L'Anse Township Park & Campground offers lakeside camping on Keweenaw Bay with 30 campsites overlooking Lake Superior. Sites are somewhat close together but provide excellent sunset views. "Great site overlooking Lake Superior. Need to walk over highway to get to water," notes one camper about the facilities. The campground features a newly renovated shower facility, dog park, and playground equipment. Sites 7-10 have the best water views, with site 7 specifically praised for its sunset vantage point.
What to do
Paddling on Big Lake: Big Lake State Forest Campground provides peaceful waters for kayaking and canoeing with a dedicated launch area. A visitor mentioned, "Long windy road into the campground resulting in a peaceful area. The lake was nice and there was a small beach. Enjoyed listening to the sandhill cranes every morning."
Water activities at Michigamme Shores: Michigamme Shores Campground offers water recreation with a water trampoline that children particularly enjoy. "There are several Large floating climbing structures in the swim area. Kids were having a blast. Great sandy beach with resort style lounge chairs," notes one visitor who appreciated the amenities.
Visit nearby waterfalls: Bond Falls Campground sits near impressive Bond Falls. The waterfall area has accessible boardwalks and viewing platforms. "Bond Falls is beautiful! The trail system is fabulous and some trails are handicap accessible," reports a camper. Most visitors recommend combining a waterfall visit with camping at this free campground.
What campers like
Secluded wilderness: Craig Lake State Park Campground provides remote camping accessible only by boat, hiking trails, or walking. "For someone who GREATLY values hidden gems where you can get really out and remote, this place is an absolute heavenly oasis," shares one visitor. Most sites are only accessible by water, creating a true wilderness experience.
Lakefront views: L'Anse Township Park & Campground offers direct Lake Superior views. "Spent the 4th of July here on site #5. Grounds are very clean and well maintained. Sites 7,8,9,10 have the best water views," reports one camper. Despite sites being close together, the lake views compensate for the proximity.
Swimming beaches: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas. At Van Riper State Park Campground, "My kids made some of their best memories ever camping here. Swam and paddled on Lake Michigamme for hours. Huge beach with volleyball net." The park also maintains a large bathhouse with private shower rooms.
What you should know
Road conditions: Several campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Big Lake State Forest Campground, "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."
Campground layouts: Most sites at River Road RV Park are arranged in an open field pattern. "RVs spaced about awning to awning in a field. They had power and water and sewer, but not much else to offer," notes one camper, while another described it as "Quiet setting right on Big Lake. Probably my most beautiful site in the UP so far."
Seasonal considerations: Perkins Park & Campground operates from mid-May through mid-September, with winter arriving early in the Upper Peninsula. One visitor to the region observed, "In mid-October, we woke up to full on winter one morning, so be prepared for anything in the shoulder season."
Tips for camping with families
Check playground equipment: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "This campground has it all! Rustic or modern you will enjoy the beach, hiking/biking trails, boating, fantastic fishing, kayaking and year round events! Even a park for the kids!" notes a visitor to Van Riper State Park.
Consider water recreation options: Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground offers lake activities for families. "We discovered this campground 6 years ago when my nephew wanted to camp as far north in Michigan as we could. Since then we've spent 2 weeks each August tent camping on the shores of Lake Superior," shares one repeat visitor.
Book waterfront sites early: Waterfront sites fill quickly at most campgrounds. At Twin Lakes State Park, a visitor noted, "We were site 44 it rained a lot. But it didn't flood the site. So that was a bonus." Another camper mentioned, "Had a nice spot right on the lake. Site 39. Fall colors were stunning!"
Tips from RVers
Site surface conditions: At Perkins Park & Campground, "The full hookup sites were nice and long and well spaced, but they were dirt so could be muddy in the rain." RVers should check weather forecasts before arrival.
Hookup availability: Full hookups vary between campgrounds. At River Road RV Park, "We enjoyed the park, had some great hikes along water falls and spending time along the shore of Lake Superior. Check-in was smooth and they offered us several options of sites to pick from."
Dump station access: For RVers staying at campgrounds without sewer hookups, L'Anse Township Park offers dump station facilities. "Nice camp site to stay at with great view of the bay. The dump station was so easy since small campground. Very good price," mentions one RVer who appreciated this convenience.