Camping sites near Menominee, Michigan extend beyond the city limits into surrounding counties with diverse terrain options. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 580-620 feet above sea level, with shoreline sites along Green Bay offering western exposure for sunset views. The camping season varies by location, with some private campgrounds extending their season into November depending on weather conditions.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing access points: At River Park in Stephenson, campers can bring their own boats for river exploration. "Campsite 2 is amazing and has a path down to the river, which is so beautiful," notes a visitor who appreciated the direct water access. The park also features several small trails for hiking.
Beach activities and swimming: J.W. Wells State Park Campground features a sandy swimming beach with recreational amenities nearby. "Really nice recreational activities (basketball, tetherball, horse shoes) and a trail leading to the picnic shelter and sandy swimming beach," explains one camper who visited during Labor Day weekend.
Wildlife observation: The wetland areas surrounding the Menominee River attract diverse bird species. "We would see some (I think) military ships across the river. And there were a lot of birds to observe," reports a camper from River Park Campground, noting the unique river viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Individual bathroom facilities: Clean, private bathrooms receive consistent praise at River Park Campground in Menominee. "Bathrooms are the best we've seen in a long time...super clean with individual shower rooms," says one camper who visits annually from Iowa. These private shower rooms with locking doors are particularly appreciated during busy weekends.
Spacious, well-separated sites: At Peshtigo Badger Park Campground, visitors appreciate the generous spacing between camping spots. "This is a very welcoming campground within Peshtigo. Campsites are nicely spaced with some large trees for shade. Generous portions of firewood are available," reports one reviewer who found it to be a hidden gem.
Waterfront views: Many campers seek out the sites overlooking Green Bay or rivers. At North Bay Shore Park, "The campground sits right on Lake Michigan. So pristine and peaceful. Only 37 sites so it is quiet and most gorgeous views," according to a visitor who found the setting ideal for peaceful camping experiences.
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Sites near Lake Michigan and connected waterways can experience varying conditions. "Our last stay in May, it was very rainy and the water level was extremely high, but the park did not flood," notes a River Park Campground visitor, highlighting the importance of monitoring conditions.
Wildlife considerations: Geese presence affects some waterfront campgrounds seasonally. "There also were a lot of Canadian geese, so to say the least, there was goose poop everywhere," warns a camper at River Park, suggesting campers bring appropriate footwear for affected areas.
Road conditions: Access to more remote camping locations can be challenging. At River County Park, "The road in was a little muddy but not bad enough to get stuck," according to a recent visitor. Larger rigs might face difficulties at certain campgrounds with limited space: "I would not recommend this campground for anyone with a larger camper. I have a 38' long, 12'+ tall bumper pull and was scraping the roof on trees and struggled to get backed into the site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Multiple campgrounds offer child-friendly amenities. "The playground was nice and clean, the grounds were well kept," notes a reviewer from J.W. Wells State Park, where family facilities include organized activities during peak seasons.
Swimming safety considerations: Water access points vary in suitability for young swimmers. At North Bay Shore Park, "This side of the lake is very marly so there is no beachfront at all, for people with a boat and wanting to launch it's perfect but for rock hounds and beach walkers like me not so great," explains a visitor who found the shoreline less suited for typical beach activities.
Kid-friendly water features: At Diamond Lake Family Campground, specialized swimming amenities delight younger campers. "We don't have small kids but 2 of the couples we were with did and they had so much fun with the water chute and inflatables," shares a visitor who observed children enjoying the unique water features at this family-oriented property.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: RV campers should research site dimensions carefully. At North Bay Shore Park, "Campsite is blacktop pad. Electric and water," notes a visitor who appreciated the solid surface for parking. The campground offers affordable weekday rates at $15/night for these amenities.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited at some locations. "There is no potable water at the dump station," warns a North Bay Shore Park visitor, noting the challenges of filling fresh water tanks at sites without direct water connections.
Satellite reception considerations: Tree coverage affects connectivity at many campgrounds. "There's a lot trees throughout the park, which I'm sure would be nice shade in the warmer months but may impede satellite reception," advises a River Park Campground visitor. Cell service also varies by location and carrier.
