Tourist Park in Gwinn offers camping opportunities at an elevation of 1,087 feet within Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The small community sits 18 miles south of Marquette and serves as a central hub for exploring the region's extensive waterways and forest trails. Campsites throughout the area remain accessible primarily from late spring through early fall, with most facilities closing during the winter months.
What to do
Hiking the Eagle Scout trail: Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground features an interpretive nature trail developed as an Eagle Scout project years ago. "Loads of hiking trails and an interpretive nature trail created years ago by an Eagle Scout. Has a pump for water. No power. Has bathrooms and a boat launch," notes reviewer RAS at Anderson Lake West - Gwinn State Forest.
Swimming in Bass Lake: This state forest campground provides excellent water recreation options with designated swimming areas. "A family tradition for us, the lake is wonderful. A few lake side sites are usually taken quickly. All are rustic. Water pump, bathrooms available. Haul out your trash. Nice boat launch and a beach," says RAS about Bass Lake State Forest Campground.
Foraging for berries: During summer months, wild blueberries and raspberries grow throughout the area, providing natural snacks for hikers. "Beautiful natural swimming area in the rear of the property and we picked blueberries and raspberries right here on premise. Hope to return one day," shares Vincent S. about his stay at Tourist Park.
What campers like
Access to multiple lakes: The Gwinn area offers numerous water access points within short driving distances. "Very nice park, on a river with various levels of campsites. Easy access from town and close to post office, library, stores 1 mile away, hiking trails, trout stream, golf course 6 miles, swimming in river, 15 other lakes in a 10 mile radius," explains Michael M. about his experience at Farquar-Metsa Tourist Park.
Secluded tent sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered at certain campgrounds. "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," notes Jenni C. about her stay at Tourist Park.
Proximity to Marquette: Campers value the short drive to Marquette for additional amenities and attractions. "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," reports Jenni C. from her visit to Tourist Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds near Gwinn operate strictly on reservations. "The only down side is that they are by reservation only. No 'walk-in's' if you will," explains Emilee S. about Tourist Park.
Generator noise at rustic sites: State forest campgrounds can become noisy during peak times. "We came in on a Saturday afternoon campground only 2 sites left. Very loud, generators running constantly. 2 groups playing very loud music. One group did karaoke for 6 hours," reports Rebecca H. about her experience at Little Lake State Forest Campground.
Trash disposal protocols: Many rustic campgrounds require campers to pack out their trash. "Bass Lake is a rustic campground situated on, you guessed it, Bass Lake. It has 22 sites, nearly all of which have buffers in between them. Six of the sites are right on the lake and have their own private lake access. Trash must be hauled to the DNR Field Office in Gwinn, which is 15-20 minutes/10 miles or so away," explains Sam about state forest campground policies.
Tips for camping with families
Pet-friendly trails: Multiple campgrounds welcome dogs with standard leash requirements. "We enjoyed our stay at Tourist Park in Gwinn. I loved that it was a small park with mostly RVs and a few camping spots. My dog was allowed and they had a leash hook outside the bathroom and dog bag station. We would definitely go back," shares Pepper C. about pet-friendly camping near Gwinn, Michigan.
Basketball and recreation: Some campgrounds offer sports facilities for family entertainment. "It has a small put put golf, pool, camp store and large clean bathrooms and showers. WiFi! If you are in to biking amazing trails this stop is for you. The cabins are very clean and super nice," reports Randall J. about Rippling Rivers RV Resort near Marquette.
Family-friendly lake sites: Waterfront campsites offer direct access for swimming and fishing. "Bass Lake has 22 sites, nearly all of which have buffers in between them. Six of the sites are right on the lake and have their own private lake access. This campground is a first-come, first-served, self-pay operation. There is a boat launch, beach, a hand pump for water, and four vault toilets," notes Sam about Bass Lake State Forest Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: RVers should note site layout before arrival. "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," advises Jenni C. about Tourist Park.
Road conditions to campgrounds: Access roads can be challenging for larger rigs. "The whole road from the highway in to this campground is littered with potholes and sharp curves," warns Sam about access to Bass Lake State Forest Campground.
Alternative accommodations: For RVers seeking more amenities, Country Village RV Park near Ishpeming offers additional options. "Very enjoyable location. Love the the closeness of the stores and the fact there is a Camping World immediately out front," notes William Y. about this pet-friendly camping option near Gwinn, Michigan.
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