L'Anse Township sits at the southernmost point of Keweenaw Bay at an elevation of 620 feet, offering direct access to Lake Superior's shoreline. The camping season typically runs May through October, with July and August temperatures averaging 75°F during the day and 55°F at night. Winter camping options remain limited to hardy individuals with proper equipment due to average snowfall exceeding 180 inches annually.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Canyon Falls, located 30 minutes west of L'Anse, provides accessible hiking with rewarding views. "The Canyon Waterfall and Gorge are just breathtaking. It is a 10 minute hike along the river from the parking area to the Canyon falls and gorge," notes reviewer Nona A. from Van Riper State Park Campground.
Kayaking on quiet lakes: Several area lakes offer no-wake zones perfect for paddling. The pristine setting at Craig Lake State Park Campground provides exceptional water access. Reviewer Rebecca W. writes, "Beautiful quiet lake. Some cabins available to rent. No motors on lake." Most sites require either hiking or paddling to access.
Meteor shower viewing: Open areas with minimal light pollution make the region ideal for stargazing during summer meteor showers. Sites facing Lake Superior provide unobstructed views of the night sky. "We come up every year for the meteor shower, and every stay is a great one," shares Kim E. about their annual visits.
What campers like
Lake Superior shoreline: The sandy beaches along Lake Superior provide excellent swimming and relaxation spots. At Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping, campers set up directly on the beach. "Great spot to camp at. I went on a weekend and there were lots of people and kids. Most of the people left Sunday afternoon and the weekday seems to not be as bad with people," reports reviewer leahherridge.
Site spacing at rustic campgrounds: Campers frequently note the generous spacing between sites at several rustic campgrounds compared to more developed areas. "Big private sites, no drinking water but a pit toilet. 9 sites only! Free for 14 days. Quiet, peaceful," writes Matthew R. about Sturgeon River Campground.
Natural quiet: Multiple reviewers highlight the absence of road noise at more remote campgrounds as a major benefit. "The only thing you hear out here are the waves. Extremely peaceful," states Richard O. about his September stay at Mouth of the Huron. This contrasts with campgrounds situated near highways.
What you should know
Road quality considerations: Many of the region's best camping areas require driving on unpaved roads. At Sturgeon River Campground, access requires preparation: "It's about a 6 mile and 15 minute drive down windy dirt road to get to the sites. Really any kind of vehicle can make it, but there are some large potholes that snuck up on me," cautions Dayton.
Water availability: Drinking water access varies significantly between campgrounds. Several rustic sites have no water sources. "If you don't bring enough water the river next to most sites can provide drinking water with the proper filtration," suggests Samantha W. about Sturgeon River Campground.
Road noise at some locations: Several campgrounds experience significant highway noise. At Baraga State Park Campground, reviewer Richie C. warns, "Not even a stones throw from US-41 makes for constant road noise... I will stay on the side of the road before I set up camp here again."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: Sites with gradual water entry work best for families with young children. "Swam and paddled on Lake Michigamme for hours. Huge beach with volleyball net. Large bathhouse with private shower rooms. Huge playground," shares Jenny G. about her family's experience at Van Riper State Park.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "Family & pet friendly with awesome playground," notes Debra R. about L'Anse Township Park & Campground, making it suitable for families needing structured recreation options.
Site selection for privacy: When camping with children, select sites with natural boundaries. "We stayed in site 92 that is located right next to the restroom/showers. Which was great having young children with us who seem to need to visit the restroom numerous times," recommends Nona A. about Van Riper State Park.
Tips from RVers
Limited services at rustic sites: Many of the region's most scenic campgrounds cannot accommodate larger RVs or provide hookups. "Two sites can fit a camper, but they also happen to be the sites with the best view of the river. The remaining sites are tent-only due to a set of rocks blocking off the sites so vehicles do not drive in," explains Samantha W. about Sturgeon River Campground.
Site reservations essential: During peak season, securing reservations becomes crucial for RVers needing specific accommodations. "Stayed on a Wednesday and there was space available but booked solid for weekends. Filled up by 4 pm," cautions thomas V. about L'Anse Township Park.
Dog friendly campgrounds near L'Anse: For RVers traveling with pets, King Lake State Forest Campground provides spacious sites with good lake access. "Way off the beaten path but the sites are HUGE! Quiet setting right on Big Lake," notes Tracy W., making it suitable for RVers with pets needing extra space.
