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Best Campgrounds near Covington, MI

426 Reviews

Camping near Covington, Michigan encompasses a mix of state forest campgrounds, rustic sites, and developed facilities within Michigan's Upper Peninsula. King Lake State Forest Campground, located directly in Covington, provides drive-in sites for tents and RVs from May through November. Nearby, Big Lake State Forest Campground in Watton offers boat-in, drive-in, and hike-in access with similar amenities. The area is characterized by dense forests, numerous lakes, and access to the North Country Trail, which winds through this section of the UP. The Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness provides more primitive camping options for those seeking solitude, while Van Riper State Park Campground in Champion offers more amenities including modern facilities.

Most campgrounds in the Covington area operate seasonally, typically from May through October or November, with winter arriving early in the Upper Peninsula. According to reviews, campers should "be prepared for anything in the shoulder season" as winter weather can appear suddenly by mid-October. Access roads to some of the more remote sites like Big Lake can be challenging, with one visitor noting it is "not for low clearance vehicles" due to "HUGE flooded potholes." Cell service is limited or non-existent at most sites. The Michigan Recreation Passport is required for state parks and forest campgrounds, though some rustic sites are available for as little as $15 per night.

The camping experience varies significantly between locations. State forest campgrounds like King Lake and Big Lake provide basic amenities including pit toilets, drinking water from hand pumps, and picnic tables, but no electrical hookups or showers. These sites tend to offer more privacy and space between campsites. For those seeking more amenities, Van Riper State Park features both modern and rustic campgrounds with options for electric hookups, showers, and family-friendly facilities including a beach on Lake Michigamme. The park is noted for its "large sites" that are "much bigger than many sites at other state parks," making it suitable for larger camping setups.

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Best Camping Sites Near Covington, Michigan (109)

    1. Sturgeon River Campground

    8 Reviews
    Watton, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 852-3500

    "You wont know what is happening at the sites around you unless you looking for something to find."

    "I'm at site 3 easy access to the river not deep over here, you can post your chair in the river and not get your bum wet."

    2. King Lake State Forest Campground

    6 Reviews
    Covington, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 353-6651

    "They seem to fill up because it is fairly close to Canyon Falls. We had just come straight from the falls and talked to some campers who were going the next day. The lake was very quiet a peaceful."

    "Arrived around 5 pm on a Tuesday and there were two sites left. We got site 6 which has a good view of the lake, with site 5 in between. We brought a camper trailer but everyone else was renting."

    3. Baraga State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Baraga, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 353-6558

    "Nice view of the lake can see at least part of it from almost anywhere in the camp. Picnic table and fire ring on every site. There are several full hook up sites (water sewer electric)."

    "There’s a 3/4 mile trail at back of park that well short, is quite nice.  The campground itself is quiet, the noise from hwy 41 on the other hand, is noticeable yet not a dealbreaker.  "

    4. Big Lake State Forest Campground

    4 Reviews
    Covington, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 353-6651

    "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."

    "Way off the beaten path but the sites are HUGE! Quiet setting right on Big Lake. Probably my most beautiful site in the UP so far. Vault toilets and no shower. Very clean. Boat launch."

    5. Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness

    3 Reviews
    Watton, MI
    9 miles

    "I highly recommend heading over to nearby Silver Mountain."

    6. Sparrow Rapids Campground

    14 Reviews
    Trout Creek, MI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 852-3500

    "This was a beautiful small campground with only 6 campsites arranged around a loop and are spaced well. Access to the campground is off of a gravel road which is somewhat narrow."

    "We were able to work and talk nice walks while we had free time.

    A few bars with Verizon and we can log on. Big plus."

    7. L'Anse Township Park & Campground

    7 Reviews
    L'Anse, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 524-7377

    "Off the beaten path, older facility, that was so quiet & relaxing. Everything very clean and well kept. Lots of lawn areas, trees, and areas of viewing Lake Superior close by."

    "Great site overlooking Lake Superior. Need to walk over highway to get to water. Very orderly and great Park Manager. Family & pet friendly with awesome playground."

    8. Van Riper State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Champion, MI
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 339-4461

    $20 - $34 / night

    "We took a week long trip and toured Michigan. We spent 2 nights at Van Riper, the other campers were nice, the playset was large, and the beach was nice."

    "We found this campground located along U.S. Hwy 41 about 40 minutes west of Marquette MI. The Park sits on the west shores of Lake Michigamme.   "

    9. Norway Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Watton, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 852-3500

    $14 / night

    "This rustic campground although a little off the beaten path, what a great place to get the family together. Very quiet and super clean."

    "Camped here as a kid growing up, beautiful place, lots of wildlife, couple hiking trails. A good rustic experience."

    10. Craig Lake State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Michigamme, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 339-4461

    "The Michigan Recreation Passport Solar does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas."

    "Access is from 41 turn on the gravel road outside Michigamme coming from the East."

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Recent Camping Photos near Covington, MI

138 Photos of 109 Covington Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Covington, MI

426 Reviews of 109 Covington Campgrounds

Guide to Covington

Camping near Covington, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around Bond Falls Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful spots, friendly staff, clean toilet and trash can at each site. Will definitely return."
  • Fishing: The lakes in the area are great for fishing. A visitor at King Lake State Forest Campground noted, "Canoeing is a treat as there is lots of wildlife to see."
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campgrounds, like Sparrow Rapids Campground, offer opportunities to see deer and other wildlife. One camper shared, "Quiet, no frills campground by a river out in the woods."

What campers like

  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the tranquility at places like Sturgeon River Campground. A reviewer said, "This campground was an unexpected awesome surprise! We found our Peace!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors highlight the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. At L'Anse Township Park & Campground, one guest remarked, "Grounds are very clean and well maintained."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Twin Lakes State Park Campground noted, "The staff was very helpful, gave us a map of spots that were available."

What you should know

  • Site Spacing: Some campgrounds, like Baraga State Park Campground, have sites that are close together. One camper said, "I can hear my neighbors talking at their campsite from mine."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds such as Sparrow Rapids Campground may not have drinking water or electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "Quiet, peaceful national forest campground. Free."
  • Traffic Noise: Campers at Baraga State Park Campground noted that highway noise can be an issue. One review stated, "This campground is right next to the highway and the traffic noise goes on all night."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Bewabic State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Have stayed here twice! Both at hike-in sites surrounded by woods and neighbors far enough away but friendly when encountered."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities planned, such as hiking or fishing. A visitor at Van Riper State Park Campground mentioned, "The lake is real nice and the beach area is clean, spacious."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. One camper at Silver Lake Resort noted, "The campground was quite the party campground and everyone there was riding bikes/ATVs."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at King Lake State Forest Campground advised, "I wouldn't suggest this park for larger rigs though."
  • Look for Amenities: Some campgrounds offer better facilities than others. A visitor at Silver Lake Resort mentioned, "The facilities are top notch, the staff are also top notch."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: If you're camping at places like Silver Lake Resort, be ready for some dust from gravel roads. One reviewer said, "The constant dust from passing cars gets old."

Camping around Covington, MI, has something for everyone, from quiet spots to family-friendly campgrounds. Just remember to check the amenities and site spacing to ensure a great experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Covington, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Covington, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near Covington, MI and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Covington, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Covington, MI is Sturgeon River Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 8 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Covington, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Covington, MI.

What parks are near Covington, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Covington, MI that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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