Copper Harbor sits at the northernmost tip of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, with an elevation of approximately 620 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F with over 200 inches of annual snowfall, while summer highs typically range from 65-75°F. Many cabin rentals in this region operate seasonally due to the harsh winter conditions, though select winterized cabins remain available for cold-weather enthusiasts.
What to do
Winter sports exploration: McLain State Park Campground maintains cabins available year-round for winter sports enthusiasts. A visitor noted, "On western side of keeweenaw peninsula. Has very beautiful sunsets." The park offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails with Lake Superior views.
Lake fishing: Perkins Park & Campground offers cabin accommodations with lake access. "Lots of shade, a nice swimming beach, and great fishing," reports one camper. Lake Independence provides calmer waters than Lake Superior for novice anglers.
Beach combing: Rocky beaches near Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground provide opportunities for rock hunting. "Each site had a gorgeous campfire ring made out of stones pulled off of the beach. It's a red Rock Beach!" explains a visitor. Morning hours offer the best rock collecting before other visitors arrive.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Trails End Campground features cabins set away from main camping areas. "This campground is massive, but not finished yet. Everything is first come first served, and all the sites are placed really well, offering a lot of privacy," notes one camper. The spacing between cabins allows for a more secluded wilderness experience.
Lake views: Many cabin camping options provide direct lake views. According to a visitor at Sunset Bay RV Resort, "Tent camping right on the lake. Camper camping right next to it." Waterfront cabins typically cost $10-15 more per night than forest sites.
Modern bathrooms: Despite the rustic cabin settings, many campgrounds maintain clean facilities. A McLain State Park visitor mentioned, "The campground was were well kept and clean. There was a very nice beach and a dog friendly beach." Several parks have upgraded their bathroom facilities in recent years.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most cabin rentals open from May through October. "Marquette is a 30 minute drive," notes a Perkins Park visitor, making it the closest major town for winter supplies if staying at year-round cabins.
Varying amenities: Keweenaw Waters Resort offers cabins with more extensive amenities than state park options. Cabin facilities range from bare-bones (bring your own bedding) to fully equipped with kitchen facilities.
Reservation timelines: For summer weekends, reserve cabins 3-6 months in advance. A Trails End visitor observed, "This campground was never anywhere close to full when we were there. Lots of rustic cabins being built." Off-season availability increases dramatically after Labor Day.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Multiple swimming areas accommodate different ages. At Perkins Park, a visitor noted, "Great park for kids, boating (kayaking, etc). Views of Lake Independence from nearly each site and beautiful sunrises." Swimming beaches with gradual entries work best for younger children.
Playground access: Ahmeek Copper Mine Camp offers cabin camping with nearby recreational facilities. Several campgrounds feature basic playground equipment, though most families enjoy the natural features more than constructed play areas.
Indoor options: Pack board games and cards for rainy days in cabins. A camper at Sunset Bay remarked, "This is a more modern camp site with a full bathroom and shower for those of us who dont want to make our own Blair witch movie but that doesn't take away from the beautiful lake view." Most cabins lack electricity for electronic entertainment.
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: Many RVers find cabins useful for accommodating additional family members. "Nice for a state park. Exactly what you would expect. Had a nice bath and shower building, firewood for sale, dump station and water fill," notes a McLain State Park visitor about the campground facilities accessible to both RV and cabin campers.
Water access: Check water availability when booking cabins. "Potable water near camping," confirms a Trails End visitor, but not all cabin sites offer direct water hookups. Some visitors recommend bringing drinking water during peak season.
Site selection: Choose cabins away from main roads for less dust. A Sunset Bay visitor advised, "We really liked this campground mostly for its location and beautiful beach on Lake Superior. It has a long driveway that is gravel and all of the campground loops are also gravel or sand so it can be a little dusty." Sites farther from main entrances typically offer more quiet.
