Best Campgrounds near Ishpeming, MI

This campground is close to Munising therefore convenient for visiting Pictured Rocks and other tourist draws in the area. In the busy summer season it may be difficult to get a last minute spot with an RV, but as I was tent camping and pleased to take a walk in site I had no problem getting a same day reservation even in August. The tent sites are all walkin, with a tent parking area and then various distances to hike in along a path to the different tent camp sites. The campsites themselves are gorgeous, with tall trees and right on the shore, and privacy in between. Also, they provide several wagons in the adjacent parking area so you can easily tote your gear into your site. All of that would make for a 5 star rating, maybe 4 due to road noise from the nearby highway. However, I am only giving this experience a 3 because of one really important drawback: there needs to be at least an outhouse provided adjacent to the tent area. As it is, if nature calls you first have to hike down the path through the tenting area to the tent parking lot, then hike through the campground to the bath house which is a good distance away. Apparently this is too far for some people so they decided to just poop by a bush by the tent site trail and left it right there. Worst yet, the spot I saw like this had be left there for probably a few days, which shows a need for maintanence to patrol the tenting area more often and clean up such messes as they are health hazards as well as nauseatingly ugly. I wish this hadnt happened as otherwise it would be a pretty decent place to tent camp!

General: A variety of different options ranging from rustic tent sites (10) to electric hookup only (57) to water and electric (4) to full hookup (39). 

Site Quality: Varies. Only the FHU sites on the perimeter have paved camper pads, all others are either dirt, grass, or a combo. The electric sites closest to the Dead River are, although wide and fairly deep, still in an open grassy area with very few trees so don’t count on shade (this is especially true for sites 1-3, 6, and 11). The FHU sites are mostly very close together with some trees but otherwise not much privacy/separation. IMO, the best sites are the electric sites opposite the FHU sites – they are very wooded, and this provides some amount of privacy between sites. 

Bath/Shower: Clean with soap and paper towels. Didn’t use the shower so cannot comment on it other than it looked clean. 

Activities/Amenities: There is a beach with what looked like a swimming area; although we understood there was a lifeguard on duty, we did not see one. We saw a boat go by, but I did not see a boat launch. There is somewhat dated playground. Free WiFi. 

We had originally planned to spend two nights here but ended up heading down the road the next day.

This campground is all about what site you can get. I reserved a full hookup/waterfront site and it was amazing. All we had to do was step out our door to be looking at the water. However, if you’re not lucky enough to get one on the waterfront, then there’s just crowded, open sites that will possibly be sharing water and electricity with others. (Recommended to bring extra hose and cords) The showers/bathrooms are nice and clean, and the employees are friendly and helpful. We are returning twice this upcoming summer, both times looking forward to the awesome view of Lake Superior!

The Michigan Recreation Passport Solar does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas.

Very clean and hot showers, affordable, pretty views and super nice staff!! Would highly recommend!!!

Nice smaller CG. Not a lot of privacy between sites, lots of mature trees throughout the park. Nice clean shower houses.

There is signs posted just about everywhere “no camping or overnight parking” don’t waste your time

Van Riper State park has very unlevel sites with no water and 30 amp service. Unacceptable with today’s campers. Time to update Michigan

Came to town for Blues Fest. Basically, just slept there. Grounds were well maintained as was the restrooms and showers. Met the staff every morning finishing their daily cleaning. Showers had plenty of hot water. Has a family rest room and shower with changing table and handicap accessible shower in addition to men and women restroom/showers. Had lots of shady campsites. Sites have electric but no water hook-ups, picnic table and firepit. Has WIFI, and I had no problem using my Verizon service.

Park has a day beach on a small adjacent lake. Campground bit more populated than campgrounds where I normally stay, but quiet. Also has access to numerous biking opportunities. Well suited for family camping. Didn't encounter any insect problems.

I was there Labor Day weekend. My site cost $40. per night which was a bit more than I'm used to spending but I was surprised to even get reservation so close to a holiday weekend.  

Check-in is at 3:00, You can check-in early for an additional $10. fee, Checkout is at noon.

We chose #29 as it was unshaded and we need solar & Starlink & the weather is fairly cool. Could survive using generator & hotspot-but why?

Friendly & helpful hostess. We arrived w/o booking and lucked out on FCFS. This also let us book a day or two at a time, and avoid the $8 fee for online reservations. Conveniently the ‘America the Beautiful’ pass got us 50% off.

Water spigot provided water. Dumpsters scattered. No elec. Apparently there is a dump station - have not investigated

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.

The campground is pretty wide open, so there isn't much privacy, but it is absolutely beautiful!

I had the luck to arrive when there was some heavy weather moving through the area, which made for some absolutely beautiful skies.

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!

Very pleasant and new developed campground. We found this place out of sheer luck while looking for a campsite on the forest road. Great spot if you’re looking for something near to, but away from Marquette.

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.

Campsites are pretty close and there is no shade, trees are planted just still very small! Bathroom was nice, shower house a little crusty but not the worst we’ve been too!

There are several signs saying “No Camping” and “Day Use Only.”

Several spots in this rustic stop. The spot was amazing. Got to see a beautiful sunset and sunrise fun to watch bikers cross from the river and even saw a sea plane land on the beach.

Beware! I booked this campground over a year ago. I had to change plans due to family matter which prevented us from visiting this campground. I spoke with Jeff in October and he said not an issue and would refund my money. After multiple phone calls, he still hasnt refunded my money. He is now refusing to take my calls. Jeff is a liar, cheat and dishonest owner that shouldnt be trusted. If he turns this problem around I will update. We visited Gitche Gumee RV Park, no overnight stay. UPDATE: Jeff still refuses to talk to me. He is the worst Campground owner I have come across in my 3 1/2 yrs of full timing.