach or the play ground equipment" (Ashley L.).
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Some parks offer more spacious RV sites than others. At Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground, "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" (Jeremy B.).
Dump station availability: Not all glamping sites offer full RV services. At Twin Lakes State Park, one visitor notes the campground "is an open field with plenty of pull thrus. Also has tent sites. $20 with no hookups. Clean restrooms & shower stalls" (Fred S.).
Site surfaces: Ground conditions vary across glamping sites. A visitor to River Road RV Park observed, "Our site was grass and had some ruts from previous guests. It sounded like they had a lot of rain earlier in the summer" (Sam C.).
