The Upper Peninsula camping scene near Chatham, Michigan offers diverse terrain options across the region's 16,000+ square miles. Winter temperatures regularly drop below 0°F, while summer averages hover around 70°F, creating a distinct camping season from May through October. The area's sandy soil composition allows for quick drainage after rainfall, reducing the likelihood of waterlogged campsites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide access to excellent fishing spots. At Country Village RV Park, visitors find themselves "about 15 minutes from the town of Marquette" with "nearby museums including the National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and the Michigan Iron Museum," according to Nancy W.
Mountain biking access: Trails connect directly to some campgrounds in the region. Rippling Rivers RV Resort sits "located next to bike trails, orv trails, and the ski hill. Good location," notes Kyle P. Another camper adds, "If you love mountain biking or hiking you stay here. Period. You are right on the trails."
Beach exploration: Lake Superior beaches provide distinctive experiences. Gitche Gumee RV Park campers appreciate that "you can walk across the street to the beach along Lake Superior and are drive distance to Black Rock and Pictured Rock," explains Erin A.
What campers like
New facilities: Several recently developed rv parks near Chatham, Michigan feature modern amenities. Pictured Rocks RV Park and Campground has "open, level gravel sites and some concrete pads scattered throughout this pretty new campground," according to Jennifer B., who adds, "This is an immaculately clean and well run campground. Wi fi is ok for email and phone scrolling social media."
Evening views: Elevated campgrounds provide star-watching opportunities. Rippling Rivers visitors appreciate access to "the 3/4 mile ish trail that goes up to the Marquette Mountain. We walked up at night (bring flashlights!!!) and the view was breathtaking! We overlooked all of Marquette and the stars were incredible!!" shares Shelly B.
On-site entertainment: Some campgrounds offer unexpected amenities. Gitche Gumee RV Park & Campground provides "some cool amenities like billiards and house crafted beer," according to Brandon D., while Crystal G. notes the location "has a micro brewery onsite too."
What you should know
Site preparation: Terrain varies significantly between parks. At BayRidge RV Park, campers should "have plenty of levelling equipment available!! Some are very level, some are not level at all. We were in spot 32 and 4" laterally and 19" longitudinally out of level to start with - at my max hitch jack limit and still 3" nose low," warns Alan B.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service fluctuates throughout the region. BayRidge RV Park has "no Verizon service. Only T-Mobile and AT&T. WIFI only works around the office/facilities building," notes Alan B.
Reservation policies: Some campgrounds have strict payment terms. Gitche Gumee camper Mag M. advises, "Their policy as stated on their website is no refunds for any reason," adding that some sites don't clearly communicate this during reservation calls.
Tips for camping with families
Indoor activities: Weather in the Upper Peninsula can change rapidly. Rippling Rivers RV Resort provides "pool is good enough, nice hot tub, putt putt, excellent bar, camp store," mentions Craig C., making it suitable for rainy days.
Space considerations: Site sizes vary significantly. Indian Lake RV Resort and Campground offers "big gravel sites. Lots of shade and big trees. Big rig friendly with a view in the distance of the water," according to Hannah.
Bathroom facilities: Cleanliness standards differ between parks. Indian Lake RV Resort provides "the cleanest camp showers I've ever used," according to Amanda L., who adds, "Wood and ice were available even after office hours for a fair price."
Tips from RVers
Long-term stays: Monthly options exist for extended visits. At Chocolay River RV & Campgrounds, "the water, sewer, drain pipe, and electric hook ups are all in very good condition," notes Mike S., making it suitable for longer stays despite having "no trees for shade."
Payment considerations: Casino-adjacent camping provides unique cost structures. At Kewadin Casino Manistique, "it's $15/night to stay in one of these sites. If you don't need any hookups you can stay anywhere in the center of the lot without even going in to register," explains Laura M.
Accessibility factors: Some RV parks offer specific site configurations. Whitefish Hill RV Park provides "long 80-90 foot level pull thru's with full hookup sites and free wifi," notes Patricia V., adding it's "convenient" and "close to great fishing, plenty of historic and nature sites."
