For those who want to experience Champion, but still want the creature comforts of home, consider glamping for your trip. Glamping is not only a fun alternative to traditional tent camping, but also allows you to pack more or less gear as you see fit. The Dyrt makes it easy to find glamping for your Champion adventure.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
$20 - $34 / night
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
Guide
This is my absolute favorite place to camp, hike, kayak, fish, and just get away from it all. If you want seclusion, you can find it here with many remote campsites that are only accessible through the water or overland by hiking the trails in the park.
The park has 2 rustic cabins and 2 yurts for rent that are a fantastic getaway and a great place to take your spouse.
The wildlife include loons, eagles, bears, moose, deer and others. The lake has fantastic fishing for smallmouth, northern pike, crappie, walleye, and the occasional musky.
I CAN’T WAIT TO GO BACK!
TravelerThe Michigan Recreation Passport Solar does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas.
Traveler
Hi, all. So, everyone’s been traveling haven’t they? Us spontaneous no planning SOB’s are SOL. My family could not find anywhere to stay and this was the very last campsite on the map in the state of Michigan. We thought F it. We will pay 30$ for electricity and a shower... honestly worth it for the shower. But definitely not a destination spot if I do say so myself. If you can, PLAN your camping. I’m from MN and am not used to having to reserve your campsite. Plan ahead and get the best of the best. Although, we did have weird luck camping at smaller lakes outside of pictured rocks for free.
Guide
My family and I took a 3 week vacation to visit Michigan. We stayed at a few different campgrounds, and did lots of hiking. We really like Michigamme Shores Campground (the name was really cool we thought!). The campground was really nice. We were able to get a spot by the little beach area they have- next to the Michigamme Lake. Being by the lake in the summertime was really nice! They have a cool trampoline type thing in the water that kids loved playing on. It was definitely busy, so the people in our group didn't get to jump off it. The beach area was clean, which we really appreciated. There are garbage cans and dumpsters within the park which helps with clean up. Lots of picnic tables, which we used during the times when we ate. The campground also has a playground area and beach volleyball. The campsites have hookups which is also really nice. The only downside to this campground was that because the lake and beach area is right there, it was pretty busy. Especially since it was in the summer- lots of partying/boating and people just being overly loud. Other than that, it was a great stay. Great hikes nearby, which we did every morning (3 different hikes). The views were amazing!
Legend
The Michigan State Forest Campgrounds continue to delight us. For $15 a night you can experience camping like I did as a child – simple, unelectrified, and in beautiful outdoor locations. Lots of space in between most sites gives you a good deal of privacy. 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 (small ponds really). Not recommended for 2 wheel drive, low clearance vehicles.
Getting to Big Lake leads you through some marvelous pine meadows and wetlands with browsing deer and pheasants. The North Country Trail (long distance backpacking trail) winds through this part of the UP, and the Big Lake campground would make a perfect starting or ending place for a section hike. Within 10 miles back on the highway is a large gas station/convenience store and café where you could get a hot meal or stock up on a few essentials.
Opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling or fishing abound in this area, so plan to bring your gear with you. There is a small craft launch right in the campground to access the lake, which as it turns out isn’t very big when you compare it to nearby Lake Superior. I imagine that this might be a popular deer hunting campground during rifle season. Bathrooms are simple pit-toilets, and water is accessible year-round with the hand operated well pump.
Legend
Van Riper State Park is a must-visit if you’re traveling through Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It’s popular year-round, although camping is only open between May and October. Stop for the day to hike the trails and go for a swim, or stay a week and enjoy the sunsets and serenity.
The state park covers both sides of the highway with the campground and day-use area on the south side and a huge section of trails and wildlife viewing areas on the north.
There are 147 sites in the modern campground, including some sites with 50-amp electric service, and there are another 40 sites in the rustic campground. Plus, there are two mini cabins in the modern campground if you don’t own a tent or RV. All of the campsites have a fire ring and picnic table.
One thing we noticed is that the sites at Van Riper are very large– so much bigger than many sites we’ve seen at other state parks. This means there is plenty of space for your trailer, truck, bikes, screen tent, kids’ toys, etc. without feeling like you’re infringing on your neighbor.
Another plus for the state park is the laundry facilities. Two washers and dryers are located in the restroom building near the beach.
Van Riper State Park is extremely family-friendly, with activities for everyone. There are approximately 5 miles of hiking trails on the north side of the state park. One trail provides a very nice overlook of Lake Michigamme and the surrounding area. Other trails run along the Peshekee River or through the woods and may even provide the chance to see the moose that live in the area. The trails are not difficult, but there is some elevation to get to the lookout. If you don’t want to hike the whole 5-plus miles from the campground and back, you can drive and park at the group campground and go from there.
A sandy beach awaits both kids and adults on Lake Michigamme. The lake is popular as it is much warmer than most of the lakes in the Upper Peninsula. A large, fairly new playscape is also located near the beach, as well as a swing set. One of the most unique activities is a bike pump track. This is the only state park that we saw that had one. It was very popular with the kids and is conveniently located between the campground and the day-use area. The lake is popular for fishing and if you have a boat you can use the launch in the back of the park. It also is a good location for kayaking.
LegendI arrived at Van Riper State Park by bicycle. The small towns I passed through did not have places to stop for food so I am looking forward to the beach's concession stand. I took a site in the rustic cmapground and found out that it does not include showers. There is another part of the campground that is for modern campers. I set up camp and spent a little time at the beach while I ate a small pizza. It was nice to have a beach area for summer swimmers. I had my own view of the lake from the campsite. This state park was a pleasant place to stay at.
GuideI’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.
ScoutOlder 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.
LegendHeading across the upper UP from upper Wisconsin and needed a one night stay to dump tanks, etc. The location was great and the park nice enough. Just happened to be there during the last ‘get the camping in with the kids before school starts’ time of the year. Dump station was fine and suited our needs. Verizon signal good as well. Easy in and out with our 28’ pull behind.
ScoutNice campground on the lake, with a big beach… They have a water toy park . I would come back.. good wifi
ScoutBeautiful 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. They have wrist band identification system and they do enforce it. 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. This place is pretty cool. Nice low key place -great for families.
GuideA clean park with decent sized lots. Plenty of family activities.
RangerNot much for privacy but it’s right off the highway with full hook-up available and a great roadside bbq joint on site.
ScoutVery quiet and clean . Very relaxing
GuideIf 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. I have been going here yearly for the last 10ys and absolutely love it! The only downside is the fishing has gone downhill the last 3ys, the bass used to bite every cast...
TravelerSo amazing - I almost want to give this campground one star and discourage people because it is so amazing, and I'm selfish. For someone who GREATLY values hidden gems where you can get really out and remote, this place is a an absolute heavenly oasis.
Access is from 41 turn on the gravel road outside Michigamme coming from the East. Do not recommend coming or going from the access road on the west, can't remember the town/landmark...starts with an N - it's a VERY bumpy road, and my cockiness convinced myself I could do it in my truck, but didn't get very far before I gave in and had to back up aways to be able to turn around. Big boulders in road/trail.
What to expect:
North Country Trail skirts the lake and there are additional trails that branch on and off it, including trails that go all the way around.
Beautiful, peaceful, place.
On insta @roaming_rebecky
Scout
Good campground for tenting. Our no electric tent site was right on the water which was great for a quick cool off in the hot weather. Bathrooms were clean. Full hook up sites looked to be pretty uneven so be sure to bring options to help with leveling.
GuideOverall, this is a good option for coming near Marquette, especially if you have a trailer, a family, or are looking to post up for a bit.
Pros: The campsite has a lot of amenities that are easily accessible. Each site has a table, a fire pit, potable water nearby and most have electric hookup. The beach area for swimming in Lake Independence is nice with a pavilion, volleyball, and ping pong nearby. You can launch your boat or fish from the dock. The views are beautiful.
Cons: It's a crowded location that doesn't offer a lot of privacy. At 2am we were woken up by a boat coming back in from the water blasting it's music while the whole crew was loud and obnoxious.
TravelerWe 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. There seem to be sites available for all sizes. Showers are great ($.25 for 6 minutes) and bathrooms are really clean. Great park for kids, boating (kayaking, etc). 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.
Views of Lake Independence from nearly each site and beautiful sunrises.
LegendVibe: Mix of retirees and families.
Cleanliness: Above average.
Facilities: Average.
General spots: Varies from right up next to each other to odd shaped spaces that have extra room and trees.
Our site: 40. One of the odd shaped spaces that had extra buffer room and big trees for shade. It was at an intersection at the camp and traffic was pretty steady during the day.
Noise: Mostly quiet. Kids played well after dark in a parking lot across from us, but quiet hours didn’t start until 11 and they were never a problem.
Cell signal(Verizon): Full bars. I streamed a movie (Anatomy of a Murder...see below).
Other: You can swim at Independence Lake right at the camp. If you want to swim in Lake Superior, Squaw Beach is about 10 minutes away. Ate the Lumberjack Tavern and found out about“Anatomy of a Murder” and that it took place at the tavern. Turns out the couple involved had a trailer at the campground.
GuideTent camped here one night, nice quiet place
ScoutQuite a few full hook up sites or camp with just electric. Lots of shade, a nice swimming beach, and great fishing.
GuideThis campground was really nice! I’ve tent camped here and camped in a hammock. Both were so fun!
ScoutIt’s a County Park in Big Bay on beautiful Lake Independence. They have full hook up sites to primitive sites.
You can walk/ride bikes to a convenience store, gas station, laundry, and restaurant. Golf driving range behind the convenience store, bucket of balls $5 and you don’t have to pick them up.
Marquette is a 30 minute drive.
GuideAs an avid hiker, I love this area. However, this campground has a lot to offer. First, it's close to the Lumberjack Tavern. Around 1:30 a.m. or so, the people from the bar came back to the campground...and continued to drink, very, very loudly. When they finally settled down, I got an hour or two of good sleep before the kids woke up and started riding their bikes and yelling.
The campsites are pretty close together and have no privacy. I was grateful that I was only staying one night.
TravelerMany 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.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Champion, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Champion, MI is Van Riper State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Champion, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 glamping camping locations near Champion, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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