Best Tent Camping near Houghton, MI
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Best Tent Sites Near Houghton, MI (9)
3. Ahmeek Copper Mine Camp
Mohawk, Michigan1 Review•16 Photos•5 SavesLocated on the property of the old Historic Ahmeek Copper Mine in the Keweenaw's Copper Country! We have tent sites, shipping containers covered to rustic cabins, along with multiple rv/camper sites. A rockhound and metal detectors paradise! Just minutes from multiple beaches on Lake Superior!!
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$19 - $85 / night
4. Emily Lake State Forest Campground
Nisula, Michigan2 Reviews•2 Photos•29 SavesMichigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-ppl
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
6. Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness
Watton, Michigan3 Reviews•2 Photos•36 SavesThe Wild and Scenic Sturgeon River rushes out of the northern portion of this wilderness, over the 20 foot volcanic outcroppings of Sturgeon Falls, and through a gorge that reaches 350 feet in depth and a mile in width. Throughout this rugged, steep Wilderness, the Sturgeon and Little Silver Rivers and their tributaries have carved falls, rapids, ponds, oxbows, and terraces. Stunning views are possible from the eastern rim of the gorge. Except for a few naturally bare slopes, most of the land is forested with pine, hemlock, aspen, sugar maple, birch, and basswood. When the leaves of the hardwoods change color in the fall, they form a vivid tapestry. There are few established trails in Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, and the few overgrown logging roads are hard to find and follow. The North Country National Scenic Trail parallels the northern and eastern boundaries for about eight miles. Sturgeon River Campground offers seven sites on the southeastern boundary. In spring and during peak runoff, kayaking and white water canoeing are challenging, and only recommended for advanced paddlers. Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness Map
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Craig Lake State Park Campground
Michigamme, Michigan4 Reviews•22 Photos•30 SavesMichigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
- Yurts
8. Big Lake State Forest Campground
Covington, Michigan3 Reviews•23 Photos•25 SavesMichigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
9. Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay
Copper Harbor, Michigan2 Reviews•7 Photos•77 Saves- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Tent Cabin
Recent Tent Reviews in Houghton
236 Reviews of 9 Houghton Campgrounds
Oli
Traveler
Craig Lake State Park Campground
Good
The Michigan Recreation Passport Solar does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas.
- OliTraveler
Perkins Park & Campground
Good
Many campers have enjoyed the swimming beach and the nearby boat launch, making it easy to get out on the water. Solar As one happy camper noted,“The beach area for swimming in Lake Independence is nice with a pavilion, volleyball, and ping pong nearby.”
Geena B.Traveler
Hancock Recreation Area Beach & Campground
Nice spacious spots
Hancock campground has LOTS of RV sites as well as some really nicely hidden/shaded tent spots. 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. As of October 2024 when im writing this, their dryer is out of order, so laundry unavailable. Campground attendant is very nice as well
- kkevin F.
Scout
Van Riper State Park Campground
Campers beware
Van Riper State park has very unlevel sites with no water and 30 amp service. Unacceptable with today’s campers. Time to update Michigan
Micheal S.TravelerVan Riper State Park Campground
Great campgeound
We are not a big state park fan as, in Michigan, there are very close sites and tons of noise. This one was relatively quiet. The site were the standard Michigan close but the campgeound was t full and there many options to choose from. The lake is real nice and the beach area is clean, spacious and it has a general store that has firewood for sale. We first reserved a rustic site, then changed to an electrical hook up site after arriving. The ranger was very accomodating.
Stephen L.Scout
Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground
Just awesome
This place is way off the beaten path. Long dirt road to get back here. There are tent sites all along the beach front to watch the sunset and pick rocks. Most sites are fairly level. I feel like we got one of the only ones that wasn't but I'm not real picky. @ramblinsmurf
- SSusan H.Traveler
Ontonagon Township Park Campground
Been coming here for years…
We love the area. Very nice people, well run campground. Staying on Lake Superior is almost always beautiful. Sunsets are amazing!! The sites are generous and partially wooded. Drawbacks, no laundry facilities, even in town. Stores, restaurants and gas stations nearby but expensive. (Though there is a dollar store) They do not take reservations, so it’s a gamble to just show up. You really have to be there, in person by 7AM to wait in line to get a site.
Overall, great place to stay!!
Kim E.Traveler
L'Anse Township Park & Campground
Peaceful getaway for us and the dogs.
We come up every year for the meteor shower, and every stay is a great one. New shower rooms, and huge dog park are awesome!
- SStephanie W.
GuideVan Riper State Park Campground
Serenaded by snoring
I’m a very simple camper used to having space and quiet…this was not the best time to pass through for an overnight. I arrived and the campground was so loud with people and kids shouting. There is zero privacy (they pack you in) so be sure to get a spot along the edge where you’ll at least have trees. I was very surprised and grateful how respectful everyone was of the quiet hrs…other than snoring and some traffic it was quiet. On a positive, the pit toilet was really clean and spacious. And the ranger at check in was so nice.
- JJeremy B.Traveler
Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground
Great location. Friendly Hosts.
We really liked this campground mostly for its location and beautiful beach on Lake Superior. It has a long driveway that is gravel and all of the campground loops are also gravel or sand so it can be a little dusty. The lake shore sites have beautiful, full views of the lake but just know that many sites will be a tight fit for larger rigs. We have a 26' travel trailer and stayed in the newer loop a little ways away from the beach. It didn't bother us as it was easier to park and a very short walk to enjoy the beautiful sunsets this campground is all about.
C S.ScoutOntonagon Township Park Campground
Holding spots for people who may never even come
They don't do reservations, but despite having 10+ sites available, they're holding them for people who may never come.
- RRobert G.Traveler
Courtney Lake Campground
Very quiet and relaxing
We tented on lot 7 during the second week of June. It was very quiet. I was lucky to find this gem and you will only have spotty phone service at best. My dog had more fun than I did and we did a lot of hiking.
- KKat P.Scout
Baraga State Park Campground
Camp sites are WAY too close together
I can hear my neighbors talking at their campsite from mine. We are packed in here like sardines.
Beautiful area, though. Caught a rainbow just as we were setting up camp. And they had wood and ice.
Pat F.Guide
Lake Perrault
Great little overlook of the lake
Very nice n open for pulling in and doing dispersed camping, nice overview of the lake from the hill , quite too, fire pit made of rocks
- EEric S.Guide
McLain State Park Campground
Amazing campground on the shore of Lake Superior
Really nice and level site(62) just a short walk from the beach. Really clean and well kept state park. Hiking trails are plentiful. Centrally located on the Keweenaw Peninsula allows time for exploring many sites this location has to offer. Too bad the “Gitch” washed away some of the lakeside campsites, hopefully they rebuild soon! My family will definitely come back!
- MMolly A.Guide
Keweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay
Absolutely Amazin
DO NOT BRING A STANDARD CAR DOWN HERE! Road was incredibly rough and no cell service. That being said, risking my lifted 4WD SUV was well worth it. I may have forgotten to get a permit. Oops. There’s a large turnaround at the end of the road with spectacular views. I turned left at the outhouse and found a similar spot. Flies and mosquitos were abundant but didn’t kill my vibe. Make sure to check the weather before you go. If it had rained overnight, I probably wouldn’t have been able to make it out.
- CChuck M.Guide
Lake Perrault
Idyllic camping spot.
I spent an overnight in this beautiful place. I was all alone in the campground. A few people drove down to the water while I was there. The place is a "lovers lane" of sorts.
The road in is AWFUL. 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.
Laura M.
LegendLake Perrault
Free dispersed
Nice small lake, easy access from the main road. Road to the lake isn’t paved and there are huge potholes so go slow. A couple of the campers looked like they’re long-termers, but there was still plenty of room. It’s a dispersed area with some sites with fire pits that are cleared and open for camping, maybe about 6 spots or so. A couple of the spots are right down at the water.
There’s also a little trail by the water but the mosquitoes were too bad for me to try and hike it. Though this is definitely a local hangout, with trucks coming in and out almost all day and late into the night, everyone was respectful and quiet, and it was really nice and peaceful overnight.
There was a little road noise but not bad at all. Some interesting animal calls overnight as well. There was good cell reception for Verizon and ATT.
- RRickScout
Hancock Recreation Area Beach & Campground
Good location for base camp
City run operation. Close to downtown Hancock. A few sites right along the canal. Variety of site configurations - from remote tent pads to open areas that permit families to set up camp units close together. Limited sites that have sewer, water, and/or electric.
- RRickScout
Van Riper State Park Campground
Nice Park
Older well established state park. Has high usage in summer. Being older, many lots in modern area are close together. Decent restroom/shower building. Poor wifi reception.
- Laura M.Legend
Agate Beach Park Campground
Not for us
The road to this campground wasn’t too bad, it was paved most of the way, though there were a lot of potholes and bumps and dips. The last mile or so was unpaved but not bad at all.
We came here intending to stay at this campground right on the water, and maybe find some agates, but it was just not the vibe for us. The camping areas are big grassy open areas, and everyone just finds a spot along the perimeter and sets up camp. It had just such a crazy, chaotic feel to it- ATVs going up and down the road, shirtless barefoot kids on their bikes zooming around, beach going families going to hang out at the water for the day- it seemed like these were locals and they all knew each other, like a group camp.
Cost is $20/night, self pay. We didn’t see anyone that looked like a host, but who knows, maybe there was a host parking in there amidst the chaos. There are several day use area parking spots- no camping allowed here.
Easy access to the beach from the campground & day use. There’s a playground for the kids, and toilets, and a bunch of picnic tables set up behind the building in the center by the pay station. We didn’t stay the night but I can’t imagine that it’s quiet or calm at night here. No hookups or other amenities other than trash bins.
Roger W.LegendMcLain State Park Campground
Lake View is Minmal Privacy
McLain SP - MI:
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4.0 Price 2023: $35 Usage during visit: Near full, mid-week. Site Privacy: Most sites have little privacy. Lake view sites: do not count on any privacy to the sides. but what you can create with your trailer.
Site surface: Grass and Gravel sites. Reservations: Yes.
Campground Noise: Pretty quiet during our stay. Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: Yes. Bring an extension cord . Required for some sites.
Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: There is a dump station on the way in to the camping area. Potable water is there and there are a few scattered spigots. See the map in my photos.
Generators: All sites have electricity. Bathroom: Pit and flush toilets. Showers: Yes Pull Throughs: See ‘Sites’, below. Cell Service (AT&T): Good Setting: 1 - 41 in open grass area with few trees. 42 + in nice wooded area Weather: Highs in low 80s during our stay.
Bugs: Not bad. Probably the breeze from the lake is holding them at bay.
Solar: All are electric sites Host: Never seen. Rig size: The largest I’ve seen is about 35’.- Roger W.Legend
Twin Lakes State Park Campground
Good Stop Over
Twin Lakes MI SP: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 2-3 (A very clean campground, but old facilities, currently. A huge facelift in 2024 is being touted. New paving, new bath/shower rooms,and pavilion are coming. Shutdown during some of 2024 is anticipated. ) Price 2023: Usage during visit: 30% mid week Site Privacy: Poor Site Spacing: Poor Site surface: Blacktop Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Seems quiet Road Noise: Right along Hwy 26. Some sites back up to the Hwy. Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes Generators: Not needed Bathroom: Flush and pit Showers: Yes Pull Throughs: Some. Most are back in. Cell Service (AT&T): Very good Setting: Some tree cover in between the highway and Lake Roland Weather: High is I low 80s Host: Real nice young and helpful men manning entry booth Rig size: Large rigs Sites: Lakeside sites are the premium here and the only sites that would seduce me to visit. Good stop over place while
- Laura M.Legend
Big Erics Bridge State Forest Campground
Nice but too expensive
We ended up at this campground sort of on accident- it’s way out of the way and the road there isn’t the most pleasant (it’s mostly paved but in very poor shape). There was absolutely nobody there, other than day use visitors to the creek.
Lots of bugs attacking us as we walked around.
No trash service here- pack out your trash please.
This is a state campground, but it feels like a standard USFS campground. It’s a self pay situation, no host or rangers nearby. Being that it’s a state campground, you pay the $20 camp fee, and then another $11 per day state park fee (unless you have the $39 annual pass). The state park fee feels like a money grab in situations like this. I can see if there’s an actual state park with other activities and facilities that are connected to the campground, but this is literally just a campground, with no amenities other than a vault toilet. Hmph. $31/night is way, way too much for what you get here.
Zero cell service in this entire area. The road got worse driving east across the bridge past this campground, so if you are like us and wanted to take the scenic route along the coast to Marquette, I’d recommend not doing that unless you have a beefy vehicle and don’t mind all the bumps.
- Jill M.Traveler
Bob Lake Campground
Secluded, serene & beautiful.
Our campsite possibly was the best one The Beaver Lodge Interpreted Trail System is a good hike. Bathrooms are conveniently located. Cell phone service isnt good, but didnt come for that.A great get away.. I gave a 5 star, for the beauty.
Langford113TravelerKeweenaw Peninsula High Rock Bay
Hard to access
You have to drive like 30 minutes down an old logging road that has atvs and dirt bikes running around. I wouldn’t suggest doing it in a car as some spots got really rough. Any standard suv or truck will make it just take your time. The views are incredible and there’s about 10 spots you can camp. There was some strong winds when I was there.
- SShane D.Guide
Hancock Recreation Area Beach & Campground
Great little campground on the edge of town
Very nice place, well set up. It was super hot so the bathroom floors were sweating and wet But over all clean.
If you don’t have water it’s a bit of a pain but onboard tanks or jugs are doable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Houghton, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Houghton, MI is Lake Perrault with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Houghton, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.