Cabin camping near Houghton, Michigan provides access to the Keweenaw Peninsula's unique copper mining history and Lake Superior shoreline. Winter temperatures average 10°F with 200+ inches of snowfall annually, while summer averages 65-70°F. Campgrounds in this region typically remain open from May through October, with some year-round options for winter recreation.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Van Riper State Park Campground offers several hiking options directly from camping sites. "There is a great 3/4 mile trail that had a fun activity," notes one visitor who stayed at the park with their family. The park also connects to longer trail systems for more experienced hikers.
Beach swimming: Perkins Park & Campground provides access to Lake Independence with designated swimming areas. "The beach is very nice and the water in Wilderness Lake is clean. There is an older playground that our kids still enjoyed, and an old abandoned railroad line that is now a trail," shares a recent camper. The swimming beach includes pavilions and additional recreation options.
Fall foliage viewing: Autumn camping offers spectacular color displays, especially at lakeside cabins. "Lots of deciduous trees, making the fall truly glorious!" reports a visitor to Perkins Park, who adds, "The campground was about 10% full upon arrival, and everybody left before we did, so we had the place to ourselves."
What campers like
Lake Superior beaches: McLain State Park Campground receives high marks for its shoreline access. "Has beachs. One for humans and one for canines. Great for bicycling, hiking, lazy days at the beach," explains one reviewer. The park's location provides water recreation with stunning views.
Secluded camping options: Visitors appreciate sites with more privacy among the area's cabin accommodations. "We stayed in site 92 that is located right next to the restroom/showers. Which was great having young children with us who seem to need to visit the restroom numerous times," shares a camper at Van Riper State Park. The campground layout varies, with some sites offering more seclusion than others.
Budget-friendly yurts: Trails End Campground in Copper Harbor offers alternatives to traditional cabins. "This campground is massive, but not finished yet. It feels as if your camping on someone's property that they've turned into a campground," notes one visitor. Another mentions the campground has "adorable yurts and bunkhouse cabins" under construction.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have restrictions on drinking water. At Van Riper, "The water system is getting redone which will remove the orange color in the showers. The water was not drinkable due to high arsenic but a large container of potable water was available."
Road noise considerations: Baraga State Park Campground sits close to a major highway. "It is right next to a state highway that was way busier than I thought it was and was noisy all night long. You have to cross this highway to get to the Keweenaw Bay," warns one reviewer who found the location disappointing.
Shower facilities: McLain State Park provides "amazing showers," according to one camper. Another notes that the bathroom facilities were being renovated: "When I was there, the bathhouse was kind of gross, but they are in the process of renovating it." Most cabin options lack private bathrooms, requiring use of communal facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: "Nice sites either blacktop, gravel or grass. Majority of sites have lake superior views. Has beachs... Great for bicycling, hiking, lazy days at the beach," writes a visitor to McLain State Park. These activities keep children entertained throughout the day.
Playground access: Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground provides family-friendly amenities. "This was a last-minute stop for us because we didn't want to stay at the campground we had originally intended... the campground we were on had lots of buffers between the sites in the form of pine trees," notes a visitor, highlighting the balance between recreation and privacy.
Wildlife viewing: "Ask the rangers where to go to look for moose," suggests a Van Riper State Park visitor. The Upper Peninsula offers wildlife viewing opportunities, with ranger-led programs available during summer months that specifically cater to younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For larger vehicles, carefully research specific sites. At Perkins Park, "The sites are reasonably sized and well described on the county website, even details about how level each site is. There seem to be sites available for all sizes."
Hookup availability: "Nice for a state park. Exactly what you would expect. Had a nice bath and shower building, firewood for sale, dump station and water fill," reports a visitor to McLain State Park. Electric service is available at most parks, but full hookups are limited.
Seasonal considerations: The camping season varies by location, with many campgrounds closing water systems by mid-October. Fall camping offers fewer crowds but requires preparation for potential freezing temperatures. Perkins Park operates seasonally "from May 15 to September 15," which is typical for many Upper Peninsula campgrounds.
