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Best Campgrounds near Houghton, MI

329 Reviews

Campgrounds near Houghton, Michigan range from waterfront RV parks to primitive dispersed camping areas. McLain State Park Campground on the shores of Lake Superior offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations with amenities including showers, drinking water, and electric hookups. The City of Houghton RV Park provides waterfront sites along the canal with full hookups for RVs, while nearby Hancock Recreation Area Beach & Campground features more secluded tent sites in a wooded setting. Lake Perrault offers a dispersed camping experience for those seeking a more primitive option with fewer amenities.

Most developed campgrounds in the Houghton area operate seasonally, with many open from May through October. McLain State Park and Lake Linden Village Campground remain available year-round, though winter camping requires proper preparation for Upper Peninsula conditions. Reservations are strongly recommended for developed sites, especially during summer months and fall color season. Sites with water and electrical hookups fill quickly, particularly those with views of Lake Superior or the Portage Canal. Road access varies significantly between established campgrounds and dispersed sites. A visitor noted: "The tent sites have lots of trees that makes it seem like you are roughin' it. It is nice to have access to real bathrooms though."

Waterfront locations represent the most sought-after camping experiences in the region. Campers consistently rate the Lake Superior shoreline at McLain State Park among their favorites, with several reviews highlighting spectacular sunset views and beach access. As one camper shared, "Beautiful night skies, if you're lucky you will see northern lights." Sites along the Portage Canal in downtown Houghton provide convenience to urban amenities while maintaining water views. Hancock Recreation Area offers a balance of woodland privacy and water access, with reviews noting its "beautiful woodsy setting with small paths for the kids to explore." Most campgrounds provide fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary widely from fully-developed RV parks with shower facilities to primitive sites with no drinking water or toilets.

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Best Camping Sites Near Houghton, Michigan (48)

    1. McLain State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Hancock, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 482-0278

    "Located in the heart of the Keweenaw with nice sites that have a great view of the lake if you get one of the sites near the shore."

    "A short drive from Houghton brings you to the shore of Lake Superior. McLain sprawls along the shore giving almost every campsite a beautiful view."

    2. Hancock Recreation Area Beach & Campground

    10 Reviews
    Hancock, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 482-7413

    $15 - $25 / night

    "Lower level sites near the canal would be great, but can be windy. The dump station is design with one lane, so can get a backup. Some site have had fresh gravel applied."

    "You can walk down to the beach as well as some hiking trails nearby down the road. Also, it’s about a 33 minute walk to some restaurants and shops in town. Clean, heated restrooms."

    3. Lake Perrault

    6 Reviews
    Toivola, MI
    10 miles

    "We stumbled upon this location through this app."

    "Nice small lake, easy access from the main road. Road to the lake isn’t paved and there are huge potholes so go slow."

    4. City of Houghton RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Houghton, MI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (906) 482-8745

    "The sites are close but the view and proximity to outdoor walking make this a campground we will return to visit."

    "Despite the sites being pretty close, you have great water views, within walking distance to downtown and a short car ride away from lots of things to do and places to visit. "

    5. Lake Linden Village Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hubbell, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 296-9911

    "Location is on Torch Lake in the town of Lake Linden MI. Well maintained and friendly campers all around. The college town of Houghton, home of Michigan Tech is nearby as well."

    "We enjoyed taking the canoe and kayak out on the lake, cooked a nice steak meal in the pavilion, accessible sites w/electric and water hookups, showers were nice and hot."

    6. Village Park

    2 Reviews
    Hubbell, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 296-9911

    "Lake Linden Village Campground is a fairly small, but nice campground. They have a lower portion that's made more for trailers or motorhomes, and an upper rustic portion for tents."

    7. Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground

    10 Reviews
    Mohawk, MI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 337-2494

    $25 - $50 / night

    "However, when we drove past the roadside sign, my husband said he wanted to check it out. And we're so glad we did!"

    "We really liked this campground mostly for its location and beautiful beach on Lake Superior."

    8. Twin Lakes State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Toivola, MI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 288-3321

    "My family could not find anywhere to stay and this was the very last campsite on the map in the state of Michigan. We thought F it."

    "Beautiful lake, great swimming, too many four wheelers. Local black bears. Close to Lake of the Clouds and the Porcupine mountains."

    9. Agate Beach Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Toivola, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 482-8319

    "Right next to beach, cozy camping areas, and a great place to look for Yooperlites!Very affordable and easy way to pay!"

    "Beach and Lake Superior right across small road. $20 night. FCFS. Pit toilets available no water or electricity. I ran the generator for a while to charge items up each day."

    10. Baraga State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Baraga, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 353-6558

    "Nice view of the lake can see at least part of it from almost anywhere in the camp. Picnic table and fire ring on every site. There are several full hook up sites (water sewer electric)."

    "There’s a 3/4 mile trail at back of park that well short, is quite nice.  The campground itself is quiet, the noise from hwy 41 on the other hand, is noticeable yet not a dealbreaker.  "

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Recent Camping Photos near Houghton, MI

89 Photos of 48 Houghton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Houghton, MI

329 Reviews of 48 Houghton Campgrounds

  • Zachary G.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    High Rock Bay

    Awesome weekend

    Nice sites for rustic style camping. As long as you don’t mind hearing ORV noise every now and then, I would highly recommend this spot. It can get crowded but we found a spot no problem on a Friday night.

  • Zachary G.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    High Rock Bay

    Awesome weekend

    The sites here were pretty clean with really nice views. It was a little crowded when we were there but we had no issues finding a spot. As long as you don’t mind hearing ORV noise every now and then, I would highly recommend this spot. Just make sure your vehicle is off-road capable.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Hancock Recreation Area Beach & Campground

    Great stop over

    Campground offers variety of type sites with mixed amenities and sun or shade. More secluded sites may not be suited to larger length camping units. Decent bath/shower house. Only one for whole park. Lower level sites near the canal would be great, but can be windy. The dump station is design with one lane, so can get a backup. Some site have had fresh gravel applied. It hasn’t compacted yet, so a bit coarse to walk on. Close to Hancock. There is a sand n gravel company nearby, so you do hear noise from that area. Have stayed before, and will again.

  • Lindsey R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Baraga State Park Campground

    Noisy spot

    Decided to drive north to stay on Keweenaw Bay. The only thing you couldn't tell is that the State Park was right on the road. Literally. No site is quiet. Traffic goes all day and all night. Park was curiously mostly full with families and ither campers set up fir the weekend?. Clearly a popular spot. Very clean bathrooms and showers a lovely Park Ranger.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Van Riper State Park Campground

    Electrical hookups, about $35 per night

    Very expensive, but what can you do with a useless storm that doesn't go away?

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping

    Awkward parking on shifting sands.

    That's a beautiful place to park for free. The fresh water Lake Superior provides water for those who have the means to filter it. There's no grey dump and no trash. However, the fact that it's parking right on a beach makes it very difficult for larger vehicles, such as my 16,000-pound bus. I did manage to park it, though. In the dark.

  • Kay K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Agate Beach Park Campground

    Great beach

    Great beach. Excellent rock hunting. Thimble berries can be found. Sites offer zero privacy. The toilet is horrific.

Guide to Houghton

Camping near Houghton, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore Fort Wilkins Historic State Park: This park features a reconstructed 1844 fort and scenic views. One visitor mentioned, "The fort was worth exploring; it's really nicely set up."
  • Hike in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Known for its stunning trails, one camper said, "The East and West trails bordering the Presque Isle River are worth the drive to get there."
  • Visit Lake Superior: Many campgrounds, like Union Bay Campground, are right on the lake. A reviewer noted, "Campground right on Lake Superior. We were along the Lakeshore and it was nice and quiet."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for McLain State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms and showers were awesome and made for an easy experience even if tent camping."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Union River Big Bear Campground mentioned, "Some sites have more room than others. We had site 16, which was roomy."
  • Natural beauty: The scenery is a big draw. A visitor to Bond Falls Campground said, "Beautiful spots, friendly staff, clean toilet and trash can at each site."

What you should know:

  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds, like Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, have no cell service. One camper noted, "No cell service in this entire area but there’s free wifi at the bathrooms."
  • Reservations recommended: Especially during peak season, it's wise to book ahead. A long-time visitor to McLain State Park Campground said, "Reservations are hard to get for RVs wanting a premiere spot!"
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Porcupine Mountains Backcountry Camping mentioned, "We visited with our dog... the firewood in the area was sparse."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose quieter campgrounds: Some sites can be noisy. A family camper at Van Riper State Park Campground said, "The site were the standard Michigan close but the campground was not full and there were many options to choose from."
  • Look for kid-friendly activities: Many parks have playgrounds and swimming areas. A review for McLain State Park Campground highlighted, "The beach area for swimming in Lake Independence is nice with a pavilion, volleyball, and ping pong nearby."
  • Pack for bugs: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance. One camper at Union Bay Campground advised, "Bring bug nets!!!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site levelness: Some sites can be uneven. A camper at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park suggested, "If you’re in an RV and levelness is important to you, then I’d really try and not make reservations, but pick a site when you arrive."
  • Bring extension cords: Many sites have electric hookups but may require longer cords. A reviewer at McLain State Park Campground mentioned, "Bring an extension cord. Required for some sites."
  • Plan for limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full services. A camper at Van Riper State Park Campground noted, "Decent restroom/shower building. Poor wifi reception."

Camping near Houghton, Michigan, offers a unique blend of nature, adventure, and community. Whether you're in a tent or RV, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find cabin camping options around Houghton, MI?

While traditional cabins are limited in the immediate Houghton area, the Upper Peninsula offers several cabin options within driving distance. Fort Wilkins Historic State Park provides cabin accommodations in a historically significant setting with access to both Lake Superior and Lake Fanny Hooe. The park combines outdoor recreation with historical exploration. Van Riper State Park Campground also offers cabin options for those who prefer more comfortable accommodations. For travelers seeking alternatives to traditional tent camping, many local campgrounds rent yurts or have platforms for campers who want a more sheltered experience while still enjoying the natural surroundings.

Where are the best campgrounds near Houghton, MI?

The Houghton area offers several excellent campgrounds with spectacular Lake Superior views. McLain State Park Campground is a standout choice, situated along the lakeshore with spacious sites, beautiful sunsets, and beaches for swimming and fishing. Just a short drive from Houghton, it's perfect for those seeking natural beauty. Another excellent option is Lake Linden Village Campground, which is well-maintained and located on Torch Lake. For those willing to venture a bit farther, Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Copper Harbor offers amazing scenery and historical attractions, while Baraga State Park provides lakeside camping with spacious sites.

What campgrounds near Houghton offer shower facilities?

Several campgrounds near Houghton provide shower facilities for campers. Baraga State Park Campground offers clean shower facilities along with spacious campsites that have views of the lake. L'Anse Township Park & Campground provides shower amenities, though reviews note they aren't always conveniently located to all sites. This campground offers great views of the bay and is reasonably priced. The showers at Ontonagon Township Park and Campground are also available for campers. For those staying at state parks like McLain State Park, modern shower facilities are typically standard amenities, along with restrooms and sometimes laundry facilities.

Are there RV parks available in Houghton, Michigan?

Yes, Houghton has excellent RV camping options. The City of Houghton RV Park is centrally located on the waterfront with fantastic views. While the sites are somewhat close together, the park's proximity to walking paths and downtown amenities makes it a popular choice. The campground host is helpful, and the convenient location makes it easy to explore the area. Hancock Recreation Area Beach & Campground is another option very close to Houghton, offering easy access to the entire Keweenaw Peninsula, though sites are relatively close together. For RVers willing to drive a bit further, Baraga State Park accommodates travel trailers with spacious sites overlooking the lake.

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