Best Campgrounds near Michigamme, MI
Michigan's Upper Peninsula around Michigamme features diverse camping options centered on Lake Michigamme and nearby waterways. Van Riper State Park Campground, located along US-41 about 40 minutes west of Marquette, offers 147 modern sites with electric hookups and 40 rustic sites, plus mini cabins for those without equipment. Michigamme Shores Campground provides full hookup sites with beach access directly on Lake Michigamme, while Craig Lake State Park represents the more remote wilderness experience with boat-in and hike-in sites. State forest campgrounds like Beaufort Lake offer more primitive camping with basic amenities such as vault toilets and drinking water, typically at lower costs than developed state parks.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in the Michigamme area, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. Winter arrives early in the Upper Peninsula, sometimes bringing snow by mid-October. As one camper noted, "In mid-October, we woke up to full-on winter one morning, so be prepared for anything in the shoulder season." Access to remote sites like those at Craig Lake State Park requires careful planning, as roads can be challenging. According to a visitor, "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 with big boulders." Michigan Recreation Passport requirements apply at state parks, with an $11 fee for vehicles without one.
Lake access represents a primary draw for campers in the region. Van Riper State Park's beach on Lake Michigamme receives consistent praise for being "much warmer than most of the lakes in the Upper Peninsula," making it popular for swimming and water activities. Family-friendly amenities include playgrounds, hiking trails, and water recreation opportunities. While developed campgrounds like Van Riper and Michigamme Shores can become crowded during summer months, more secluded options exist at state forest campgrounds and remote sites. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with better coverage at campgrounds near highways and towns. Fishing opportunities abound, with smallmouth bass in the Michigamme River and various species in the lakes, making the region appealing to anglers and water enthusiasts alike.
