Craig Lake State Park Campground offers wilderness camping in Michigan's largest wilderness state park, located 30 miles west of Marquette. The park spans over 8,400 acres with six lakes and connects to the North Country Trail system. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F, while summer daytime temperatures typically range from 65-80°F with cooler nights.
What to do
Hiking the North Country Trail: Access miles of scenic trails directly from Craig Lake State Park Campground. Many trails branch off the main path, offering routes around the lake and through dense forest. "So amazing - I almost want to give this campground one star and discourage people because it is so amazing, and I'm selfish. For someone who GREATLY values hidden gems where you can get really out and remote, this place is a an absolute heavenly oasis," writes Rebecca W.
Fishing on Lake Michigamme: Cast for smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye at Van Riper State Park Campground. The park sits on the western shores of the lake and offers boat access. "Beautiful lake with great facilities. Sites are bigger than parks in the lower peninsula. Ask the rangers where to go to look for moose," suggests Tracie S.
Swimming at designated beaches: Cool off at maintained swimming areas throughout the region. Michigamme Shores Campground offers a sandy beach with water recreation features. "Beautiful lake, great swimming area, secure, full hook ups. There were several large floating climbing structures in the swim area. Kids were having a blast. Great sandy beach with resort style lounge chairs," notes Steve.
What campers like
Private lakefront sites: Some campgrounds offer secluded waterfront access for tent camping. At Munising Tourist Park Campground, tent sites require a walk-in but reward with privacy. "The tent sites are all walkin, with a tent parking area and then various distances to hike in along a path to the different tent camp sites. The campsites themselves are gorgeous, with tall trees and right on the shore, and privacy in between," explains Janet R.
Rustic yurt options: Yurt camping near Marquette, Michigan offers an alternative to traditional tent camping. "The park has 2 rustic cabins and 2 yurts for rent that are a fantastic getaway and a great place to take your spouse," reports Jeff P. about Craig Lake's accommodations for those seeking yurt rentals in Marquette County.
Clean facilities: Most established campgrounds maintain good shower and bathroom facilities. Perkins Park & Campground receives high marks for cleanliness. "Showers are great ($.25 for 6 minutes) and bathrooms are really clean. Great park for kids, boating (kayaking, etc). Laundry facility is outside the camp (private) but worth noting," writes S G.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak summer months. "The only down side is that they are by reservation only. No 'walk-in's' if you will," notes Emilee S. about Farquar-Metsa Tourist Park.
Generator noise: Some rustic campgrounds may become noisy with generators. "Pulled in. Most spots filled with semi permanent trailers and everyone had a generator. Pretty place but not for us," reports Fern B. about one location.
Water quality alerts: Be prepared to bring your own drinking water at some locations. "There are restrictions on their drinking water so you need to haul in your own drinking water. They do have two separate campgrounds, with rustic and modern (electric) sites," advises Andrea B.
Access challenges: Many yurt camping options near Marquette require significant effort to reach. At Craig Lake, "Access is from 41 turn on the gravel road outside Michigamme coming from the East. Do not recommend coming or going from the access road on the west...it's a VERY bumpy road," warns Rebecca W.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment for children. At Van Riper State Park, "My kids made some of their best memories ever camping here. Lots of families, positive environment. Clean campground and park, helpful staff. Swam and paddled on Lake Michigamme for hours. Huge beach with volleyball net. Large bathhouse with private shower rooms. Huge playground," shares Jenny G.
Water toys and activities: Look for campgrounds with water features beyond swimming. "This is a state park with a host usually at camp. Games available for campers from the host site as well as dog poop supplies. Great waterfront improvement with a store, kayak and SUP rentals, and inflatable water feature to use for a fee," describes Rebecca B.
Birthday celebration venues: Consider hosting special events at campgrounds with appropriate facilities. "Stayed at Van Riper a few years ago. Had my son's 6th birthday party here. We were able to grill our food at our camp site then brought it over closer to the beach where we set up in the grassy area. The kids were are to play on the beach or the play ground equipment," reports Ashley L.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose carefully based on your specific needs. At Superior Times, "We stayed in site 10 it was quiet and away from the core of the noise," recommends Melissa M., noting that "Seasonals were a little wild and loud, I like to have fun so it didn't bother me much but they didn't always watch the kids."
Hookup logistics: Be aware of practical challenges with sewer connections. "The full hookup sites were well marked but not a lot of shade and septic hook up was far back. There is a dump site on premise so we utilized that," advises Jenni C. about Farquar-Metsa Tourist Park.
Space considerations: RV sites vary widely in size and layout. At Michigamme Shores Campground, visitors find "A clean park with decent sized lots," according to Kyle P., while other campgrounds may offer less space between sites.
