The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Escanaba, MI

596 Reviews

Camping options near Escanaba in Michigan's Upper Peninsula include several well-maintained sites worth checking out. Munising Tourist Park Campground has good-sized sites and you can easily walk to Lake Superior from your camp. Over in Hiawatha National Forest, Bay Furnace Campground feels more remote with its thick woods and lake views. You'll find spots for both tents and RVs at these campgrounds. Around Escanaba, there are plenty of hiking trails and fishing areas to keep you busy during your stay. Many campers take day trips to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to see the colorful cliffs and clear water. Weather in this part of Michigan changes throughout the year - summers aren't too hot, winters get very cold with lots of snow, and fall brings really nice colors to the trees. Some campgrounds close during winter, so it's smart to call ahead if you're planning a cold-weather trip. Pack for changing conditions since the weather can shift quickly. Being close to Lake Michigan means you can also go kayaking or just relax by the water when you're not at your campsite.

Map showing campgrounds near Escanaba, MichiganExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Escanaba, Michigan (127)

    1. Pioneer Trail Park & Campground

    10 Reviews
    Escanaba, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 786-1020

    "Compared to all the other campgrounds we had been to in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and seeing as it was still the busy summer camping season we were shocked. "

    "We parked in a river spot , and it was such a wonderful location, bathrooms right across a field, nice big playground, room for our motorhome, jeep, and hybrid van to charge !"

    2. Little Bay De Noc

    10 Reviews
    Gladstone, MI
    9 miles
    Website

    $24 - $70 / night

    "Little Bay De Noc, Lake Michigan access with a pier. Only a few campsites, but includes group fire pit, playground and proximity to Pictured Rocks, 1 hour."

    "Vibe: Woodlands getaway setback deep in nature with access to Lake Michigan beach. 

    Cleanliness: Above average. "

    3. Gladstone Bay Campground

    9 Reviews
    Gladstone, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 428-1211

    "This county-operated park sits on a pretty part of Bay de Noc in Gladstone Bay just north of the larger town of Escanaba in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. "

    "The sites in this section of the campground are very spread out and many have a view of the lake. The full hookup sites are a little more packed together."

    4. Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Escanaba, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 428-5800

    "Not really walking distance for most, but manageable in any form. Caught northern lights, Milky Way, and glorious sights every day."

    "This area is gorgeous, it's surrounded by lake superior, and there is a really neat old lighthouse with pit toilets at the end of the road.."

    5. O. B. Fuller Campground

    6 Reviews
    Escanaba, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 786-1020

    "Nice little county campground on lake Michigan. Sandy Beach. Clean bathrooms and showers, and a small laundry facility. Electric and water on each site."

    "You could drive by and miss this little gem. Beautifully kept up county park with clean shower house. Pet friendly, they even have a hitching post for your pet while visiting the bathrooms."

    6. Pioneer Trail Park and Campground

    2 Reviews
    Escanaba, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 786-1020

    7. Island Resort & Casino

    3 Reviews
    Escanaba, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 682-6040

    "Large RV’s , very quiet , away from the casino. Inexpensive, clean and very neat. Will definitely stay here again."

    8. J.W. Wells State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Stephenson, MI
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 863-9747

    "Great views of Lake Michigan! Beautiful sandy beach just a short walk away! Really nice playground for the kids. Overall, one of our favorite places to connected camp!"

    "This was our first experience at this park in the southern section of the western part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Many of the sites are just feet from Lake Michigan. "

    9. Fayette State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Garden, MI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 644-2603

    "Isolated, quiet park on Lake Michigan. Nicely spaced and shaded sites. Some level, many not so great. Big fire rings. Picnic tables. Electric hookups only."

    "Site 53 and 54. 53 is nearly at the top of the horseshoe and has trail access to Lake MI. Site 54 starts a series of smaller, back in slot type sites."

    10. Island Resort and Casino RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Escanaba, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (906) 466-2941

    $23 - $28 / night

    "Near Escanaba, this clean campground is easily accessible from a Highway 2. The campground is at the back of the casino tucked amidst tall trees."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 127 campgrounds

Recent Camping Photos near Escanaba, MI

220 Photos of 127 Escanaba Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Escanaba, MI

596 Reviews of 127 Escanaba Campgrounds

Guide to Escanaba

Camping near Escanaba, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: This stunning area is just a short drive away and features breathtaking cliffs and waterfalls. One camper mentioned, "Love the Munising area. Lots of waterfalls and close to pictured rocks."
  • Visit local beaches: Many campgrounds, like Munising Tourist Park Campground, are near beautiful beaches. A reviewer said, "The place is super clean, the people are kind, the view is unbelievable."
  • Hiking and biking: Trails abound in the region. One camper noted, "Great campground! Munising is beautiful!" which highlights the area's natural beauty and outdoor opportunities.

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the picturesque surroundings. A review for Bay Furnace Campground states, "The views are beautiful but all the camping spots are grass."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Wagon Trail Campground remarked, "The bathrooms are AMAZING compared to others, everything is new and well maintained."
  • Friendly staff: Campers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere. One review for Rippling Rivers RV Resort said, "Great sites, Friendly staff and close to the water."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A camper at J.W. Wells State Park Campground mentioned, "The views are beautiful but all the camping spots are grass."
  • Mosquitoes can be a nuisance: Some areas, like Bay Furnace Campground, have reported issues with mosquitoes. One camper noted, "It was so bad that campers had to wear mosquito netting just to walk about."
  • Reservations are recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Marquette Tourist Park Campground said, "I was surprised to even get a reservation so close to a holiday weekend."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A review for Wagon Trail Campground highlighted, "There are two bathhouses, and each is closed for a two-hour period each day. They were immaculate."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One camper at Newport State Park Campground mentioned, "This has been our favorite yearly destination."
  • Pack snacks and meals: Having food on hand can make family camping easier. A visitor at Au Train Lake Campground said, "Caught fish off shore."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A review for J.W. Wells State Park Campground warned, "Bring blocks if you want to stay!"
  • Bring extra cords and hoses: Campers at Munising Tourist Park Campground suggested, "Make sure to have extra cord and hoses."
  • Be prepared for limited cell service: Some areas may have weak signals. A camper at Bay Furnace Campground noted, "There is no phone access via Verizon or AT&T."

Camping near Escanaba, Michigan, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of campgrounds offering unique experiences. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available near the Escanaba River State Forest?

The Escanaba River State Forest area offers diverse camping experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Kleinke Park Campground provides a beautiful setting for tent camping and pop-up campers adjacent to Lake Michigan, with space for children and pets to explore. While operating on a first-come, first-served basis, it serves as an excellent base for day trips to Escanaba and Gladstone. O. B. Fuller Campground near Bark River offers reservable sites with water access and toilets, accommodating various camping styles including drive-in and boat-in access. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road offers dispersed camping opportunities with basic facilities. The region generally provides good access to the forest's extensive trail systems, fishing spots, and natural attractions throughout the camping season.

Are there RV parks with full hookups in Escanaba, Michigan?

Yes, the Escanaba area has several RV-friendly options with full hookups. Island Resort and Casino RV Park near Escanaba offers clean facilities with paved pull-through sites featuring electric and water hookups. The park is nestled among tall trees behind the casino and provides easy highway access. Pioneer Trail Park and Campground near Gladstone is another excellent option for RVs, offering reservable sites with water hookups and big-rig-friendly spaces. Most RV parks in the area are open seasonally, typically from May through October, and advance reservations are recommended during summer months. The region's campgrounds generally provide clean facilities, reasonable rates, and serve as good bases for exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

What are the best campgrounds in Escanaba, MI?

Escanaba and its surrounding areas offer several excellent camping options. Gladstone Bay Campground stands out with its beautiful Lake Michigan waterfront location, mix of seasonal and transient sites, and convenient proximity to Escanaba. For a peaceful lakeside experience, Little Bay De Noc offers Lake Michigan access with a pier, playground facilities, and serves as a great base for exploring the region. Other notable options include Pioneer Trail Park near Gladstone with reservable sites and amenities for larger rigs, and Kleinke Park which provides a serene Lake Michigan setting. The area's campgrounds generally offer a good balance of natural beauty, water access, and basic amenities, making them popular destinations for Upper Peninsula adventures.

How is J.W. Wells State Park for camping compared to other Escanaba area options?

J.W. Wells State Park Campground offers a distinctive camping experience with its prime waterfront location along Lake Michigan. The park is particularly noted for family camping, providing a good testing ground for new equipment and outdoor adventures. While it offers the natural beauty typical of Upper Peninsula state parks, some campers find facilities more basic compared to other options in the region. For those seeking more amenities, Farquar-Metsa Tourist Park provides full hookups, spacious bathrooms with showers, and is located near the Escanaba River with excellent fishing opportunities. J.W. Wells does have the advantage of state park protection and lake access, but lacks some of the creature comforts found at more developed campgrounds in the area.

Keep Exploring