St. James Township Campground sits 40 feet above Lake Michigan on Beaver Island, accessible by boat or ferry service from Charlevoix. This seasonal campground operates from April to November with sites that accommodate tents, RVs, and glamping setups. Campers should note that Beaver Island is a designated dark sky area, making it possible to view the aurora borealis under optimal conditions.
What to do
Water activities: Kayaking in St. James Bay provides a peaceful retreat for water enthusiasts. A camper at St. James Township Campground shares, "My favorite thing to do is paddle my kayak out into the bay, anchor up, and sit for hours in the gentle waves reading a book."
Stargazing: Take advantage of the island's dark sky designation for exceptional stargazing opportunities. According to a visitor at St. James Township Campground, "Beaver Island is a designated dark sky area and I've seen the aurora multiple times."
ATV trail riding: For those seeking land-based adventures, Newberry Campground provides direct access to local trail systems. A reviewer notes, "Easy drive to the falls, nice clean grounds, and right next to ATV trails."
What campers like
Panoramic lake views: The elevated positioning of campsites creates dramatic vistas across Lake Michigan. A camper describes it as, "Watch the sunset from your tent on top of a 40 foot over lake MI."
Family amenities: Seasonal recreational facilities cater to families with children. A visitor to Newberry Campground reports, "They have a playground, playroom and a pool. None of this was open during our visit but I imagine in the summer it is all going strong and the kids have a blast."
Convenient location: The strategic position allows for exploration of regional attractions. One camper at Newberry Campground appreciates the "central location for upper peninsula activities" and mentions it's an "easy drive to the falls."
What you should know
Site spacing: Some campgrounds have limited space between sites. A camper at Newberry Campground cautions, "The pull-through sites are SMALL! If you happen to have a neighbor, you share campfire and picnic table space."
Equestrian camping limitations: While trails exist near Beaver Island, dedicated horse corrals or equestrian camping facilities are not advertised at St. James Township Campground or Newberry Campground. Riders should contact campgrounds directly for current horse-related policies.
Internet connectivity: Wifi service varies by location within campgrounds. One camper notes, "Wifi is alittle spotty at the end of the campground but our jet pack works wonders out here."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: During summer months, children can enjoy swimming facilities. A visitor to Newberry Campground mentions, "Very nice heated pool" which provides recreation for kids.
Quiet environment: The peaceful setting supports family relaxation. A camper describes St. James Township Campground as an "Incredibly quiet, relaxing spot" where they typically stay "for 5-8 days."
Clean facilities: Maintained restrooms contribute to comfort during family stays. One camper appreciates that Newberry Campground has "hot showers that were clean and looked taken care of."
Tips from RVers
Full-service options: Newberry Campground offers comprehensive hookups for recreational vehicles. A reviewer mentions, "We stayed here on the very last night they were open this season. The staff was very friendly and they actually had campsites that were more private then almost all the Michigan state parks we have stayed at."
Site selection: Choose sites based on size requirements for your rig. One RVer suggests, "A lot of pull through sites, and a lot of different style of sites wooded and grassy."
Seasonal considerations: Note that campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Newberry Campground is open "May 23 to October 15," requiring advance planning for RV travelers seeking facilities outside this window.
