Camping near Marquette, Michigan offers access to both rustic forest sites and developed campgrounds within the western Upper Peninsula. Most sites sit at elevations between 600-1,200 feet, contributing to the region's cooler temperatures even during summer months. The camping season typically runs May through October, with average summer highs rarely exceeding 80°F and nights often dropping into the 50s.
What to do
Hiking the North Country Trail: The North Country Trail passes through Forestville Campground and connects to numerous local trails. "Sites are heavily wooded, it would be difficult to navigate a camper here, but it's great for tents! Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Bathrooms are fine, basic pit toilets. Potable water on the side of the barn plus firewood for a price. Peaceful and pretty," notes one visitor at Forestville Campground.
Mountain biking: Rippling Rivers RV Resort provides direct access to Marquette's extensive trail network. "If you love mountain biking or hiking you stay here. Period. You are right on the trails. Bathrooms and showers are nice. If you have little ones the grom trail rims next to the top camp site. We love going here," writes one camper at Rippling Rivers RV Resort.
Lake activities: Van Riper State Park offers swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. "Swam and paddled on Lake Michigamme for hours. Huge beach with volleyball net. Large bathhouse with private shower rooms. Huge playground. Overlook hiking trail was awesome, minus the bugs!" reports a camper at Van Riper State Park Campground.
What campers like
Easy town access: Many campgrounds provide a balance of natural settings with proximity to urban conveniences. "This campground is in Marquette, near Northern Michigan University. But once you're camped there, you won't feel like you're in one of the largest cities in Michigan's Upper Peninsula," notes a camper about Marquette Tourist Park Campground.
Waterfront camping: Several campgrounds offer sites near rivers or lakes. "We camped right on the lake at number #13 which is the last site towards the back of the camp ground. Great fishing right off the waters edge, swimming and paddle boarded the lake as well. Super close to downtown Marquette, like a 10 minute bike ride," shares a visitor at Marquette Tourist Park Campground.
Cabin options: For those without tents or RVs, cabin rentals provide alternative accommodations. "We stayed in a basic cabin - and were astounded at how clean they were and how good they smelled - like fresh cut wood! The bathrooms were the same, and the button lock entry to cabin, bathroom and shower room is an excellent touch," reports a guest at Rippling Rivers RV Resort.
What you should know
Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "Because you're near a major UP city, you have access to plenty of shopping and services if you need them, plus there is great (Verizon) cellular service in the campground. The park wifi is a bit weak depending on where you are at in relation to the office, but we used our wifi booster and had smooth sailing," explains a camper at Marquette Tourist Park Campground.
Reservation timing: During peak summer months, especially July and August, securing campsites requires advance planning. "Even though the signs said it was full, we rolled the dice anyhow and ended up getting a cancelation site for free!" shares one lucky camper, though this experience is uncommon during busy periods.
Site conditions: Terrain varies widely between campgrounds. "The sites are generally spacious and they have a lot of options to choose from based on what rig you have and how you like to camp. The sites aren't paved, so rainy days could lead to some mud to deal with," notes a camper about Marquette Tourist Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "My kids made some of their best memories ever camping here. Lots of families, positive environment. Clean campground and park, helpful staff. Huge playground," shares a parent about Country Village RV Park.
Water activities: Swimming areas provide entertainment for children. "At the beach there is a concession stand. The park offers areas for boating, kayaking, and jet skiing, and fishing," notes a visitor at Van Riper State Park Campground.
Educational opportunities: Several nearby attractions offer learning experiences for children. "During your visit to the park there are lots of scenic, historic, and recreational sites to visit. A few miles from the park is the location of where Iron ore was first found in the Lake Superior region. There is an Iron Industry Museum," explains a visitor to Van Riper State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on hookup needs and rig size. "Only the FHU sites on the perimeter have paved camper pads, all others are either dirt, grass, or a combo. The electric sites closest to the Dead River are, although wide and fairly deep, still in an open grassy area with very few trees so don't count on shade," advises an RVer at Marquette Tourist Park Campground.
Hookup placement: Be prepared for variable utility configurations. "The hook-ups are not laid out conveniently on some sites which requires extra hoses and electric cords," notes a camper at Marquette Tourist Park Campground.
Level sites: Gitche Gumee RV Park & Campground offers prepared RV pads. "The sites are well maintained and we required no additional leveling. Sturdy and maintained picnic table at each site. Electric at our site -39- was error free. Water pressure is excellent," reports one RVer.
