The Upper Peninsula of Michigan offers rustic wilderness camping with variable coastal weather conditions. Dollar Bay experiences average summer temperatures of 75°F and winter temperatures often below 20°F. The area's glacially carved landscape features distinctive rock formations that provide a natural backdrop for yurt camping near Dollar Bay and surrounding campgrounds.
What to do
Water activities: Craig Lake State Park features multiple bodies of water where only non-motorized boats are permitted. "This is my absolute favorite place to camp, hike, kayak, fish, and just get away from it all. The lake has fantastic fishing for smallmouth, northern pike, crappie, walleye, and the occasional musky," notes one visitor at Craig Lake State Park Campground.
Fall hiking: Many trails connect directly to campsites with vibrant foliage displays from mid-September through October. "Sites 7,8,9,10 have the best water views," mentions a camper about L'Anse Township Park & Campground, where hiking along the waterfront provides scenic vantage points.
Winter yurt camping: Several campgrounds near Dollar Bay offer yurt accommodations during winter months when temperatures frequently drop below freezing. Insulated yurts with woodstoves provide comfortable shelter for cold-weather camping experiences in the Upper Peninsula.
What campers like
Remote locations: Many campers appreciate the isolation found at certain sites. "If you want seclusion, you can find it here with many remote campsites that are only accessible through the water or overland by hiking the trails in the park," explains a regular visitor to Craig Lake State Park.
Beach access: Several campgrounds offer direct water access with dedicated swimming areas. "Nice campground near lots of small waterfalls," notes a visitor about River Road RV Park, highlighting the natural features beyond the campsites themselves.
Multi-use trails: The region connects to extensive trail networks for various activities. "UTV friendly. Right on trail system. Nice lake boating activities drop watercraft in at launch enjoy," shares a visitor at Twin Lakes State Park Campground, pointing out the integration of motorized recreation options.
Wildlife viewing: Animal encounters are common throughout the region. "The wildlife include loons, eagles, bears, moose, deer and others," reports a Craig Lake visitor, documenting the diversity of species campers might observe.
What you should know
Limited services: Many campgrounds operate with minimal facilities. "If you're looking for an off-the-grid escape this is it. The hike-in/paddle in camping spots are equipped with a picnic table and a firepit, everything else is up to you," explains a regular at Craig Lake State Park.
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires appropriate vehicles. "The drive was pretty rough. My F150 with a truck camper made for a long, slow drive. If the pot holes were filled with water, my feet would have gotten wet," warns a visitor to Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "This campground was developed by people who love and use the outdoors, for people who love and use the outdoors! Inexpensive, clean, pretty and with campsites set spaciously apart," notes a visitor to Trails End Campground, which maintains rustic operations through multiple seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and beaches: Several campgrounds feature family-friendly recreation areas. "My kids made some of their best memories ever camping here. Lots of families, positive environment. Clean campground and park, helpful staff. Swam and paddled on Lake Michigamme for hours. Huge beach with volleyball net," shares a family that visited Van Riper State Park Campground.
Space between sites: Family camping often requires more room. "The sites are large and clean! Even a park for the kids! We love it and its dog friendly to boot!!" comments a repeat visitor to Van Riper State Park.
Activities for different age groups: Many campgrounds offer varied recreation options. "Great family & pet friendly with awesome playground," notes a visitor to L'Anse Township Park & Campground, highlighting amenities designed specifically for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Site surfaces: RV campers should note ground conditions at various campgrounds. "Most sites are fairly level. I feel like we got one of the only ones that wasn't but I'm not real picky," shares an RVer about their experience at Sunset Bay RV Resort.
Hookup variations: Electric and water access varies significantly between campgrounds. "We have a 26' travel trailer and stayed in the newer loop a little ways away from the beach. It didn't bother us as it was easier to park and a very short walk to enjoy the beautiful sunsets," notes a recent visitor describing accessibility options.
Dump stations: Not all campgrounds provide full services. "Good stop over place while touring the Keweenaw Peninsula. The full hookup sites were nice and long and well spaced, but they were dirt so could be muddy in the rain," advises an RVer about spacing and surface conditions that affect larger vehicles.
