Twelvemile Beach Campground in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore houses luxury safari tents with private access to Lake Superior shoreline, offering an upscale glamping experience with spectacular water views. The canvas accommodations blend seamlessly with the surrounding white birch forest, while providing proper beds, outdoor seating areas, and lantern posts for evening ambiance. JoeIda Campground and Pretty Lake State Forest Campground also feature boutique camping options with picnic tables and fire rings included with each glamping unit. The sites are thoughtfully positioned for privacy, with some offering direct trail access to beaches. One visitor noted, "We had an absolutely gorgeous site that was right on a ridge overlooking the lake, with a nice amount of trees to hammock from and good space for relaxing."
Several glamping accommodations near Grand Marais provide access to the North Country Trail which passes directly through the area, perfect for hikers seeking adventure beyond their luxury canvas walls. The proximity to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore means guests can explore stunning coastal formations by day before returning to comfortable accommodations. Fox River Campground and Bodi Lake State Forest Campground maintain glamping sites with drinking water access and clean vault toilets, while offering opportunities for kayaking, beach relaxation, and wildlife viewing. Most locations are open from April through October, with peak season requiring early arrival to secure premium lakeside glamping spots. According to a camper, "This rustic national lakeshore campground is tucked in the trees along the south shore of Lake Superior. Next to the campground, there is literally a 12-mile long beach of beautiful white sand along the crystal clear waters of this great lake."
$25 - $35 / night
"Another really nice amenity was the lantern posts next to the picnic table and the grill grate attached to the fire pit. Can’t recommend this place enough."
"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."
$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.)"
"Secluded 8 camp sites. BEAUTIFUL vault toilets...not kidding. The campfire rings have built in grills. Very quiet and clean."
"This is one of my favorite campsites in Michigan. We happen to stumble upon it after endlessly searching for a spot at Pictured Rocks."
"Pretty Lake State Forest Campground is one of my favorite campgrounds in Michigan because it offers so many opportunities for outdoor activities in a great location. "
$15 / night
"Great little campground in the middle of nowhere. 15 minute drive off the beaten path keeps the crowds away. Couple spots right on the water. Vault toilets were fairly clean and stocked."
"unable to find a site at Pictured Rocks we were directed to this state forest campground. it was our first stay at a SF campground in Michigan and since we have sought them out and stayed in many. gorgeous"
$20 / night
"This rustic campground is located 35 miles north of the town of Newberry on Lake Superior. "
"Would only recommend a trailer that has good suspension or something small and rugged. Be careful as Google maps can be misleading and trying to take you down a fire lanes that are not passable."
$28 - $32 / night
"Even though harvest fest was canceled this year, there were still plenty of Halloween decorated campsites and kids dressed up in their best costumes to get some candy around the campsites."
"We stayed on site 65, which was situated between to sites where we had to share with one neighbor on the electric, no big deal. All sites with electric were split that way, 2 sites per electric box."
$29 - $45 / night
"City run campground on lake superior. Beautiful views, sandy shore. Most sites have water and electricity, some have sewer hookup. Some walk in sites on the shoreline. We camped on site 5."
"This is a busy campground right on Munising Bay on Lake Superior."
"Nice campground that is a good Basecamp fit central upper peninsula of Michigan. Some sites have electricity but there is no dump station. $20 a nite$ 18 if you are a senior."
"Electric and rustic sites. Water is central from an artesian well. Vault toilets and no showers. For the price, I’d stay again"
$20 / night
"Lots of spots near the water (all of which were full) but there’s still access to it by the boat launch. Only downside is how close the campsites are together. All in all it’s amazing here!!"
"Awesome little lake campground! Perfect for camping near Lake Superior while avoiding crowded sites and still camping near water."
GuideWe were looking for a campsite that we could drive up to, but we ended up going with a walk up campsite, thanks to the camp host. It couldn't have been more perfect. We got the closest site, which is not a long walk. It was totally private, with a little private entrance to the lake. Very peaceful. Not far from Munising.
GuideThis place is a gem. 50 minutes from Munising, makes the perfect camping spot for a pictures rocks trip.
Beautiful beach with all the privacy in the world. The best part about camping here was the Beach!
Another really nice amenity was the lantern posts next to the picnic table and the grill grate attached to the fire pit. Can’t recommend this place enough.
Some tips: DO NOT take 721 trail off Adams trail. Apple maps told us to take this route. It’s really only meant for atv’s and specialized off road vehicles. It would have saved 3 minutes off our total drive time. The local tow truck told us he comes here 3 times a week while he towed us out. And there’s no signal. It was pretty scary.
No running water in restroom, so pack some Clorox wipes.
Bugs are pretty bad on the non-lake side so try to get a site near the water.
GuideGorgeous primitive sites in Pictured Rocks. No cell service for many miles. 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. Great location near all of the beauty of Pictured Rocks. Campground had pit toilets, water, and lots of bear safe trash cans. There is no shower so bring your camp soap and shower or wash up in the lake. We picked up wood near Grand Marais, but you can find it for sale coming in from Munising too. Summer south winds may bring the stable flies. We had real problems when hiking and they were annoying at our site as well. If you have a screened in pop up, bring it. Be sure to check out the natural wonders but also the adorable town of Grand Marais. We hope to be back in fall when the flies may leave us alone.
GuideThere is a backcountry campground not 1/2-mile from the 12-Mile Beach car/RV campground. "Backcountry" is deceptive, as there is a road/parking area about 1/4 mile west of the site.
You'd expect a site close to cars/roads to be clean as it's easy for people to pack trash out to a car, but there was a fair amount of garbage left in fire rings at this campground (we burned what we could and packed the rest out). The plus side was that someone had left a handful of split logs behind, negating the need to gather anything beyond kindling.
Proximity to the drive-in sites provided ready access to potable, running water and flush toilets, although there is a pit toilet at this campground.
Lake Superior is readily accessible from both these sites and the drive-in campground.
LegendThe staff at the office gave a helpful map that showed where the local waterfalls are at. There are a lot in the area! The campgrounds aren't anything special and the bathrooms are the nicest. I stayed in a kozy kabin for a night because my camping gear was wet from a storm the night before. Fire pits are provided and wood is for sale on site in the office as well as other necessities. Close to pictured rocks national lakeshore. Definitely go there!
GuideIf you’re one who likes the thrill of winding backroads and wants to be away from all the noise and commotion of the city this is your spot. I took my friends on a loop through the UP this past June and they made me plan another one because they loved it so much. Bodi Lake Campground is off of a dirt road that is about 35 minutes from Tahquamenon State forest, 30 min from crisp point lighthouse (you can climb to the top and had a beautiful view), and about 2 hours from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This campground is my favorite so far because it’s right on the lake which you are able to kayak, or canoe on, has beautiful sunrises/sunsets, and is very remote. This campground also includes fire pits, toilets, and is very spacious. You are close enough to your “neighbors” but still have privacy. There are no water hookups, showers, or anything larger than tents. This campsite is a drive up, FIRST COME FIRST SERVE because it is free. No reservations are taken. This campsite is run by an older couple during the summer months. They gave us a couple of brochures and are happy to answer any questions you have! They are the reason we found the lighthouse! Overall this is a GREAT place to stay and I recommend it to anyone and everyone!
GuideAbundant beauty in the UP. Hike a little or a lot. Ride on a boat or paddle a kayak. So many ways to enjoy the beauty. There are several short (less than a mile) walks to gorgeous waterfalls. If you are more ambitious and able hike the Chapel Falls Loop. Feeling lazy, sit on the beach at Grand Marais and walk the little town and grab ice cream. The NTC runs 42 miles through the National Lakeshore if you are up for a multi day backpack. Lodging in Munising and Grand Marais, primitive camping in between.
RangerWe stayed at one of the twelve mile backcountry spots and it might be one of my favorite back country spots in Pictured Rocks. The hike in is fairly easy and flat the entire way. We also happened to be the only ones camping at this site and it was great to get away from the more busy sites further down the lakeshore. The beach is just steps away from the site which is slightly above the beach (maybe 50 ft) situated within beautiful clusters of birch trees. The climb to the beach and back is not terribly difficult, we were able to make dinner by the water and run back and forth from our camp to grab misc. cooking items without the climb taking a huge toll on our energy levels. It's also the perfect spot for star gazing and relaxing on an empty beach. I have stayed in the back country at Pictured Rocks 5 times, staying at a different site each night and this place stands out. We also passed by the drive up campsites and they seemed like some of cooler drive up spaces we've come across with each site tucked into the trees and nicely secluded.
TravelerThere are 8 campsites, 1 cabin and a pair of vault toilets, so I’m reluctant to let anyone else know about Joeida Campground...just keep it quiet, ok? 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.) The sites are well-spaced and it was very quiet within the campground. The owners welcomed us and gave us a few tips on hikes and other things to do in the area. It’s a short drive to both Munising and to Grand Marais, and to many other activities within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Firewood is available at the campground and can be arranged for at the time of reservation. Otherwise, there are several racks of firewood available for purchase nearby.
Primitive camping in Grand Marais, Michigan takes advantage of the region's unique location between Lake Superior and thousands of acres of forested federal and state lands. The area sits at approximately 705 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-75°F and evening temperatures often dropping into the 40s even in July. Most rustic campgrounds in the region maintain a small number of sites, usually fewer than 20, which fill quickly during the peak summer season from June through August.
Hike the North Country Trail: Access this national scenic trail directly from Twelvemile Beach Campground for day hikes along Lake Superior. "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.
Kayak on inland lakes: North Gemini Lake State Forest Campground offers calm waters ideal for beginners and families. "Awesome little lake campground! Perfect for camping near Lake Superior while avoiding crowded sites and still camping near water," reports Keenan.
Visit Tahquamenon Falls: Located about 45 minutes from Grand Marais, these impressive waterfalls offer multiple viewing platforms. "Great hiking, obvious beautiful falls, and quiet!" notes Felix K. about his experience staying at Lower Falls Campground.
Winter activities: The area remains open for cold-weather recreation. As Michael T. describes, "Snowmobiled, snowshoed, hiked, cross countries, oh and nice waterfalls" are all available during winter months for those prepared for Michigan's Upper Peninsula cold.
Secluded sites with privacy: JoeIda Campground offers spacious rustic sites away from crowds. "Huge campsite\ns that are spread far apart. Small and beautiful," explains Jim W. Another camper added, "Secluded 8 camp sites. BEAUTIFUL vault toilets...not kidding. The campfire rings have built in grills. Very quiet and clean."
Lake access for swimming: Many campgrounds provide direct water access. At Munising Tourist Park Campground, "Private beach was cold but we got in every day. Campsite was about 3 minutes from Munising, super convenient to go to laundry mat and grocery," reports Beth B.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location creates excellent night sky viewing. "Great stargazing off the dock and a lovely sunrise over the lake in the morning!" notes Mollie R. about her experience at Bodi Lake State Forest Campground.
Rustic facilities: For those seeking primitive camping near Grand Marais, the focus is on well-maintained basics. "Decent bath house, no water/sewer. Minimal ATT cell service. Level lot, busy on weekend," Beth B. reports about her stay at Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
First-come, first-served sites: Many campgrounds don't take reservations. "No reservations so you need to be early and persistent in finding a campsite," advises Patrick R. about Twelvemile Beach Campground. Arrive by mid-morning on weekdays and earlier on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Grand Marais, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Grand Marais, MI is Twelvemile Beach Campground — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with a 4.8-star rating from 38 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Grand Marais, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 glamping camping locations near Grand Marais, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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