Camping near Kinross, Michigan provides convenient access to eastern Upper Peninsula attractions. Temperatures can range from 70°F summer highs to below-freezing winter conditions with significant snowfall accumulation. Most campgrounds are situated on level terrain with mixed hardwood forest surroundings, and several offer views of Lake Huron's northern shoreline or the St. Mary's River connecting Lakes Superior and Huron.
What to do
River watching: From Aune-Osborn Campground, observe massive Great Lakes freighters passing along the St. Mary's River just downstream from the Soo Locks. "This location can't be beat: close to town and great freighter watching. The bathhouse is one of the nicest I've ever seen at a campground," notes one visitor. Some sites offer unobstructed river views where ships can be seen rising 20+ feet while navigating the locks.
Casino gaming: Bay Mills Casino RV Campground provides a base for visitors interested in gaming. "It's not a secluded get away being a large campground accross from the Casino but for what it is it's clean, full or partial hook-ups and the price for $20(partial hook-up) is a value," according to a camper. The campground is directly across the street from the casino, with sites starting at $21 for electric and water connections.
Island exploration: Campsites near St. Ignace serve as jumping-off points for Mackinac Island day trips. "It's within biking distance to the Shepler's Ferry dock which is super nice of you're planning to take bikes along," reports a visitor about Tiki RV Park. Ferry service operates daily from May through October with crossings taking approximately 16 minutes each way.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Paradise Point RV Park offers prime waterfront locations along the St. Mary's River. "We arrived to find the campground is very small but if you get a reservation it is well worth it. There are 14 sites here right on St. Mary's river. The boat traffic to the zoo locks can be seen from the campground," explains one reviewer. Sites require self-contained RVs as there are no bathroom facilities.
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds provide affordable camping near Kinross, Michigan. "Very cheap - 30 amps, water and sewer hookup on unlevel overgrown sites," notes one candid review about Kinross RV Park East. For those prioritizing value over amenities, RV sites near Kinross offer significant savings compared to other U.P. destinations.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathhouses in the region. "The showers are large but could use some cleaning," mentions a reviewer at Kewadin Casino RV Park, while another notes about Aune-Osborn that "the bathrooms were very clean." Facility quality varies significantly between locations, with city-operated parks typically providing better maintenance.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October, with limited winter options. "We stayed here for 1 month. $25/night, $700/month. Mostly level grass sites with 30A, some have 50A," explains a long-term visitor to Kewadin Casino RV Park. Call ahead during shoulder seasons as facilities may close early or open late depending on weather conditions.
Variable site quality: Tiki RV Park & Campground has inconsistent site layouts and sizes. "The campsites weren't particularly scenic, but relatively private. We ended up sleeping in the car because the ground was so wet due to rain," reports one tent camper. Many parks feature gravel or grass sites that may become saturated after heavy rainfall.
First-come service: Some parks don't accept reservations. "First come, first serve, no reservations. Choose your site, then go to the hotel registration located inside the west entrance of the hotel at the northern end of the complex," explains a camper about the check-in process at one casino campground. During peak season (July-August), arrive by mid-morning to secure available sites at non-reservation campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Loons Point RV Park & Campground provides water access suitable for children. "This campground was quiet and peaceful. There is a small area for swimming and a bathroom house on the property," notes a visitor. Most swimming areas in the region lack lifeguards, so parental supervision is required at all times.
Pet policies: Not all campgrounds welcome pets. "Most parks accommodate pets, though Kinross RV Park East prohibits them," according to listed amenities. Bring vaccination records and keep pets leashed when outside your camping unit. Some parks charge additional pet fees ranging from $2-5 per night.
Alternative accommodations: For families without camping gear, several parks offer rental options. "We decided to splurge on a yurt for our first camping trip of the summer. Well worth it! We stayed in 'Kai' one of the newest yurts," shares a family who stayed at Tiki RV Park. These units typically cost $75-125 per night and often include amenities like electricity, beds, and outdoor seating areas.
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: RVers report variable utility quality throughout the region. "Rustic campground on a steep hill overlooking Lake Huron. Website makes promises campground doesn't deliver. We reserved 50 amp full hook up...We arrived today to find a tight sloping site with only 30 amp service for our 34 ft motorhome," warns one visitor to Tiki RV Park. Bring a voltage regulator and water pressure regulator for protection.
Size restrictions: Lakeshore Park Campground accommodates larger RVs despite compact sites. "The campground is well maintained, everything functioned properly, and the staff are friendly. My only complaint is that the sites are VERY narrow, putting you right next to your neighbors," reports one RVer. When making reservations, specify your RV length and number of slideouts to ensure appropriate site assignment.
Leveling challenges: Many rv sites near Kinross, Michigan require significant leveling. "Most sites are level and you have everything from rustic to full hookup. Wifi is available also," notes a camper about one park, while others require substantial blocking. Bring extra leveling blocks as many sites throughout the region are not perfectly level, especially at older campgrounds.
