Camping spots near Skandia, Michigan range in elevation from 600 to 1,000 feet above sea level, creating diverse microclimates throughout the region. Located about 12 miles south of Marquette, Skandia sits in a transitional zone where dense northern forests meet wetland areas. Winter temperatures regularly drop below 0°F with significant snowfall limiting year-round camping access to very few facilities.
What to do
Mountain biking access: Rippling Rivers RV Resort offers direct trail connections, making it a hub for cyclists. "If you love mountain biking or hiking you stay here. Period. You are right on the trails," notes Rory L., who adds that families with children can use "the grom trail that runs next to the top camp site."
Fishing opportunities: The Escanaba River near Farquar-Metsa Tourist Park provides excellent fishing options. Michael M. describes it as having "various levels of campsites... hiking trails, trout stream, golf course 6 miles, swimming in river, 15 other lakes in a 10 mile radius."
Winter exploration: For those willing to brave cold temperatures, Forestville Campground maintains some winter access. Jenny K. reports, "We camped here in a van in December and were able to access the pit toilets. They were very clean. We had the whole place to ourselves."
Historical sites: The iron smelting ruins at Bay Furnace Campground offer educational opportunities within walking distance of campsites. Corey O. shares that "the history of the campground with the bay furnace within the limits. Where they used to smelt iron in a 150 year old furnace is fascinating."
What campers like
Privacy options: Little Lake State Forest Campground offers secluded sites for those seeking quieter experiences. Katie M. notes, "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."
Beach access: Many campers appreciate direct water access at Munising Tourist Park Campground. As Emily V. describes her site: "I was in spot N which is one of their rustic tent spots right on Lake Superior. $25/night which was very reasonable. My site had a nice, level and sandy spot for the tent."
Seasonal blueberry picking: Some campgrounds offer edible wild plants in season. According to Vincent S. at Farquar-Metsa Tourist Park, "We picked blueberries and raspberries right here on premise."
Rustic forest settings: Tent campers often prefer the wooded sites. At Forestville Campground, Molly M. describes: "Sites are heavily wooded, it would be difficult to navigate a camper here, but it's great for tents! Each site has a picnic table and fire ring."
What you should know
Self-registration systems: Some remote sites use honor-based payment. At Forestville Campground, Emilee S. explains: "The campsites are first come first served and have a self registered system. $15 a night + $5 for firewood."
Seasonal crowds: Popular weekends fill quickly. Joshua L. warns about Gitche Gumee RV Park & Campground: "Saturday night was the only night that I knew people were showing up and not getting spaces."
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs significantly by location. Kelli V. reports about Gitche Gumee: "We had zero cell service though ATT. There was internet supplied in the park, but it disappeared the 2nd morning."
Bathroom facilities: Most rustic sites have basic amenities. Richie C. notes that Forestville has "Only an outhouse and no running water or showers. But, you should have close to full cell service."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly sites: Certain campgrounds cater better to children. At Rippling Rivers RV Resort, Randall J. notes they have a "small put put golf, pool, camp store and large clean bathrooms and showers."
Educational opportunities: Choose campgrounds with learning components. Tucker B. says Bay Furnace offers historical context: "I loved learning about the history of the Bay Furnace Ruins!"
Swimming areas: When camping with children, accessible swimming is valuable. Michael M. at Farquar-Metsa Tourist Park mentions "a natural swimming area in the rear of the property" that families can enjoy.
Safety considerations: During busy periods, campground security varies. Kate K. cautions about Au Train Lake Campground: "After we ate we cleaned up our site and left for a long day of exploring on a Saturday. We returned really late after dark to find someone had stolen all our firewood, headlamps, extra clothing from the tent, and a few other items."
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Be prepared for unusual utility layouts. Nancy W. notes at Marquette Tourist Park: "The hook-ups are not laid out conveniently on some sites which requires extra hoses and electric cords."
Water quality concerns: RVers should consider water filtration systems. According to Noah P. at Gitche Gumee: "The campground has very hard water, to the point our shower is stained pretty bad even though we had multiple filters and a water softener."
Site selection priority: Waterfront sites offer premium experiences but fill quickly. Deb M. advises about Munising Tourist Park: "This campground is all about what site you can get. I reserved a full hookup/waterfront site and it was amazing. All we had to do was step out our door to be looking at the water."
Leveling challenges: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs easily. Nancy W. observes: "The park is dated and in need of some work so there are potholes in the roads and not all sites are level."
