Do you enjoy camping but don't want to rough it? Glamping is a great option. Glamping near Ishpeming is especially popular among campers who enjoy beds and electricity. These scenic and easy to access Michigan glamping locations are perfect for any adventurer.
Michigan 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-pp
$20 - $34 / night
Located in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the shores of Lake Superior lies the Munising Tourist Park Campground. This City owned campground was established in 1924 and has long since been a stopping point for campers visiting pictured rocks. With its unique location on Lake Superior it gives campers the ability to recreate on Lake Superior while experiencing breathtaking views. The campground is just 3 miles west of Munising where campers will find boat rides such as Pictured Rocks Cruises, Glass Bottom Boat Cruises’s and the Riptide Ride all located within 3 miles of the campground. Our location provides for day trips to Marquette, Grand Marais and Taquamenon Falls all within an hours drive without having to haul your camper!
$29 - $45 / night
Michigan 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
Michigan 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
$20 - $200 / night
Michigan 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
Guide
Paddlers Village was a nice, small, clean campground right on Lake Superior. We stayed in a Yurt, and had a good experience. The campground offers nice showers, a sink to wash dishes, trash cans.. all the amenities. The yurts are just steps from lake superior, and they have a nice rock beach (we filtered the water there and it was awesome) and a pier going out into the water. We had great sunrises. Each yurt is equipped with bunk beds and a futon (sleeps 5), mini fridge, power... definitely glamping :) Just bring your own sleeping bag, etc.
You can also rent kayaks from there to go out into lake superior. We were not able to do that because it stormed, but they say you can get to Pictured Rocks - that would be VERY FAR.
One thing to note - there was a HUGE thunderstorm while we were there, and we stayed totally dry and secure in the yurt. It was an ideal night to be there with that happening.
The only negative of the place is really just the tight proximity to other campers. there is not a ton of room, so we could hear people talking outside into the night.
GuideA treat to fall asleep in one of the yurts to the sound of the waves lapping the shore. The tents are great, too. Prime sunrise spot on the beach with coffee — view of Grand Island. Clean, friendly, a fun experience. Lots of cool rock picking by the dock. Fun to stay in the beginning/end of season for a quieter stay, otherwise enjoy a neighborhood feeling campground :) highly recommend the kayaking tours that this company also gives along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Guide
This is my absolute favorite place to camp, hike, kayak, fish, and just get away from it all. If you want seclusion, you can find it here with many remote campsites that are only accessible through the water or overland by hiking the trails in the park.
The park has 2 rustic cabins and 2 yurts for rent that are a fantastic getaway and a great place to take your spouse.
The wildlife include loons, eagles, bears, moose, deer and others. The lake has fantastic fishing for smallmouth, northern pike, crappie, walleye, and the occasional musky.
I CAN’T WAIT TO GO BACK!
TravelerThe Michigan Recreation Passport Solar does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas.
Guide
My family and I took a 3 week vacation to visit Michigan. We stayed at a few different campgrounds, and did lots of hiking. We really like Michigamme Shores Campground (the name was really cool we thought!). The campground was really nice. We were able to get a spot by the little beach area they have- next to the Michigamme Lake. Being by the lake in the summertime was really nice! They have a cool trampoline type thing in the water that kids loved playing on. It was definitely busy, so the people in our group didn't get to jump off it. The beach area was clean, which we really appreciated. There are garbage cans and dumpsters within the park which helps with clean up. Lots of picnic tables, which we used during the times when we ate. The campground also has a playground area and beach volleyball. The campsites have hookups which is also really nice. The only downside to this campground was that because the lake and beach area is right there, it was pretty busy. Especially since it was in the summer- lots of partying/boating and people just being overly loud. Other than that, it was a great stay. Great hikes nearby, which we did every morning (3 different hikes). The views were amazing!
Legend
The Michigan State Forest Campgrounds continue to delight us. For $15 a night you can experience camping like I did as a child – simple, unelectrified, and in beautiful outdoor locations. Lots of space in between most sites gives you a good deal of privacy. In mid-October, we woke up to full on winter one morning, so be prepared for anything in the shoulder season. Also, the entrance to this campground is not for low clearance vehicles...it is full of HUGE flooded potholes (small ponds really). Not recommended for 2 wheel drive, low clearance vehicles.
Getting to Big Lake leads you through some marvelous pine meadows and wetlands with browsing deer and pheasants. The North Country Trail (long distance backpacking trail) winds through this part of the UP, and the Big Lake campground would make a perfect starting or ending place for a section hike. Within 10 miles back on the highway is a large gas station/convenience store and café where you could get a hot meal or stock up on a few essentials.
Opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling or fishing abound in this area, so plan to bring your gear with you. There is a small craft launch right in the campground to access the lake, which as it turns out isn’t very big when you compare it to nearby Lake Superior. I imagine that this might be a popular deer hunting campground during rifle season. Bathrooms are simple pit-toilets, and water is accessible year-round with the hand operated well pump.
Legend
Van Riper State Park is a must-visit if you’re traveling through Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It’s popular year-round, although camping is only open between May and October. Stop for the day to hike the trails and go for a swim, or stay a week and enjoy the sunsets and serenity.
The state park covers both sides of the highway with the campground and day-use area on the south side and a huge section of trails and wildlife viewing areas on the north.
There are 147 sites in the modern campground, including some sites with 50-amp electric service, and there are another 40 sites in the rustic campground. Plus, there are two mini cabins in the modern campground if you don’t own a tent or RV. All of the campsites have a fire ring and picnic table.
One thing we noticed is that the sites at Van Riper are very large– so much bigger than many sites we’ve seen at other state parks. This means there is plenty of space for your trailer, truck, bikes, screen tent, kids’ toys, etc. without feeling like you’re infringing on your neighbor.
Another plus for the state park is the laundry facilities. Two washers and dryers are located in the restroom building near the beach.
Van Riper State Park is extremely family-friendly, with activities for everyone. There are approximately 5 miles of hiking trails on the north side of the state park. One trail provides a very nice overlook of Lake Michigamme and the surrounding area. Other trails run along the Peshekee River or through the woods and may even provide the chance to see the moose that live in the area. The trails are not difficult, but there is some elevation to get to the lookout. If you don’t want to hike the whole 5-plus miles from the campground and back, you can drive and park at the group campground and go from there.
A sandy beach awaits both kids and adults on Lake Michigamme. The lake is popular as it is much warmer than most of the lakes in the Upper Peninsula. A large, fairly new playscape is also located near the beach, as well as a swing set. One of the most unique activities is a bike pump track. This is the only state park that we saw that had one. It was very popular with the kids and is conveniently located between the campground and the day-use area. The lake is popular for fishing and if you have a boat you can use the launch in the back of the park. It also is a good location for kayaking.
LegendHeading across the upper UP from upper Wisconsin and needed a one night stay to dump tanks, etc. The location was great and the park nice enough. Just happened to be there during the last ‘get the camping in with the kids before school starts’ time of the year. Dump station was fine and suited our needs. Verizon signal good as well. Easy in and out with our 28’ pull behind.
LegendI arrived at Van Riper State Park by bicycle. The small towns I passed through did not have places to stop for food so I am looking forward to the beach's concession stand. I took a site in the rustic cmapground and found out that it does not include showers. There is another part of the campground that is for modern campers. I set up camp and spent a little time at the beach while I ate a small pizza. It was nice to have a beach area for summer swimmers. I had my own view of the lake from the campsite. This state park was a pleasant place to stay at.
GuideI’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.
ScoutOlder 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.
ScoutNice campground on the lake, with a big beach… They have a water toy park . I would come back.. good wifi
ScoutBeautiful lake, great swimming area, secure, full hook ups. Very helpful we came in late night- they left reservation info in the mail box for us. They have wrist band identification system and they do enforce it. There were several Large floating climbing structures in the swim area. Kids were having a blast. Great sandy beach with resort style lounge chairs. Large grassy area adjacent to the beach. Kayak and paddle boat rentals right on site. This place is pretty cool. Nice low key place -great for families.
GuideA clean park with decent sized lots. Plenty of family activities.
RangerNot much for privacy but it’s right off the highway with full hook-up available and a great roadside bbq joint on site.
ScoutVery quiet and clean . Very relaxing
Scout
Very nice park, on a river with various levels of campsites. Easy access from town and close to post office, library, stores 1 mile away, hiking trails, trout stream, golf course 6 miles, swimming in river, 15 other lakes in a 10 mile radius. Showers, sewage dump, fire pits. 21 miles from major regional city with all services.
GuideWe enjoyed our stay at Tourist Park in Gwinn. I loved that it was a small park with mostly RVs and a few camping spots. We have an Aliner and most of the RVs were big with their own bathroom, so the facilities at Tourist were almost all ours! Full hook-ups, bathrooms with showers, basketball court, fishing, Escanaba River, and hiking trails all right at the park. Close to Marquette, Presque Isle, and many more beautiful spots. My dog was allowed and they had a leash hook outside the bathroom and dog bag station. We would definitely go back.
GuideWe love Tourist Park, and will definitely be coming back! It’s on the back side of the city of Gwinn, which is a smaller more run down little town, 18 miles from Marquette. But this little campground is well kempt! Quiet and relaxing, tucked in the woods with a nice hiking trail, picnic tables, swimming area, full hookups or rustic sites. The only down side is that they are by reservation only. No ‘walk-in’s’ if you will.
GuideStayed one night in a rustic site. The site was roomy and not packed to close to neighbors. Campground has decent bathroom with showers, and a river that runs at part of the park.
TravelerThis reservation only campground was well kept and close to amenities in Gwinn like their city park and diners. The full hookup sites were well marked but not a lot of shade and septic hook up was far back. There is a dump site on premise so we utilized that. Tent sites are well shaded and secluded from each other. Tenants were amazing and hiking trails were beautiful. The weather was too cold to swim but the beach area would be nice with warmer weather.
TravelerThis was our 1st stop in the UP and we couldn’t be more pleased. We originally had a 10 day reservation and enjoyed it so much that we extended it for another 10 days. Beautiful natural swimming area in the rear of the property and we picked blueberries and raspberries right here on premise. Hope to return one day.
RangerNice campground in the town of Gwinn. Close to large park. Great fishing on Escanaba river. Large bathroom as and showers. Try the local restaurants.. Great Pizza at Rodney’s Pizza!
Scout
I love love love this campground every time we visit. We live nearby, and it’s the best place to just get away for a night or two. Would recommend to anyone.
TravelerWe came in on a Saturday afternoon campground only 2 sites left. Very loud, generators running constantly. 2 groups playing very loud music. One group did karaoke for 6 hours. Visitors parked at the last vacant site making others think it was full. No garbage receptacles. Dirty bathroom.
No good access to lake for swimming.
I do not recommend
GuideWe got one of the spots closer to the road but turned out great! These spots don't have quite the lake view but seem to feel more quiet and secluded. The lake views were gorgeous, amenities fine. We found this after leaving another spot closer to Marquette that felt uninviting despite all the reviews. We were so glad we took a chance and found this place instead!
GuideThis was a super nice campground! Our site was clean and comfy! The fire pits were really nice, too! Make sure to bring bug spray!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Ishpeming, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Ishpeming, MI is Van Riper State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Ishpeming, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 glamping camping locations near Ishpeming, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
