Tiffany V.
Guide
GuideMerwin Creek State Forest Campground
Quiet, Close to Town, Private
The best campsites are in the back! Ok gravel road - Honda Fit did fine. Vault Toilets a bit creepy - but CLEAN! Private and beautiful. $13 cash or check only.
Best Campgrounds near Grand Marais, MI
State parks and forests surrounding Grand Marais, Michigan feature a diverse range of camping experiences along Lake Superior's southern shore. Woodland Park Campground sits within town limits, offering electric hookups, showers, and beach access via stairs from a bluff overlooking the lake. More rustic options spread throughout the region include Twelvemile Beach Campground in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where campsites nestle among white birch forests with Lake Superior views. Several small state forest campgrounds like Blind Sucker #1 and #2, located about 13 miles east of Grand Marais, provide basic amenities with lake access. The Hurricane River Campground offers proximity to the Au Sable Lighthouse, while smaller private options like JoeIda Campground maintain just eight sites in a quiet forest setting.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds accessible only via gravel or dirt roads. As one camper noted, "The gravel road leading to Blind Sucker has some pretty bad washboard sections that will rattle your teeth." Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most sites outside town. Summer brings persistent black flies and mosquitoes, particularly away from lakeshores where breezes offer some relief. Many state forest campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are open from April through October. Michigan Recreation Passports are required for state facilities, with non-residents paying additional fees. Temperatures can remain cool even in summer, with one visitor reporting, "It was very chilly when we were there in the first week of July, but we had the pleasure of seeing the northern lights!"
Lakeside sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, particularly those with direct Lake Superior access. The North Country Trail passes through several campgrounds, providing hiking opportunities directly from campsites. Wildlife sightings include black bears, particularly in less developed areas. Campers frequently mention the clean vault toilets at state forest campgrounds as a pleasant surprise. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore sites fill quickly during summer months, with visitors advising early morning arrivals to secure spots. Fall camping offers fewer insects and spectacular color displays. The town of Grand Marais provides basic supplies, including firewood, gas, and food, making it a convenient base for exploring the eastern section of Pictured Rocks. As one visitor summarized, "The camp sites, though in the forest, are steps away from Lake Superior. When leaving in the morning we stumbled upon a black bear sow and her two cubs in the middle of the road."
Campground Showdown near Grand Marais, MI
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Best Camping Sites Near Grand Marais, Michigan (144)
1. Twelvemile Beach Campground — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
38 ReviewsGrand Marais, MI11 milesWebsite+1 (906) 387-3700$25 - $35 / night
"We stayed at site 19 lake side. A large private site with many trees. A short walk behind our site lead to a gorgeous overlook of Lake Superior."
"There are several short (less than a mile) walks to gorgeous waterfalls. If you are more ambitious and able hike the Chapel Falls Loop."
2. Woodland Park Campground
23 ReviewsGrand Marais, MI0 milesWebsite+1 (906) 494-2613$30 - $40 / night
"Really nice park, views of Lake Superior, stairs down to Lake Superior beach, Electric hookups, cable TV hookups, sites big enough to park your RV & boat, firewood is available."
"We had a back in site, very close to the bathhouse which was nice and clean. Cleaned daily &closed for cleaning between 9-10am."
3. Hurricane River Campground — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
20 ReviewsGrand Marais, MI9 milesWebsite+1 (906) 387-3700$25 / night
"There are paths in between all the campsites to either the main road or up to the upper campground."
"Campground is fairly close to Grand Marais and the Au Sable Lighthouse. Nice trails around! "
4. Lake Superior State Forest Campground
13 ReviewsGrand Marais, MI11 milesWebsite+1 (906) 293-3293$10 - $20 / night
"We stayed after hiking around Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore."
"Right on Lake Superior and the North Country Trail! Also, it is just moments from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Grand Marais. Our pup loved running on the beach."
5. Kingston Lake State Forest
15 ReviewsPictured Rocks National Park, MI13 milesWebsite+1 (906) 341-2355$15 / night
"I'm very thankful to the state of Michigan for having first-come first-serve options like Kingston Lake!"
"Very quiet and a close, easy drive to the Pictured Rocks hikes I wanted to do. Spots are large and spaced out. Campground is first come first served, $15 a night + Michigan recreation pass."
6. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Sites — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
21 ReviewsGrand Marais, MI17 milesWebsite+1 (906) 387-3700"It gets cold in pictured rocks and being away from the gusts of wind coming off the lake and being able to warm up via fire is ideal."
"This is another easy-hike site located in the park. The site is situated not along Lake Superior, but Little Beaver Lake--although the name can be misleading."
7. Muskallonge Lake State Park Campground
19 ReviewsGrand Marais, MI17 milesWebsite+1 (906) 658-3338"You have access to Muskallonge Lake in the campground, and there is Lake Superior access not too far down the road, there is a trail from the campground."
"Inland lake on camp side ride your bike or walk across the street for lake sUperior rock hunting"
8. Blind Sucker #2 State Forest Campground
8 ReviewsGrand Marais, MI11 milesWebsite+1 (906) 293-3293"We had initially wanted to stay at Lake Superior State Forest campground, but there were no sites available. This was just right up the road, within minutes and worked out wonderfully."
"We meant to camp at Lake Superior State Campground but it was packed every single day even MIDWEEK! We drove over to Blindsucker 1 but the sites where very close to others without much privacy."
9. JoeIda Campground
8 ReviewsPictured Rocks National Lakeshore, MI13 milesWebsite+1 (906) 387-1221$20 / night
"We had site #8 which was large, near the toilets and near the water pump. (As someone else mentioned, the vault toilets are like no others we’ve experienced. Amazingly clean and new.)"
"If you’re into getting off the grid in the middle of the forest with nearby lakes this is a great spot. Small campground with private sites within pictures rocks lakeshore."
10. Blind Sucker #1 State Forest Campground
5 ReviewsGrand Marais, MI11 milesWebsite+1 (906) 293-3293"Our rustic camp site was located right on the North Country Trail which was ideal for morning hiking and adventuring. Also, there is access to Blind Sucker flooding where you fish and kayak."
"This is one of many small rustic campgrounds in the state forest along Lake Superior east of Grand Marais. "
Recent Camping Photos near Grand Marais, MI
310 Photos of 144 Grand Marais Campgrounds
Judy B.
Woodland Park Campground
Kathleen B.
Rhody Trail Pull Off
Annie C.
Au Sable East Backcountry Campsites — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Nona A.
Hurricane River Campground — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Halie C.
Blind Sucker #1 State Forest Campground
Alejandro G.
Lake Superior State Forest Campground
Stephanie
Blind Sucker #2 State Forest Campground
Charles K.
Twelvemile Beach Campground — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Rich Y.
Kingston Lake State Forest
Lydia T.
JoeIda Campground
Chris M.
Pretty Lake State Forest Campground
Amy M.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Sites — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Recent Reviews near Grand Marais, MI
729 Reviews of 144 Grand Marais Campgrounds
Gerard E.
RangerMouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground
May of 26
5-21-26, Mouth of the Two Hearted Campground.
sunny, 50 degrees, breezy. Site 8, small and mostly level, close to neighboring sites as I stayed one night testing out my truck camper.
The drive in is easy, could be dusty, muddy and washboarded all on the same day. The County has done a great job this week as the road was smooth and dusty. Take 500 off of 123 to 414 (Pike Lake Rd) to 423 (2 Hearted) right to the bluff overlooking the campground.
Campground is mostly full, tents to 5th wheel campers. There were four sites on Loop 2 open when I arrived at 2:30 and they filled by 5 pm on a Thursday.
Cellular T-Mobile 1 bar 5G to 3 bars LTE
No Electric or water hookup, fresh water at the hand pump.
$20 for MI Passport Holders.
The sunsets are amazing, you can hike part of the NCT, rock hound on the beach, relax and many people bring their SxS.
Buy your firewood before arrival.
- Gerard E.Ranger
Pike Lake (Paradise) - State Forest
May of 2026
Friday May 22, 2026
Pike lake state forest campground was sunny And 60, the campground is nestled in a little community right on the lake with large pine trees, good sun/shade options. Two pit toilets, clean and with sanitizer.
I’m sure the sites fill quickly in the summer. No electricity or water hookup but a pump is located at the entrance.
1bar LTE with T-Mobile and most of the sites are not level so if you have a camper bring enough leveling blocks. A nice gravel/concrete boat launch area.
Firs Come First Serve on the reservation at $20 for passport holders.
Firewood was for sale at the entrance, but i would buy before arriving.
Shawn S.
Legendtaquamoen falls state park
What a Forrest
The mosquitoes were horrible in July! Weather was great though with very comfortable temps in the heat of summer. Spots on the top of the hill are older and smaller. The better part of the campground is on the lower part of the park. It was newer and would better for large rigs. Hiking was amazing here and the falls are super. The restaurant was good.
- Shawn S.Legend
Woodland Park Campground
Best sunsets on the lake
The sunsets were spectacular on the beach with a campfire and a drink. The city park was a good size with hook ups and primative. Some spots were a bit close together. Great biking city. There are restaurant close by to walk to. I loved the coffee shop across the street. Good sandy beach down the road for some cold swimming. Good rock beach at the campground to hunt for Yuper Lights.
- Gerard E.Ranger
Clark lake campsite
Spring
Off of the Clark lake Loop, semi level site with toilet privy. Access to water at Clark Lake. Very rustic
- Gerard E.Ranger
Andrus Lake State Forest Campground
Andrus in May
5-20-26, Andrus Lake State Campground Sunny, breezy, 42 degrees. Site 25, large level site, good fire ring right on the lake and plenty of space between either side, close to the privy. The privy is a pit toilet but very clean. There is potable water here, but no electricity no water hook up. Cellular was 3 bars 5G using T-Mobile, better service at the site vs in Paradise.
7 miles from Vermillion, great for history and rock hounding.
Part of the campground is flooded from melting snow and heavy rains. $20 per night for passport holders, but your firewood before you get to Paradise, 1/2 the price. $5-10ish.
Jay W.LegendGrand Island National Recreation Area — Hiawatha National Forest
Grand Experience!
If you are looking for some great views and relatively easy hiking and an adventure then look no further than Grand Island! Grand Island sits in Lake Superior North of the city of Munising and near-by Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, in fact while hiking the island you will have plenty views of Pictured Rocks! You will start your experience at the Grand Island Ferry Service where you will purchase you ticket and book your time to cross over to the island. I planned ahead and got there a day early and checked in with the staff to make sure times and tickets were available for my preferred departure. The ferry service offers a building that offers gifts and souvenirs available as well as maps of the island and some hiking needs like mosquito nets and bug spray if needed. I would recommend if you're interested in souvenirs or gifts to purchase after your trip back from the island. Parking was free overnight at the ferry station.
Once you depart for the Island it is maybe a 10 minute ride to the Island. After getting off the boat you are given clear instructions on how to get back to the mainland when you are ready.
While camping you can book reservations for campsites (or cabins) at www.recreation.gov but it is not necessary as you can camp anywhere on the Island as long as you are 100 ft from cliff edges, roads, other campsites, inland lakes and creeks and trails. I would recommend booking a reservation as those sites offer bear poles to hang your food from the many bears on the island. I did not see any bears on my visit but a couple people on the ferry ride back to mainland did see some.
The hike is relatively easy with a few steep climbs. I was told to hike counter clockwise but I wish I would have hiked clockwise instead as it seems there would have been less inclines as well as better on coming views instead of looking back to get views on the west side of the island. I was able to hike halfway around the island in a matter of about 3.5 hours and camp out at just around mile 11 where I had water access from Lake Superior to fill up the next morning to complete the entire trip around the island for my hike back to dock. I had to gather and chop my own wood for fire at night but some campgrounds do offer stocked wood for fires, check the Grand Island website to find which ones.
- Gerard E.Ranger
Kritter's Northcountry Campground
Fall ‘25
Site 26 20amp only Sept 7-15, 2025. Wi-Fi faded on and off, maintenance was out to fix. T-Mobile 1 bar LTE Amazing store and staff. Showers were older but nice. Mostly shade. Bugs, minor mosquitoes Aurora was out, did some yooperlite searching on Lake Superior.
Guide to Grand Marais
Dispersed camping opportunities near Grand Marais, Michigan extend beyond established campgrounds to include remote backcountry sites throughout the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and surrounding state forests. The region sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level, with Lake Superior shorelines and inland waterways creating distinct microclimates across camping areas. Night temperatures frequently drop into the 40s even during summer months, requiring campers to pack appropriate layering options.
What to do
Hike to Au Sable Lighthouse: From Hurricane River Campground, take the 1.5-mile trail along the shoreline to this historic landmark. "A short walk to Au Sable Lighthouse (1.5 miles). We took our chairs and a light snack to the beach to enjoy the sunset," writes Lee D. about Hurricane River Campground.
Backcountry camping exploration: Pictured Rocks offers designated backcountry sites requiring permits. "We did 5 days and a 60 mile trek along the trail and the views were unbelievable. Fresh water you can filter along the trail but plan ahead. Designated camping so plan your hike out in advance," notes Heidi S. about Pictured Rocks Backcountry.
Off-roading adventures: For ORV enthusiasts, Muskallonge Lake State Park provides direct trail access. "If you have an ORV/ATV, Muskallonge Lake State Park is one of the few state parks where you can ride your ORV straight from the state park to the many nearby designated ORV trails," explains Ari A.
Lake fishing: Inland lakes offer productive fishing without Lake Superior's unpredictable conditions. "Lots of small fish but the scenery is amazing," notes Joey F. about Blind Sucker #1.
What campers like
Secluded forest sites: JoeIda Campground offers extremely private sites in dense woodland. "This is the campground seasoned boondocks would build for their family and friends. Perfect. Huge campsite\ns that are spread far apart. Small and beautiful," says Jim W. about JoeIda.
Lakefront camping access: Kingston Lake State Forest provides water views from nearly every site. "Every site has waterfront view. It's a rustic campground with pump water (very high mineral content) and vault toilets. It also has a picnic area and boat launch," shares Amy K. about Kingston Lake.
Wildlife encounters: Lake Superior State Forest Campground offers frequent wildlife sightings. "When leaving in the morning we stumbled upon a black bear sow and her two cubs in the middle of the road. Pure Michigan goodness! One of my favorite camping experiences in all of Michigan," reports Madison D.
Star-gazing opportunities: Remote locations provide exceptional dark sky viewing. "On clear nights, Star Gazing is Fantastic. I have never seen so many stars at one time as I did along Lake Superior," writes Michael C.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campsites require travel on rough gravel roads. "At least 11 miles of corrugated dirt road to get to the campground from either way. Very slow going with a camper," explains Brook W. about Lake Superior State Forest.
First-come basis: Many sites don't accept reservations. "This campground is extremely popular and reservations are not taken, so arrive early. It took us two tries before we landed a site here," advises Amy K.
Black fly season: Early summer brings intense insect activity. "Mosquitoes weren't horrible but thankfully a cool June means no black flies yet," notes Christopher L.
Limited cell service: Most remote campgrounds lack connectivity. "Verizon doesn't get data but at least one bar to send SMS messages," reports Christopher L. about Lake Superior State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Best playground access: Woodland Park Campground offers multiple play areas near town amenities. "There 2 playgrounds for the kids, small town is within walking distance.. and the breath taking sunsets!! Always a great time!" shares Sandy G. about Woodland Park.
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs enhance children's experiences at some campgrounds. "We love exploring the beach and hiking down the trails right from the campground. We enjoy the ranger programs that are offered, and the camp hosts are so friendly!!" notes Mandi B. about Twelvemile Beach.
Swimming considerations: Muskallonge Lake offers warmer swimming than Lake Superior. "A designated swimming beach is available near the campground, as well as a small day-use area with a few picnic tables, grills, and some old playground equipment," explains Ari A.
Bring quarters for showers: Pay facilities require change. "The sites are good sizes, right on Lake superior, which gave us amazing views! Bring quarters if you want a shower! And lots of quarters if you don't shower quickly lol," advises Mindi M.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most rustic sites offer no utilities. "No electric, or sewer. The pit toilets are clean and lack any smell," explains Dave T. about Blind Sucker #2.
Site selection for larger rigs: Twelvemile Beach has specific areas for RVs. "Sites: there is not a bad site here. Amazing. I like the following sites because they are long the Lakeshore. Some of them aren't as private as other sites, but looking at the lake from the campsite would be just fabulous: 1, 3 4 5 7, 9, 12, 14, 15, 30, 19," suggests Roger W. about Twelvemile Beach.
Generator regulations: Some campgrounds designate specific generator-free zones. "Generators: Allowed, but there is a generator free zone," mentions Roger W.
RV size limitations: Most rustic sites accommodate only smaller units. "Rig size: Max I saw was about 28'," notes Roger W.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Woodland Park campground in Grand Marais, Michigan?
What amenities are available at Woodland Park campground in Grand Marais, Michigan?
Woodland Park Campground offers several convenient amenities for a comfortable stay. The campground provides electrical hookups and cable TV connections, with sites spacious enough to accommodate both RVs and boats. Clean bathhouses are maintained daily (closed for cleaning between 9-10am). Campers enjoy easy access to Lake Superior via stairs leading down to the beach. Firewood is available for purchase on-site. One of Woodland Park's biggest advantages is its in-town location, providing easy access to stores and gas stations. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations, so arriving early is recommended. Sites offer beautiful views of Lake Superior, making it an excellent choice for first-time RV campers.
Where are the best campgrounds near Grand Marais, MI?
Where are the best campgrounds near Grand Marais, MI?
Grand Marais offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Lake Superior State Forest Campground sits right on Lake Superior and provides direct access to the North Country Trail, just moments from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. For rustic camping with water activities, Blind Sucker #1 State Forest Campground offers sites along the North Country Trail with access to Blind Sucker flooding for fishing and kayaking. Other noteworthy options include Hurricane River Campground in Pictured Rocks, Ross Lake State Forest Campground for a more secluded experience, and Woodland Park Campground in town with Lake Superior views. Most campgrounds in the area are first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended, especially during summer weekends.
How do I get to Twelvemile Beach Campground from Grand Marais, MI?
How do I get to Twelvemile Beach Campground from Grand Marais, MI?
To reach Twelvemile Beach Campground from Grand Marais, head west on Highway 58 (H-58) toward Munising. The campground is located within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, approximately 15 miles west of Grand Marais. Follow H-58 until you see signs for Twelvemile Beach Campground. The drive takes about 30 minutes and offers scenic views of the lakeshore. This gorgeous primitive campground features lakeside sites with no cell service for many miles, making it ideal for those seeking to disconnect. Along the way, you can stop at the Grand Sable Visitors Center for additional information. The campground's proximity to Hurricane River Campground and Au Sable Lighthouse makes it an excellent base for exploring the eastern section of Pictured Rocks.
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