Winter temperatures near Covington, Michigan can drop below -20°F, making heated cabin accommodations essential for cold-weather visitors. The region receives over 200 inches of snowfall annually, creating ideal conditions for winter sports while making year-round cabin availability important. Cabin camping provides shelter in this variable climate zone where summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F.
What to do
Waterfront activities at Lake Michigamme: Visitors to Van Riper State Park Campground can enjoy a large beach area with volleyball nets and swimming options. "Swam and paddled on Lake Michigamme for hours. Huge beach with volleyball net. Large bathhouse with private shower rooms. Huge playground," notes Jenny G.
Hiking the North Country Trail: Trail segments run through several parks near Covington, including parts with accessible boardwalks. A visitor to Craig Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "North Country Trail skirts the lake and there are additional trails that branch on and off it, including trails that go all the way around."
Visit Bond Falls: This impressive waterfall is accessible via short walking paths from nearby camping areas. "Bond Falls is beautiful! The campground is tidy but busy. The trail system is fabulous and some trails are handicap accessible," reports Carrie C.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion options: Some parks offer more secluded sites than others. At Bewabic State Park Campground, "sites were large and well cared for" according to Two Snoops, while Jack T. noted, "This was one of our favourite campgrounds in Michigan sites were far apart in secluded."
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight bathroom and shower cleanliness as a major factor in their satisfaction. One reviewer of McLain State Park Campground noted, "Nice bath and shower building, firewood for sale, dump station and water fill."
Rustic to modern options: Accommodation types range from primitive sites to full-service cabins. At Baraga State Park, sites offer varying levels of amenities. One camper observed, "Teepee optional, for campers who don't want to set up tents- with bunks and furniture inside!!!"
What you should know
Highway noise affects some parks: Traffic noise impacts certain campgrounds more than others. A camper at Baraga State Park Campground warned, "It is right next to a state highway that was way busier than I thought it was and was noisy all night long."
Water quality varies: Some parks have seasonal water restrictions or coloration issues. At Van Riper State Park, "There are restrictions on their drinking water so you need to haul in your own drinking water," according to Andrea B.
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate with limited services during winter months. Paint River Hills Campground "is open till it freezes and opens Memorial Day weekend," according to Jeffrey S., who learned the owner "originally set this place up as a hunt camp but people started to want to stay during non-hunting season."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Look for parks with swimming areas and water activities. "The kids were able to play on the beach or the playground equipment. Very nice and relaxing way to celebrate," mentioned Ashley L. about her son's birthday party at Van Riper State Park.
Consider proximity to bathrooms: Facilities location matters with young children. One family chose a site "located right next to the restroom/showers. Which was great having young children with us who seem to need to visit the restroom numerous times."
Plan for insects: The region can have significant bug populations in summer. At Bond Falls Campground, one camper reported, "Mosquitoes and flies were so bad that our dogs faces were getting bloody and bug spray and a fire did nothing for us."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions are important: Actual site sizes may differ from listed capacities. At McLain State Park, a reviewer noted, "This site was okayed for a 35 ft trailer but we had some challenges positioning our 33ft trailer so beware of that!"
Electric service types vary: Check whether hookups meet your RV's requirements. At Bewabic State Park, the campground offers electrical hookups, but specific amp service may vary between locations.
Full hookup options are limited: Only certain campgrounds offer complete RV services. Paint River Hills Campground provides "4 pull through sites with full hook-ups; $25 a night. 50/20 amps, high water pressure," according to Erika P.