Camping in the western Upper Peninsula offers experiences through all weather conditions. Located in Gogebic County, Ironwood sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation, making it one of Michigan's highest cities. The area experiences significant seasonal changes with heavy lake effect snow in winter and mild summers. Most campgrounds operate from mid-May through mid-October, with only a few offering year-round accommodations.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 5 miles from campgrounds. The Black River Harbor area features multiple accessible waterfalls within short hiking distance. "The real gem of this place is the location. The Black River Falls are an astounding bit of Michigan scenery just minutes away by car. We decided to take a 7 mile out-and-back hike that brought us past five of the falls—each one far exceeding the expectations of this downstater," notes a visitor to Black River Harbor Campground.
Lake Superior beaches: Accessible at multiple points. Several campgrounds provide access to Lake Superior's shoreline for swimming, rock collecting, and sunset viewing. A camper at River Road RV Park mentions, "Right across the street is a river. They have a few docks. Just a few blocks from the Ontonagon city marina. Somewhat close to city beaches on Lake Superior."
Mountain biking and hiking: Various trail systems. The area contains extensive trail networks for various skill levels. "We hiked Wolf Mountain and the Porcupine Mountains. We've done the ski jump thing too. All are great!" shares a visitor staying at Alpine Campground.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Varied by campground. Many campgrounds in the area offer larger-than-average sites, particularly beneficial for groups. According to a camper at Alpine Campground & RV Park, "Sites were grass, a little un-level but were very spacious. These pull-thru sites were water and electric only (30 amp) and the water pressure was a little low. There is a convenient dump station on the way out of the park."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk best times. The forested areas around Ironwood provide opportunities to see deer and other wildlife. "Saw a deer walking through camp. Nearby brewery was a nice treat!" shares a camper at Curry Park Campground.
Dark night skies: Away from city lights. The remote location allows for excellent stargazing when weather permits. A visitor at Dalrymple Park noted they enjoyed "the quite dark skies" despite being relatively close to town amenities.
What you should know
Site leveling required: Bring blocks. Many campgrounds in the region have uneven sites requiring leveling equipment. A camper at Kreher RV Park advises, "Some leveling will be required at most sites, but not much. The camp host was very friendly and easy to work with."
Weather variability: Plan for temperature swings. The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations, even in summer. Lake Superior can create sudden weather changes with fog, rain, and temperature drops of 20+ degrees within hours.
Black fly season: June through July peak. Biting insects can be particularly problematic in early summer. A camper warns, "Black flies. They. Are. EVERYWHERE. We went early-mid July and it was so bad we left with at least 20 bites each. Deet does nothing."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Limited at most sites. Only a few campgrounds offer dedicated playground equipment. At Apostle Islands Area RV Park, a reviewer notes it's a "Very friendly staff, nice camp store. Sites ok, pretty tight. Quiet place with nice playground."
Beach activities: Morning visits recommended. Several Lake Superior beaches are suitable for children during calmer weather. For families with children, the shallow waters near river mouths offer warmer swimming conditions than the open lake.
Indoor backup plans: For rainy days. The area's weather can change quickly, so have indoor options ready. Local libraries, museums, and the Frontier RV Park and Campground offer some alternatives, with one camper noting, "Large playground, biking, hiking" among the activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection cautions: Avoid sloped areas. Many rv sites near Ironwood, Michigan have challenging terrain. "It's a nice place to stop on your way to your real destination. A lot of sites are on slanted ground, but the RV sites are level," reports a camper.
Generator restrictions: Varied by campground. Some campgrounds strictly separate generator and non-generator areas. At Presque Isle in Porcupine Mountains, "There are 50 sites, with generator and non-generator sites clearly separated."
Electric service reliability: Bring surge protectors. The remote location can experience power fluctuations during storms. Most campgrounds with electric hookups near Ironwood offer 30-amp service, though some locations like Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park provide "a section that allows generators during certain hours of the day, a non-generator area and a few walk-in sites."
