The Upper Peninsula camping region around Chatham averages 160-180 inches of snowfall annually, with summer high temperatures typically between 65-75°F. Lake Superior's influence creates microclimates that affect camping conditions year-round. Campgrounds in this area range from established parks with electric hookups to rustic sites on undeveloped lakeshores with direct water access.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 35-minute drive from Munising Tourist Park Campground to multiple cascades. "We explored area, kayaked Pictured Rocks, hiked Miners Falls (relaxing 1 mile with ability to get down to water), could have stayed longer," notes Beth B., who visited in July.
Yurt camping Chatham, Michigan: Winter activities extend the season for hardy campers. Yurts at Uncle Ducky's Paddlers Village stay open when weather permits. "A treat to fall asleep in one of the yurts to the sound of the waves lapping the shore... Fun to stay in the beginning/end of season for a quieter stay," according to Shawnee.
Local freshwater swimming: Walk-in beach access at several campgrounds offers alternatives to Lake Superior's cold waters. "The lake is very nice, clear water," notes Michael M. about Little Lake State Forest Campground. Camp Seven Lake provides "a small beach and swimming section that many campers used," reports a visitor who stayed during Labor Day weekend.
Boat rentals: Multiple options for watercraft. "The campground offers jet skis, boats, and kayaks for rent," writes Natalie B. about her stay at Superior Times. Rentals typically range from $30-60 per hour depending on watercraft type and campground policies.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer secluded spots despite popularity. "The tent sites are all walkin, with a tent parking area and then various distances to hike in along a path to the different tent camp sites. The campsites themselves are gorgeous, with tall trees and right on the shore, and privacy in between," writes Janet R. about Munising Tourist Park.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for comfort. "Hot showers with plenty of shower rooms were nice too," notes Quynh V. about Munising Tourist Park. At Camp Seven Lake Campground, "the pit toilets were super clean and the sites were amazing," according to Ellie M.
Year-round accessibility: Seasonal camping options include winter yurt rentals near Chatham. "We will be back in the early fall to see the colors change," writes Tressa B. about Superior Times, highlighting the extended season opportunities in the area.
Lake views: Waterfront sites are highly prized. "All we had to do was step out our door to be looking at the water," shares Deb M. about her Munising Tourist Park experience. At Twelvemile Beach Campground, "there is not a bad site here... some of them aren't as private as other sites, but looking at the lake from the campsite would be just fabulous," according to Roger W.
What you should know
Cell service variability: Coverage depends on location and carrier. At Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping, "cell service with Verizon was shockingly good," reports Hunter W., while at Camp 7 Lake Campground, "Internet & cell connectivity was nonexistent with Star Link & TMobile."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds don't accept walk-ins. "They are by reservation only. No 'walk-in's' if you will," cautions Emilee S. about Farquar-Metsa Tourist Park.
Bug pressure: Insect activity varies by season. "I would warn though that the mosquitoes were pretty bad when we visited," notes Amy Y. about Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping. At Colwell Lake Campground, "the mosquitos came in droves and were absolutely ravenous... They were unphased by a number of citronella candles, obscene amounts of bug spray," warns Kinni P.
Campsite spacing: Density varies widely between campgrounds. "The sites are really open to one another although the lakefront sites have great beach access to Lake Superior," describes Steph about Munising Tourist Park. In contrast, at Colwell Lake, sites are "nice quiet campsite with privacy."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with recreational options. "They have a lot of outdoor toys. There were kids everywhere," notes Melissa M. about Superior Times, making it suitable for family yurt camping near Chatham.
Beach safety: Lake Superior temperatures remain cold year-round. "Private beach was cold but we got in every day," shares Beth B. about Munising Tourist Park, suggesting families prepare for chilly swimming conditions even in summer.
Generator-free zones: For tent campers with children, seek out quieter areas. "We tented in site 4 although in the generator loop area we couldn't hear them over the waves of superior," notes Cameron H. about his Twelvemile Beach experience, where designated generator-free zones exist.
Backup plans: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "It took us two tries before we landed a site here (Hurricane River is a good backup spot)," advises Amy K. about Twelvemile Beach Campground, suggesting families have alternative options ready.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose based on rig size and utility needs. "The 30 amp sites are a bit tight but backed up to the woods, so privacy wasn't an issue," reports Michael A. about Superior Times, which accommodates various RV sizes with partial hookups.
Water access logistics: Many sites require planning. "Filled water at dump station. We stayed in site 10 it was quiet and away from the core of the noise," shares Melissa M. about Superior Times, noting the $48 after tax cost for an electric travel trailer site.
Turning radius: Limited space at some locations requires caution. "We pulled in a 15 foot trailer and turned it around but wouldn't go much bigger," warns Naomi L. about Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping's constraints for larger vehicles.
Hookup locations: Sometimes problematic. "The full hookup sites were well marked but not a lot of shade and septic hook up was far back. There is a dump site on premise so we utilized that," reports Jenni C. about Farquar-Metsa Tourist Park's layout challenges.
