Glamping opportunities near Deerton, Michigan offer rustic retreats and luxury accommodations throughout the eastern Upper Peninsula. The area sits along Lake Superior's southern shore at approximately 850 feet elevation with typical summer temperatures ranging 65-80°F during peak season. Most upscale camping facilities remain open from May through October with limited winter options available for cold-weather enthusiasts.
What to do
Kayak rental options: Several campgrounds near Au Train Lake provide equipment for water exploration. At Superior Times, visitors can rent jet skis, boats, and kayaks directly at the campground. "We stumbled upon this little gem and camped there for 3 nights. The lake access was great! Warm water and good fishing," notes camper D G.
Beach activities: The sandy shorelines provide excellent swimming opportunities during summer months. Twelvemile Beach Campground offers direct Lake Superior beach access. "We were here in late May, almost zero bugs(it was too cold). Big spacious sites, we tented in site 4 although in the generator loop area we couldn't hear them over the waves of superior," reports Cameron H.
Waterfall exploration: The region contains numerous waterfalls within short driving distance. Van Riper State Park visitors recommend nearby natural attractions: "If you are really looking for a awesome adventure not too far from camp, you can drive an ½ hour west on Hwy 41 to the 'Grand Canyon' of Michigan, this gorge and waterfalls are located along the Sturgeon River."
What campers like
Lake Superior views: Many sites feature direct waterfront access along the Great Lakes shoreline. At Munising Tourist Park Campground, "We loved location and moved to overflow for 2 more nights. Private beach was cold but we got in every day. Campsite was about 3 minutes from Munising, super convenient to go to laundry mat and grocery," writes Beth B.
Site privacy: Several campgrounds offer secluded options away from crowds. At Little Lake State Forest Campground, "We got one of the spots closer to the road but turned out great! These spots don't have quite the lake view but seem to feel more quiet and secluded. The lake views were gorgeous, amenities fine," shares Katie M.
Year-round accessibility: Some locations provide camping opportunities beyond summer months. "We are returning twice this upcoming summer, both times looking forward to the awesome view of Lake Superior!" notes Deb M. about Munising Tourist Park, indicating the popularity of making advance reservations for repeat visits during prime season.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking during peak season. At Munising-Pictured Rocks KOA, visitors note the importance of planning ahead: "Super close to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore! This KOA is pretty nice... Decent lot sizes for tents and cabins, we were there in the fall so not as packed in, but would imagine it would be tight during peak season."
Shower facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds. One visitor to Munising-Pictured Rocks KOA reported: "The bathrooms...old, in disrepair, dirty. The tiles on the floor in the women's shower popped up when you stepped in, which was quite hazardous."
