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Best Campgrounds near Houghton, MI

307 Reviews

Houghton, Michigan serves as a jumping-off point for great camping throughout the Upper Peninsula. Union Bay Campground in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park puts you right on Lake Superior with hiking trails just steps from your site. Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Copper Harbor combines camping with a restored 1800s military fort in a beautiful natural setting. Both campgrounds are easy to reach on good roads, though winter travelers should watch for snow and ice conditions. The area has interesting places to visit like Keweenaw National Historical Park and Quincy Mine where you can learn about local copper mining history. Lake Superior is right there for kayaking and fishing when you need time on the water. Union Bay has modern bathrooms with showers, while Fort Wilkins offers picnic spots and a visitor center. You should book ahead, especially if camping between June and August when sites fill quickly. Many campers come to the Houghton area in fall to see the colorful changing leaves. The Houghton region works well for campers who want both outdoor time and some historical sites to explore.

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Best Camping Sites Near Houghton, Michigan (45)

    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

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

    $15 - $25 / night

    "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."

    "Loved the location of our spot, as it was on the back edge of the campground. Overall seemed very safe and secure with campground attendents riding around frequently."

    3. 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. "

    4. Lake Perrault

    4 Reviews
    Toivola, MI
    10 miles

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

    "But slow driving is the cure for that. 

    There are a few spots suitable for a small travel trailer, but most of them are better suited to tents."

    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. Baraga State Park Campground

    17 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.  "

    10. Schoolcraft Township Rustic Campground

    1 Review
    Hubbell, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 296-8721

    "Located on the southern side of the Keweenaw Peninsula just south of the Schoolcraft Township Park on Big Traverse Bay, this rustic campground has 5 huge sites right on Lake Superior."

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Recent Camping Photos near Houghton, MI

84 Photos of 45 Houghton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Houghton, MI

307 Reviews of 45 Houghton Campgrounds

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

What camping is available near Houghton, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Houghton, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 45 campgrounds and RV parks near Houghton, MI and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Houghton, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Houghton, MI is McLain State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Houghton, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Houghton, MI.

What parks are near Houghton, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Houghton, MI that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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