Copper Harbor offers RV campers rugged peninsula camping at the northernmost point of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Located at 1,220 feet elevation, the region receives heavy Lake Superior snow accumulation, exceeding 200 inches annually in some areas. Cell service throughout the area remains limited, with campers often relying on campground WiFi near facility buildings when available.
What to do
Mountain biking trail access: Fort Wilkins Historic State Park connects directly to area trails. "The great thing about this site was biking and hiking were accessible right from the campsite," reports a visitor who appreciated the direct trail access from the west campground.
Historical exploration: Fort Wilkins Historic State Park includes a restored 1844 military outpost with educational exhibits. "Enjoyed visiting the historic fort - they've done a great job of making history understandable," notes a camper who visited twice before and after their Isle Royale trip.
Waterfront activities: Lake Fanny Hooe provides swimming opportunities adjacent to campgrounds. "You can walk to town, and they have lake frontage on a smaller lake to swim in," mentions one reviewer who appreciated the convenient water access despite some campsite limitations.
Local waterfalls: Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground offers proximity to smaller cascades. "Nice campground near lots of small waterfalls," shares a visitor who rated the experience positively, highlighting the natural attractions beyond the campground itself.
What campers like
Lake Superior shoreline access: Many campgrounds provide direct or nearby lake access. "Beautiful and quaint right on Lake Superior! When we pulled in, we were told to use the telephone to call the host and they would come and help us out," reports a camper who secured a lakefront site at Sunset Bay RV Resort.
Quiet location: Perkins Park & Campground offers a more peaceful alternative to busier RV parks. "This is a very quiet and remote area. The campground and town are both very calm and quiet. The beach is very nice and the water in Wilderness Lake is clean," shares a recent visitor.
Clean facilities: Many RV campgrounds near Copper Harbor maintain well-serviced bathrooms and showers. "The facilities are well maintained and spread out throughout the campground," notes a fall visitor to Perkins Park, who appreciated the clean bathrooms despite the campground being nearly empty during their stay.
Honor system amenities: Several area campgrounds operate with a trust-based approach. "Two washers, two dryers, and a sink for scrubbing plus all of the laundry soap and dryer sheets you needed. It was just payment on the honor system to use them. Very reasonable!" explains a camper who found Sunset Bay's laundry setup convenient.
What you should know
Limited cellular connectivity: Mobile phone service remains sparse throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula. "We used Starlink as our everyday internet source (60+ mbps download, no interruptions). AT&T cell signal was decent," reports a camper at Lake Linden Village Campground, highlighting the need for alternative connectivity solutions.
Tight spacing at waterfront sites: Premium waterfront locations often sacrifice spaciousness. "Sites are nice on the North side not too crowded with some trees still. South side much more open," explains a Sunset Bay camper, indicating location differences within the same campground.
Seasonal operation: Most Copper Harbor campgrounds close during winter months. "There is an old abandoned railroad line that is now a trail. Town is tiny with a store or two," notes a Perkins Park visitor, describing the limited services available in this seasonal destination.
Site leveling challenges: Many Upper Peninsula campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "The spots are not level and where we were was next to a bridge that RVs couldn't cross. I had to back out turn around and then back down the road to get my trailer onto my site," explains a camper detailing access difficulties.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access importance: City of Houghton RV Park offers family-friendly water access. "Beautiful and clean! Right on the water with a little hut. Awesome playground as well," shares a visitor who appreciated the well-maintained facilities.
Playground proximity: Several RV campgrounds near Copper Harbor feature play areas. "Added bonus is that this park is next door to a large waterfront park which is great for kids with lots of things for them to play on," notes a Houghton RV Park visitor, though they caution dogs aren't allowed in the adjacent playground area.
Walking distance to activities: Family-friendly campgrounds often prioritize convenience to amenities. "We strolled into the Keewenaw Brewery for a beer a couple of afternoons, checked out a museum that pays homage to the birthplace of American hockey, did a little window shopping," explains a family who appreciated the walkable location near downtown.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Fanny Hooe Resort & Campground requires careful site planning. "The water and electric is by the road so bring extra hose and cord," advises an RV camper who needed additional hookup length to reach connections.
Arrival timing: RV campgrounds near Copper Harbor can fill quickly during peak periods. "We were traveling through and needed a place to stay for the night. Found this place to be very welcoming," shares an RV camper who secured a site at Sunset Bay despite not having advance reservations.
Interior road conditions: Expect varied surface quality at Copper Harbor RV parks. "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," notes a recent Sunset Bay visitor with a 26-foot travel trailer, who found the newer loop easier to navigate despite being farther from the beach.
