The Gulliver area features a mix of wooded and open campsites situated near Lake Michigan's northern shores. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-80°F with cooler nights in the 50s, while fall brings dramatic temperature drops to the 40s. Most camping areas close by late October due to harsh winter conditions that make Upper Peninsula camping impractical.
What to do
Visit Kitch-iti-kipi Springs: Located just 5 minutes from Indian Lake State Park South Campground, this natural spring is a must-see attraction. "Kitch-iti-kipi Springs is a clear spring that you can see to the bottom of. We did not get to go, but heard it is an incredible place," notes one camper who stayed nearby.
Canoe the Manistique River: Northland Outfitters offers canoe and kayak rentals with convenient river access. "We canoed and our son kayaked the Manistique River. Shuttled up and paddled back to campground. About 3 1/2 hour trip. It was serene on the river," reports one visitor who enjoyed the peaceful waterway.
Fish Garden Bay: The waters around BayRidge RV Park offer productive fishing opportunities. A visitor mentioned watching the excitement as fellow campers caught fish just two sites away. The bay's shallow waters make it ideal for both shore and boat fishing throughout the camping season.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground bathrooms in the area receive high marks. At Manistique Lakeshore Campground, "the bathhouse is top notch with a sitting area that is separate from the shower. They also have a family shower room/bath area," according to one reviewer who appreciated the cleanliness.
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer larger than average sites. Indian Lake State Park South Campground provides "very large sites with plenty of space and a great view, backing right up to the lake." Visitors consistently note the generous site dimensions compared to other Michigan campgrounds.
Lake views: Waterfront camping is abundant. One camper at Manistique Lakeshore Campground noted they had "sites a few feet or a few yards from Lake Michigan. Fantastic south facing views." These lakeside views are particularly valued during sunset hours when the western exposure creates vivid evening skies.
What you should know
Leveling challenges: Many Upper Peninsula sites require substantial equipment for proper leveling. At BayRidge RV Park, one visitor warned, "Have plenty of levelling equipment available! Some are very level, some are not level at all. We were in spot 32 and 4" laterally and 19" longitudinally out of level to start with - at my max hitch jack limit and still 3" nose low."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies dramatically across the region. A visitor at Northland Outfitters reported, "Cell coverage (AT&T for my family, Verizon for my friends) was pretty hit or miss at 0-2 bars at any given time. I could sometimes stream audio for an hour or two. Other times, it wouldn't do anything."
Water levels fluctuate: Shoreline and riverfront camping can be impacted by water conditions. "The water has been high this summer as we have witnessed several other campgrounds with flooding. This one was not immune as they had several with sitting water but most were just fine," noted a visitor to Manistique Lakeshore Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Pictured Rocks RV Park and Campground caters less to families with younger children. One visitor observed, "Definitely appealed to an older clientele, as there were no playgrounds, trails, etc, but the kids stumbled upon a sand dune just off the main stretch of campsites."
Beach activities: For water-loving families, Indian Lake State Park provides ideal conditions. "The beach was very nice with shallow, warm water. That was the highlight of this Campground," reported one visitor who found the swimming conditions perfect for children.
Weekly programs: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. A visitor to Manistique Lakeshore Campground mentioned, "They even do weekly events such as 'Traveling Trivia' for kids," making it a good choice for families seeking structured recreation options during longer stays.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at rv sites near Gulliver, Michigan: When booking motorhome camping near Gulliver, request specific sites based on your rig size. At Merwin Creek State Forest Campground, a visitor cautioned, "I would not bring any big rigs into it," highlighting the importance of researching site dimensions before arrival.
Campground amenities: Full hookup RV sites are concentrated at established private campgrounds. Pictured Rocks RV Park features "open, level gravel sites and some concrete pads scattered throughout this pretty new campground," though one visitor noted, "There is no shade."
Seasonal considerations: RV camping near Gulliver typically runs May through October. Some campgrounds like Kewadin Casino Manistique offer early season camping from April 15, while Whitefish Hill RV Park extends slightly later until October 31, providing additional options for shoulder season travel.
