Looking for an adventure where you can explore Escanaba and then fall asleep in your tent? Find the best information on tent camping near Escanaba, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Escanaba's most popular destinations.
Newport's wilderness experience offers over 2,300 acres of forest on 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 30 miles of hiking trails, and backpack camping as a quiet alternative to bustling Door County. At the far end of the Door Peninsula, Newport is also designated as a Dark Sky Park, a perfect destination for stargazing.
Newport State Park offers rustic, backpack camping for visitors. Camping is allowed in designated campsites only.
Newport has 17 backpack (hike-in) campsites, including one group site. All sites can be reserved. Campers must hike or bike in all gear and supplies. There are no carts available at the park. There are a few amenities at the sites, including a pit toilet, fire ring with flip-up grill, a lock box for food and a bench or two. Water is available at the park office or at a solar pump near the picnic shelter by Lot 3 (seasonally). There are no shower facilities at the park. All garbage must be carried out of all campsites.
$20 / night
Haymeadow Creek Campground is located approximately 11 miles from Rapid River. There are 5 medium size campsites, some with tables and fire rings and a vault toilet is available. No water is available at this site even though the map shows drinking water. Please be sure to pack out what you pack in, as there are no trash receptacles. Haymeadow Creek is a high quality trout stream. Anglers will be challenged to catch the wary brook trout. The well-marked Haymeadow Creek Trail from the campground takes you along a winding path, across small bridges, through a heavily forested area lined with many varieties of ferns and wild plants. The trail of approximately 1 mile leads you along the creek to a footbridge at the Haymeadow Falls rapids. A short 1/2 mile spur near the north trailhead connects you to the 40 mile Bay de Noc Grand Island National Recreation Trail, which is used for hiking and horseback riding.Link to Campground Map.
$20 - $22 / night
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
$15 / night
This Park offers a great swimming hole (no life guard on duty), A large Pavilion (with electric) for picnic lunches, Pitt Toilets, running water and of coarse great fishing on the Menominee River.
Four sites are available for over night camping, non-electric sites only for $10 per night.
$10 / night
The Indian River Campground is situated on a bluff overlooking the Indian River. There is a short trail leading down to the river. The campground is near the halfway point on the Indian River Canoe Trail, and is a convenient overnight stop for canoeists. Link to Campground Map
There are many campsites on the Munising and Rapid River/Manistique Ranger Districts of the Hiawatha National Forest. Many are located on inland lakes and are in a rustic forest environment with few to no amenities and no drinking water. The rustic environment offers a wonderfully serene and peaceful setting for your next camping experience. All of these sites are nestled in hardwood trees and pines. All of them are on small inland lakes, which offer a wide variety of fishing opportunities.
Visitors will be able to enjoy swimming, berry picking, and fishing at these dispersed campsites. Licenses are required for fishing in Michigan waters. Bruno's Run Hiking Trail weaves throughout the Ewing Point area, offering 9 miles of adventure for hikers. The trail is accessible at various locations, two of which are near the Ewing Point parking area. One section of the trail leads to Grassy Lake, while the other heads along the southeastern portion of McKeever Lake.McKeever Lake offers great fishing for musky, pike, bass and pan fish, and there is boat access in the parking area. Boats must be carried to the site by hand or through the water. Because the water is quite shallow, large boats are not recommended. The lake bottom is sandy and provides good wading opportunities. Be cautious when swimming because this area has not ben checked for possible hazards - swimming is at your own risk.
Ewing Point is a beautiful walk-in campsite located on the north side of the 132-acre McKeever Lake. The grassy site is 50 ft x 75 ft, surrounded by hemlock and cedar.
For local information, please call (906) 474-6442 or call (906) 387-2512 for general information.
$8 / night
Legend
shower and restroom facility in the campground. Site had electricity. Campground has a boat launch for kayaks and canoes. Big rig friendly with a gravel pad. Dump station with potable water fill up station as well.
Legend
General: 61 site campground; 11 are 20/30/50 amp pull-thru sites and the rest are back-in 20/30 amp. A surprise was seeing so many seagulls and they were, although annoying, also quite entertaining!
Site Quality: All sites are dirt/grass and level. The sites are close together with very little to no privacy separating them.
Bath/Shower: In addition to men’s and women’s restrooms, there are two all-gender shower rooms and two family restrooms with shower. Except for dead bugs, they were clean. The shower was very nice– spacious and had good hot water, although there was almost always a wait to use one.
Activities/Amenities: We camped here to take a self-guided tour of the ghost town, which took about two hours. There are several short-distance interconnecting trails that are mostly well-marked. Be aware, however, that after about a half mile, the Overlook Trail was no longer maintained – the grass was very tall and there was only a narrow footpath; I ended up turning back after going a short distance and seeing that it was not going to improve. There is also a boat harbor. It was quite a juxtaposition between the historical buildings and the loud groups of people partying on their boats!
Once we explored the ghost town (which was very interesting), one night was just enough time for us to spend here, and it looked like many others were doing the same. The campground was completely full on a Saturday in mid-June but by Sunday morning, it had emptied out.
Traveler
Great open sky site, next to the water. High winds, but local beach trail and historic town a short walk away with additional trails. FYI bathrooms, shower facility, water drops, and water dumpsite closes annually for winterization around Oct. 21. Keep this in mind when booking! Water was shutoff days after. arriving thankfully we filled up jugs before that. Electric and camp wifi on year round. 30A and 20A service at each site, worked fine. We'll be back for the next New Moon!
TravelerThe facilities here are top-notch, with clean bathrooms and showers that visitors rave about. Solar Many campers appreciate the electric hookups available at the sites, making it easier to enjoy the comforts of home while surrounded by nature.
Traveler
For those looking to explore, Solar Superior Times is conveniently located near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, offering stunning views and hiking opportunities.
GuideNew, clean bathrooms and showers. Showers are private and door locks. Campsites are very close together, little privacy. Walking trails that connect the campground to the old Fayette town on the coast are nearby.
GuideStayed here beginning of September for a few days. Site 53 and 54. 53 is nearly at the top of the horseshoe and has trail access to Lake MI. Site 54 starts a series of smaller, back in slot type sites. This stretch of sites was primarily used by overnighters in while we were here, and might be tight for a family to stretch their legs. The campground was pretty quiet, despite being full. The beauty of this campground is the trail access to the beach and lakefront, along with the nice modern bathrooms and showers. One drawback to these particular sites is the wall of invasive cocklebur along the outside, and you would get absolutely covered if you got near them. You can see them in my photo. Note: the lake area near the campground is all rip rap rock, like the white rock in the sunset photo with trees. There is a trail that goes past the boat landing to nice sand beach.
Guide
Restrooms and showers are clean and nicely maintained. There’s a good amount of trees and shade for those hot summer days. There are trails and some fishing areas as well. Traffic noise isn’t too annoying except for the occasional loud mufflers and train horns. No train horns were heard during the late hours though. Overall it’s a decent place to stay
Traveler
This reservation only campground was well kept and close to amenities in Gwinn like their city park and diners. The full hookup sites were well marked but not a lot of shade and septic hook up was far back. There is a dump site on premise so we utilized that. Tent sites are well shaded and secluded from each other. Tenants were amazing and hiking trails were beautiful. The weather was too cold to swim but the beach area would be nice with warmer weather.
Scout
Campground is older and I understand it was purchased a year ago. Some of the spaces are a little tight but managable. Hostess was very polite and helpfull! The last day they had updated the wifii and it worked great! Every site is close to the lake. We were there for 8 days and would stay there again. Didn’t use the bathrooms or the showers but they looked clean when I checked them out.
TravelerWe parked in a river spot , and it was such a wonderful location, bathrooms right across a field, nice big playground, room for our motorhome, jeep, and hybrid van to charge ! Access to fishing right at our site and disc golf across from our camper !
Traveler
The views are beautiful but all the camping spots are grass, we instantly sunk the second we tried to park ! Bring blocks if you want to stay!
Scout
This was such a gem of a site. I couldn't believe it was available as late as we reserved it. Only 20-30 minutes from the National Lakeshore and reserved for $8 on Recreation.gov.
No hookups, no trash, no water, but so worth it for the landscape and isolation.
It's right on a gorgeous lake, and you're the only ones there. Perfect place to set up camp!
Scout
Wonderful campground with great friendly service. We will definitely be returning on our trips to door county
Ranger
We were in Site# 14. We had electric/water with a paved pull-through. We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep.
The site was easy to level but the wheels of our motor home were off of the ground.
Check-in is at the hotel. The RV park is not visible from the hotel (it’s back in the woods). There is a phone at the shower house that can be used to request a free shuttle to the casino.
Our site was not shaded with limited trees. This was a smaller lot with our neighbors fairly close.
The lot comes with a picnic table and fire ring.
There was not any WiFi (we used our Starlink). They do not offer Cable TV.
There is not a community outdoor kitchen or community fire pit.
They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster.
They do have an indoor Swimming pool at the hotel with a sauna and steam shower.
There is not a Playground. There are not any additional play areas like Bocce ball, shuffleboard, basketball sport court, horseshoe, or volleyball courts.
They have a general store in the parking lot of the casino where you can also get gas.
There are restaurants on site in the hotel as well as a spa. The closest big town with stores is Escanaba (about 20 minutes away).
This is solely an RV park. They do not have any cabins to rent or any tent areas.
They have one shower house. The shower house has individual showers (toilets & sinks are on opposite side of shower house).
The laundry facility is located at the BP gas station (located in the parking lot of the casino/hotel). It is a cash only facility, but they have a change machine. It is approximately $2 to wash and $2 to dry a load.
They do not have a fenced in dog park. There are areas to walk dogs.
Bugs did not seem to be an issue.
Some fun things to do outside of the campground are to visit the Sandy Point Lighthouse or Ludington Park in Escanaba.
The casino is smoke-free. It states that the tables are open from 10am to 2am. Not all tables are available though (for instance, roulette wasn’t always available and if they did open up the one roulette table, it wasn’t until 6 or 7pm). The slot machine options are abundant.
Traveler
Love the campground but very strong gas smell. Hopefully will subside and I won’t get sick…headache etc but smell is in my camper since there is a nice breeze had windows open.
The campground is very nice….other campers friendly.
I am at electric site but not using it. Could not put my rv ambulance in tent spot.
Bathrooms are very clean…showers free!
Right on the water. Very beautiful!
Gas smell is only down side.
Luckily was for only the first night.
GuideLooks Like this, Campground has been remodeling for years. A lot of kids won’t need a lot of work. Do you only reason we stayed was for a shower But the shower design was small and water everywhere
Traveler
Au Train is a very scenic area with a great lake. Caught fish off shore. Sites are large. There is a spigot on a little well house to fill your camper. You need to bring your own hose. No dump station but sign on well house states you can dump at nearby campground for free with proof of stay. Overall great time. Only negative is that the little day use swimming area isn't well maintained. Grass is nearly knee high.
Scout
Kewadin Casino Manistique? is a hidden gem in Michigan! This place has an incredible atmosphere for gaming and entertainment. The variety of games is mind-blowing, from slots to card tables. Also, the staff is super friendly and always willing to help you, and don't forget to try the food in the restaurant, it's delicious! But hey, if you are in Argentina and you prefer to play from the comfort of your home, I recommend you to try Casinoenlineahex.com/casinos-online/tarjeta-de-debito/. It is an excellent option to enjoy your favorite games online, don't miss it!
Traveler
Tent camped here on may 30th. Very quiet with some sites right on the lake. About a 7 mile gravel road to get here from the main road.
Traveler20 amp hookups on the grass, 30 on the pavement. $20 and $25. Park and pay at the gift shop. $5 back with receipt if you get a rewards card. Electric hookups only.
ScoutThis is a cool little retro campground with full hookup sites and lake access. It's close to a bunch of the UP attractions and the rates are very reasonable.
Legend
Went here on a road trip with my parents in their camper. Nice spot! Picnic table and nice sturdy fire pit is provided at each site. wood is available for purchase at the office. Site had a paved pad with gravel surrounding. Bathroom facility was clean.
GuideGreat views of Lake Michigan! Beautiful sandy beach just a short walk away! Really nice playground for the kids. Overall, one of our favorite places to connected camp!
Guide
Easy to get to. quiet campground. I would suggest smaller campers and tents
LegendBeautiful large but serene campground in the Peninsula State Park. Each site is very private and nicely spaced from the neighbor. Levelness is variable between sites. Some sites have 50 and 30 amp electric, and some have no hookups. There is a dump station and water fill near this campground, which serves all the campground in the state park. There are a ton of dump holes and lanes, it’s like a costco gas station.
This campground has a kayak launch right at the campground, AND it’s an easy walk from this campground to the Nature Center and to the Northern Sky Theater, as well as several walking and biking trails that wind around through this park. It’s also not too far of a walk to Nicolet Beach where there is a boat ramp and a store and equipment rentals.
Cell service is minimal here, both for Verizon and ATT, service would come in and out, very unreliable, though some texts would eventually go through. We got really lucky and got a spot on a Saturday in August- the entire park (all campgrounds within the park) were completely booked, but right before we pulled up to ask if there was any availability, someone had just vacated their site a night early so we were able to snag it. It’s too pricey at $42/night, PLUS the state park fee of $13/day or $38/year (good through the end of that year, not for 12 months).
Showers were nice and free. Wisconsin is great with recycling and there are mixed recycling bins that take everything, even glass (no plastic bags though).
Legend
Nice and quiet, smaller campground within the Peninsula State Park. These sites are non-electric/no hookups. The dump station and water fill is near Tennison Bay Campground.
There are flush toilets and showers that could use a remodel or a deep cleaning. You’re really close to the bay here, and the Sunset Bike Trail goes right alongside this campground.
There’s a host on site, water, trash and recycling. Cell service is weak but there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Escanaba, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Escanaba, MI is Newport State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Escanaba, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Escanaba, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
