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Camping near Grand Marais, MI
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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."
Best Campgrounds near Grand Marais (145)
1. Woodland Park Campground
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $40 / night
2. Twelvemile Beach Campground — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $35 / night
3. Hurricane River Campground — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
"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! "
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 / night
4. Lake Superior State Forest Campground
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $20 / night
5. Kingston Lake State Forest
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
6. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Sites — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
"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."
72 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
7. Muskallonge Lake State Park Campground
"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"
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $40 / night
8. Blind Sucker #2 State Forest Campground
"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
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
10. Blind Sucker #1 State Forest Campground
"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. "
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 37 min from Green Bay, WI
- 3 hrs 44 min from Traverse City, MI
- 3 hrs 57 min from Appleton, WI
- 4 hrs 48 min from Wausau, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Grand Marais, MI
316 Photos of 145 Grand Marais Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Woodland Park Campground
Rhody Trail Pull Off
Au Sable East Backcountry Campsites — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Hurricane River Campground — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Blind Sucker #1 State Forest Campground
Lake Superior State Forest Campground
Blind Sucker #2 State Forest Campground
Twelvemile Beach Campground — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Kingston Lake State Forest
JoeIda Campground
Pretty Lake State Forest Campground
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Sites — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Recent Reviews near Grand Marais, MI
785 Reviews of 145 Grand Marais Campgrounds
Gerard E.
LegendBlind Sucker #1 State Forest Campground
October 28,2026
10-28-26, Site 8
Level sandy and grass site close to pit toilet and water spigot. Empty campground, dirt roads, no electricity. The Pathway and NCt run through the campground if you like to hike.
Tmobile was 2 bars LTE, great site for large and samll campers or SxS's. Right down the road from Blind Sucker 2 and Lake Superior SF Campground.
Picnic Table and concrete fire pit, some sites are side by side and very open.
- Gerard E.Legend
Lake Superior State Forest Campground
October 27, 2026
10-27-26, Site 10
Large sandy with some grass and mostly level site. Easily fit a 30' camper and truck or trailer w SxS. 50' from Lake Superior, picnic table with concrete fire pit, partly shaded.
Tmobile had 3 bars LTE, No electric, water spigot was next to register station. Very clean pit toilets. $20 per night plus Rec pass. Site 9 is open right next to 10, would make a good group site.
Plenty of rocks on the sandy beach if you like to rock hound.
- Gerard E.Legend
Culhane Lake State Forest Campground
October 26, 2026
10-26-26, Site 10
I had the whole campground to myself. large pine trees and fall colors within 50' of the lake. Level site, sand and some grass, large enough for a 30' camper and truck.
Pit toilets were clean and stocked, water pump worked well and plenty of trash bins.
Tmobile was text via Satellite only.
About 10 miles from Crisp Point and the North Country Trail (NCT) runs right through the campground. No electric.
$20 per site, Rec Pass needed.
- justin H.Scout
Rivermouth Pines Campground — Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Rustic side of the campgrounds, late October and stunning views and weather.
- WWyatt J.Scout
Lake Superior North Shore
Great spot very pretty during fall. Protected from wind very quiet and lots of cool rocks on the shore and very easy to get to. I have AT&T and have great service
- BBruce C.
TravelerWide Waters Dispersed Camping
A little bumpy on thr dirt road but manageable
- MMichael K.Scout
Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping
Great spot, easy to get to. Could only find two pull off spots which are both relatively small, and only one has a fire pit in good condition so you’d need to build back up the other a bit. Very convenient spot that met all my needs
- ddeep W.
GuideMunising Tourist Park Campground
Convenient to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
This campground is located directly on Lake Superior and operated by the city of Munising. It has 100 RV sites and 22 tent sites. About 1/4 of the RV sites provide water, sewer, and 50/30/20 electrical hookups. The rest of the RV sites provide shared water spigots (with both line pressure and with pressure reducers) and shared 30/20 electrical pedestals. Depending on the site, the water or electrical hookups may require an extension cord or another hose length to reach your RV. The campground is quite open, only the tent sites have any privacy. Do to lack of obstructions, I saw several starlink antennas on rigs..... The campground offers decent wifi and two very nice bath houses with flush toilets and showers. It also offers a dump station on site with tank flush and potable water fill stations. A beautiful sandy beach fronts the campground. One negative is that Michigan Hwy 28 runs past the campground and it has plenty of traffic at all hours.
We visited with plans to take a Pictured Rocks boat tour, but 3 days of gale force winds scrubbed those plans. The boat tours were canceled.
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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