76 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Champion, Michigan serves as a gateway to several notable camping destinations in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, with options ranging from developed state parks to rustic forest campgrounds. Van Riper State Park Campground offers 147 modern sites with electric hookups and 40 rustic sites, situated along Lake Michigamme with beach access and hiking trails. Craig Lake State Park provides more remote camping experiences with tent sites and cabins accessible by boat or hiking trails. The area features a mix of state forest campgrounds, RV resorts, and county parks within a 30-mile radius, creating diverse accommodation options for various camping preferences.
Road conditions and seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in the Champion area, particularly for accessing more remote locations. Many forest roads leading to rustic campgrounds require careful navigation, especially after rain or during spring thaw. "Takes about a ten Mile dirt/gravel road in poor condition to get to. This is a carry in/carry out site," noted one visitor about Carney Lake State Forest Campground. Winter arrives early in the Upper Peninsula, with some campgrounds reporting snowfall as early as mid-October. Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, though some state parks like Craig Lake remain open year-round for winter camping and recreation. Cell service can be limited or non-existent at more remote sites, requiring advance planning.
Waterfront access represents a common feature among highly-rated campgrounds in the region. Lake Michigamme provides warmer swimming temperatures than many Upper Peninsula lakes, making Van Riper State Park particularly popular with families. Several visitors mentioned the spacious campsites as a significant advantage compared to other Michigan state parks. A review noted, "The sites at Van Riper are very large – so much bigger than many sites we've seen at other state parks." Proximity to hiking trails, particularly segments of the North Country Trail, enhances the camping experience for many visitors. The area's relative remoteness offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including potential moose sightings in wetland areas. Campgrounds closer to Marquette provide more amenities and access to urban conveniences, while those deeper in the forest deliver greater solitude and immersion in nature.
"We took a week long trip and toured Michigan. We spent 2 nights at Van Riper, the other campers were nice, the playset was large, and the beach was nice."
"We found this campground located along U.S. Hwy 41 about 40 minutes west of Marquette MI. The Park sits on the west shores of Lake Michigamme. "
from $20 - $34 / night
Check Availability"My family and I took a 3 week vacation to visit Michigan. We stayed at a few different campgrounds, and did lots of hiking."
"Beautiful lake, great swimming area, secure, full hook ups. Very helpful we came in late night- they left reservation info in the mail box for us."
"It is located off US-41 which is a major Upper Peninsula thoroughfare but set back about ½ miles so you don’t get road noise but it is still convenient. "
"This is our 2nd time staying & both were because of its convenience to ‘civilization’ not to get away from it."
from $35 - $51 / night
Check Availability"Best campground I’ve been too near the Marquette area! The porta potty’s were super clean!"
"What you would expect of a Michigan SF campground: vault toilets, no hookups, hand pump, no reservations, $20/night. The outhouses are new and the sites are right on Beaufort Lake."
"Access is from 41 turn on the gravel road outside Michigamme coming from the East."
"This is my absolute favorite place to camp, hike, kayak, fish, and just get away from it all."
"Rippling River is a really nice campground, very close to downtown Marquette and right in/on a huge mountain bike park."
"Nice new place, located next to bike trails, orv trails, and the ski hill. Good location."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Stayed on our drive from Mackinac to see the pictured rocks lake shore. The campground is surrounded by 18 miles of trails. No camp store, but a convenience store is a quarter mile away."
"This campground is in Marquette, near Northern Michigan University. But once you're camped there, you won't feel like you're in one of the largest cities in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. "
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"It’s a County Park in Big Bay on beautiful Lake Independence. They have full hook up sites to primitive sites."
"Laundry facility is outside the camp (private) but worth noting. Close to Lake Superior, just off of the Circle Tour. Marquette is within 30 min."
"They seem to fill up because it is fairly close to Canyon Falls. We had just come straight from the falls and talked to some campers who were going the next day. The lake was very quiet a peaceful."
"Arrived around 5 pm on a Tuesday and there were two sites left. We got site 6 which has a good view of the lake, with site 5 in between. We brought a camper trailer but everyone else was renting."
Scoutthe first night we stayed was rained out so it was just annoying but the second was absolutely beautiful. lots of fog coming through the trees, and the waves sounded so gorgeous all night. there are plenty of fire rings all around. lots of sand though and it will get everywhere. the drive back out on the gravel road was a bit rough just because of puddles but it wasn’t too bad. will come back for sure
GuideNice campground, well maintained, next to a lake with a boat ramp. Ever site has a picnic table, fire ring, asphalt pad and drying stand. Vault toilets, very limited trash collection trash cans (2). No water or waste. Only a few pull through most are back in.
ScoutGreat camp ground located within city limits. The grounds are large and each site has plenty of space to accommodate its guests. We brought our two dogs which loved the site just as much as us. There are plenty of activities to do near by as well.
ScoutThis is a beautiful, well-kept campground. It is secluded and campsites have a bit of privacy with lots of beautiful trees. It’s a short walk to the lake and the hand pump is convenient for water. Vault toilets are clean and stocked with paper.
GuideDecided to drive north to stay on Keweenaw Bay. The only thing you couldn't tell is that the State Park was right on the road. Literally. No site is quiet. Traffic goes all day and all night. Park was curiously mostly full with families and ither campers set up fir the weekend?. Clearly a popular spot. Very clean bathrooms and showers a lovely Park Ranger.
RangerVery expensive, but what can you do with a useless storm that doesn't go away?
RangerThat's a beautiful place to park for free. The fresh water Lake Superior provides water for those who have the means to filter it. There's no grey dump and no trash. However, the fact that it's parking right on a beach makes it very difficult for larger vehicles, such as my 16,000-pound bus. I did manage to park it, though. In the dark.
ScoutThe only thing you hear out here are the waves. Extremely peaceful. September 8.
TravelerStayed at sight 4 on a Friday night , no one else here. Nice and quiet , only person I saw was a forest ranger . Sights are all easily accessible and kept clean and in good condition . Bathroom and hand pump well on sight
Champion sits at 1,565 feet above sea level in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, positioned where terrain transitions from rolling hills to the flatter Lake Superior lowlands. The area experiences shorter camping seasons than southern Michigan, with frost possible into June and returning by mid-September. Cell service varies dramatically between sites within just a few miles of town depending on elevation and tree cover.
Beach activities at Lake Michigamme: Van Riper State Park Campground features water recreation opportunities for all ages. "My kids made some of their best memories ever camping here. Swam and paddled on Lake Michigamme for hours. Huge beach with volleyball net," writes Jenny G. The park added inflatable water features for summer visitors.
Wildlife viewing: Moose sightings are possible with proper guidance. At Perkins Park & Campground, visitors can ask rangers for wildlife information. "Ask the rangers where to go to look for moose," advises Tracie S., who appreciated the larger sites compared to lower peninsula parks.
Mountain biking and hiking: Access extensive trail networks directly from campgrounds. "If you love mountain biking or hiking you stay here. Period. You are right on the trails," notes Rory L. about Rippling Rivers RV Resort. For more adventurous hikers, Craig Lake State Park offers challenging backcountry routes with minimal signage.
Remote experiences: Craig Lake State Park Campground offers true wilderness camping. "If you're looking for an off-the-grid escape this is it. The hike-in/paddle in camping spots are equipped with a picnic table and a firepit, everything else is up to you," reports Mike S., who has visited yearly for a decade.
Larger campsites: Many Upper Peninsula campgrounds offer more spacious sites than those in lower Michigan. "The sites are large and clean," says Ashley S. about Van Riper State Park, which offers both rustic and modern camping options with direct trail access from many sites.
Lake activities: Swimming opportunities range from small forest lakes to larger developed beaches. "Beautiful lake with great facilities. Sites are bigger than parks in the lower peninsula," notes one visitor about Perkins Park. The warmer waters of Lake Michigamme provide comfortable swimming conditions during summer months.
Access challenges: Many campgrounds require travel on rough roads. Rebecca W. warns about King Lake State Forest Campground: "I wouldn't suggest this park for larger rigs though - it is a long drive in and maneuvering within the park may be difficult." Most remote sites require high-clearance vehicles during wet conditions.
Water considerations: Some campgrounds have water quality issues requiring campers to bring drinking water. "There are restrictions on their drinking water so you need to haul in your own drinking water," advises Andrea B. about Van Riper, noting the otherwise beautiful park setting.
Seasonal limitations: Most primitive campgrounds close by mid-October. Perkins Park operates from May 15 to September 15, while others like Country Village RV Park remain open until October 15. Craig Lake State Park technically remains open year-round but becomes accessible only by snowmobile or cross-country skis after first significant snowfall.
Water play options: Michigamme Shores Campground offers family-friendly water features. "They have a water toy park. I would come back.. good wifi," notes Steve S. Another visitor described their "cool trampoline type thing in the water that kids loved playing on."
Playground equipment: Several campgrounds maintain playground facilities. Jenny G. appreciated Van Riper's amenities: "Huge playground. Overlook hiking trail was awesome, minus the bugs!" Country Village RV Park features a "playground which they are expanding" according to Linda P.
Bathhouse quality: Families appreciate well-maintained facilities. "Large bathhouse with private shower rooms," mentions Jenny G. about Van Riper. At Country Village, "Bathroom and showers are super clean. Plenty of hot water," according to Pete D.
Site leveling needs: Check site reviews for leveling information. Steph found King Lake's sites workable without modification: "We brought a camper trailer... sites are well maintained and we required no additional leveling." Other campgrounds may require significant adjustments.
Hookup placement: Some campgrounds have awkwardly placed utilities. John R. noted about Marquette Tourist Park: "Some of the hook ups were oddly placed make sure you have a longer water hose but shouldn't need over 50 feet."
Campground road conditions: Internal roads vary significantly in quality. Pete D. appreciated Country Village RV Park's layout: "The sites are well maintained and we required no additional leveling. Electric at our site was error free. Water pressure is excellent." Greg S. notes that at Perkins Park, "The full hookup sites were nice and long and well spaced, but they were dirt so could be muddy in the rain."
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Champion Lake Campground?
Champion Lake Campground offers basic amenities similar to Big Lake State Forest Campground, with rustic facilities including vault toilets and potable water. For more amenities, consider Van Riper State Park Campground which features modern bathrooms, a large playground, a swimming beach with water access, and spacious campsites. Most Michigan state forest campgrounds provide simple facilities perfect for those seeking a traditional camping experience with reasonable privacy between sites. Always check seasonal availability as water systems may be shut down during colder months.
How do I make reservations for Champion Lake Campground?
Reservations for Champion Lake Campground follow a similar system to other Michigan campgrounds. For state forest campgrounds like Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground, sites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration at the campground entrance. For more popular destinations like Marquette Tourist Park Campground, advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during peak summer months. Contact the Michigan DNR or visit their website to check availability and reservation options. Some smaller campgrounds may only take phone reservations or on-site registration.
What camping is available near Champion, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, Champion, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 76 campgrounds and RV parks near Champion, MI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Champion, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Champion, MI is Van Riper State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Champion, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Champion, MI.
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