Kim E.
Traveler
TravelerL'Anse Township Park & Campground
Peaceful getaway for us and the dogs.
We come up every year for the meteor shower, and every stay is a great one. New shower rooms, and huge dog park are awesome!
Dog-Friendly Camping near Michigamme, MI
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Van Riper State Park Campground welcomes pets across all 147 sites in the modern campground and 40 sites in the rustic area. Leashed dogs are permitted throughout the grounds, including at campsites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. Michigamme Shores Campground similarly accommodates pets at their lakeside location, offering both full hookup RV sites and pet-friendly cabins. The sites are spacious enough for families with dogs, with several campers noting the clean, well-maintained grounds make pet management easier. Both campgrounds feature drinking water and trash facilities essential for pet care. Pets must be supervised at all times and cannot be left unattended at campsites. Dogs are not permitted on the beach areas at Van Riper, a rule that is strictly enforced by park staff.
The hiking trails across Highway 41 from Van Riper State Park provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs on leashes. These trails follow the Peshekee River through wooded areas where moose sightings have been reported, requiring careful dog control. Lake Michigamme offers water access points away from designated swimming areas where dogs can cool off during summer months. The pump track and multiple playground areas at Van Riper remain busy with families, so dog owners should be mindful of crowds when walking pets through these zones. During peak summer weekends, the campgrounds fill with families, making early morning or evening the best times for quieter dog walks. Pet owners should note the rules are heavily enforced at Van Riper, including quiet hours and vehicle limitations, creating a controlled environment beneficial for responsible pet owners.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Michigamme (70)
1. Van Riper State Park Campground
"Lots of families, positive environment. Clean campground and park, helpful staff. Swam and paddled on Lake Michigamme for hours. Huge beach with volleyball net."
"We found this campground located along U.S. Hwy 41 about 40 minutes west of Marquette MI. The Park sits on the west shores of Lake Michigamme. "
from $20 - $120 / night
Check Availability2. Michigamme Shores Campground
"My family and I took a 3 week vacation to visit Michigan. We stayed at a few different campgrounds, and did lots of hiking."
"Beautiful lake, great swimming area, secure, full hook ups. Very helpful we came in late night- they left reservation info in the mail box for us."
3. Beaufort Lake State Forest Campground
"What you would expect of a Michigan SF campground: vault toilets, no hookups, hand pump, no reservations, $20/night. The outhouses are new and the sites are right on Beaufort Lake."
4. Craig Lake State Park Campground
"Access is from 41 turn on the gravel road outside Michigamme coming from the East."
"This is my absolute favorite place to camp, hike, kayak, fish, and just get away from it all."
from $20 - $108 / night
Check Availability5. Moose Rapids Campground
"The Michigamme river is amazing. Decent fishing here as well. We caught some small mouth."
"Best campground I’ve been too near the Marquette area! The porta potty’s were super clean!"
6. King Lake State Forest Campground
"They seem to fill up because it is fairly close to Canyon Falls. We had just come straight from the falls and talked to some campers who were going the next day. The lake was very quiet a peaceful."
"Arrived around 5 pm on a Tuesday and there were two sites left. We got site 6 which has a good view of the lake, with site 5 in between. We brought a camper trailer but everyone else was renting."
7. Country Village RV Park
"It is located off US-41 which is a major Upper Peninsula thoroughfare but set back about ½ miles so you don’t get road noise but it is still convenient. "
"This is our 2nd time staying & both were because of its convenience to ‘civilization’ not to get away from it."
from $35 - $51 / night
Check Availability8. Baraga State Park Campground
"Nice view of the lake can see at least part of it from almost anywhere in the camp. Picnic table and fire ring on every site. There are several full hook up sites (water sewer electric)."
"There’s a 3/4 mile trail at back of park that well short, is quite nice. The campground itself is quiet, the noise from hwy 41 on the other hand, is noticeable yet not a dealbreaker. "
from $28 - $80 / night
Check Availability9. Mouth of the Huron Dispersed Camping
"Awesome spot right on the waters of Lake Superior. Absolutely gorgeous sunsets and sunrises."
"was rained out so it was just annoying but the second was absolutely beautiful. lots of fog coming through the trees, and the waves sounded so gorgeous all night. there are plenty of fire rings all around"
10. Perkins Park & Campground
"It’s a County Park in Big Bay on beautiful Lake Independence. They have full hook up sites to primitive sites."
"Laundry facility is outside the camp (private) but worth noting. Close to Lake Superior, just off of the Circle Tour. Marquette is within 30 min."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 38 min from Green Bay, WI
- 2 hrs 58 min from Appleton, WI
- 3 hrs 2 min from Wausau, WI
- 5 hrs 12 min from Traverse City, MI
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Michigamme, MI
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Michigamme, MI
386 Reviews of 70 Michigamme Campgrounds
Debra R.
GuideL'Anse Township Park & Campground
Hidden Gem
Beautiful & clean. Great site overlooking Lake Superior. Need to walk over highway to get to water. Very orderly and great Park Manager. Family & pet friendly with awesome playground.
- LLori N.Traveler
Rivers Bend Campground
Happy Camper
We enjoyed our stay very much. Pretty campground, extremely friendly and helpful staff, nice neighbors all around. The shower area could use some updating, but was fairly clean. It is a dog friendly place and for the most part they were well behaved pets. We planned on staying four nights and are staying six instead. Taking advantage of the last nice days of the season. I would highly recommend trying this park.
- JJenny G.Guide
Van Riper State Park Campground
Great memories made!
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. Overlook hiking trail was awesome, minus the bugs!
Ashley W.GuideMichigamme Shores Campground
Great place to visit
My family and I took a 3 week vacation to visit Michigan. We stayed at a few different campgrounds, and did lots of hiking. We really like Michigamme Shores Campground (the name was really cool we thought!). The campground was really nice. We were able to get a spot by the little beach area they have- next to the Michigamme Lake. Being by the lake in the summertime was really nice! They have a cool trampoline type thing in the water that kids loved playing on. It was definitely busy, so the people in our group didn't get to jump off it. The beach area was clean, which we really appreciated. There are garbage cans and dumpsters within the park which helps with clean up. Lots of picnic tables, which we used during the times when we ate. The campground also has a playground area and beach volleyball. The campsites have hookups which is also really nice. The only downside to this campground was that because the lake and beach area is right there, it was pretty busy. Especially since it was in the summer- lots of partying/boating and people just being overly loud. Other than that, it was a great stay. Great hikes nearby, which we did every morning (3 different hikes). The views were amazing!
Nona A.
RangerVan Riper State Park Campground
Awesome State Campground located along US Hwy 41 in Michigan's U.P.
Along our travels in Michigan's Upper Peninsula from the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore west to the Porcupine Mountains, we stayed at Van Riper State Park campground. We found this campground located along U.S. Hwy 41 about 40 minutes west of Marquette MI. The Park sits on the west shores of Lake Michigamme. Van Riper State park has both a Modern and Rustic campgrounds along, with hiking, biking and ATV trails. There is a fine sandy beach, and playground. At the beach there is a concession stand. The park offers areas for boating, kayaking, and jet skiing, and fishing. To book or check into either campground you must stop at the park office. A Resident Recreational Passport is required or a charge of $11 will apply for each vehicle without one. The park office also has firewood, ice and even ice cream for sale. I recommend to get your firewood from another local area, the bundles are $5 but are very small bundles like 3 or 4 pieces. They also offer kayak rentals the price on those was decent. $10 for a 2 hour kayak rental.
We stayed in the Modern campground. There are 147 sites and 2 Mini Cabins. Sites are equipped for tents, trailers and RV’s up to 50’. There are free wifi by the restrooms, flush toilets, showers, drinking water, sanitation station, electric hookups at each site along with a fire pit and picnic table. The daily price of sites is $22 - $24 and $49 for a Mini Cabin. We stayed in site 92 that is located right next to the restroom/showers. Which was great having young children with us who seem to need to visit the restroom numerous times. This site is more for a trailer or a RV being the ground is hard and full of rocks. We all used air mattresses so that wasn’t much of an issue. We did take the time to remove any sharp rocks from where our tent was being placed to make sure no holes were made in the tent or mattresses. Sites are very open and non private. There is a host site that has information on activities around the park and neighboring areas. They also offer activities for children to do.
A short distance from the modern campground is the rustic campground. There are 40 sites and a Camper's Cabin available. This campground offers vault toilets, and drinking water. I did find out that for $2 per person for a day you can have access to the showers at the modern campground. The daily price of these sites is $13, and $86 for the Camper’s Cabin. These sites are equipped for tents, trailers and RV’s up to 30’. There is no electric hook ups.
During your visit to the park there are lot’s 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 a Iron Industry Museum. Lake Michigamme offers lot’s of activities for those visiting. If you are really looking for a awesome adventure not too far from camp, you can drive an ½ hour west on Hwy 41 to the “Grand Canyon” of Michigan, this gorge and waterfalls are located along the Sturgeon River. There is access to the North Country Trail here as well. The Canyon Waterfall and Gorge are just breathtaking. It is a 10 minute hike along the river from the parking area to the Canyon falls and gorge. You can hike further in if you wish and discover the rapids area along the river. We did not venture this far having small children with us. Can’t wait to return on a adult trip to hike further along the river.
I give this Campground a 5 star review, it is a great place to take the family on vacation.
Ari A.
LegendVan Riper State Park Campground
Great state park for families
Van Riper State Park is a must-visit if you’re traveling through Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It’s popular year-round, although camping is only open between May and October. Stop for the day to hike the trails and go for a swim, or stay a week and enjoy the sunsets and serenity.
The state park covers both sides of the highway with the campground and day-use area on the south side and a huge section of trails and wildlife viewing areas on the north.
There are 147 sites in the modern campground, including some sites with 50-amp electric service, and there are another 40 sites in the rustic campground. Plus, there are two mini cabins in the modern campground if you don’t own a tent or RV. All of the campsites have a fire ring and picnic table.
One thing we noticed is that the sites at Van Riper are very large– so much bigger than many sites we’ve seen at other state parks. This means there is plenty of space for your trailer, truck, bikes, screen tent, kids’ toys, etc. without feeling like you’re infringing on your neighbor.
Another plus for the state park is the laundry facilities. Two washers and dryers are located in the restroom building near the beach.
Van Riper State Park is extremely family-friendly, with activities for everyone. There are approximately 5 miles of hiking trails on the north side of the state park. One trail provides a very nice overlook of Lake Michigamme and the surrounding area. Other trails run along the Peshekee River or through the woods and may even provide the chance to see the moose that live in the area. The trails are not difficult, but there is some elevation to get to the lookout. If you don’t want to hike the whole 5-plus miles from the campground and back, you can drive and park at the group campground and go from there.
A sandy beach awaits both kids and adults on Lake Michigamme. The lake is popular as it is much warmer than most of the lakes in the Upper Peninsula. A large, fairly new playscape is also located near the beach, as well as a swing set. One of the most unique activities is a bike pump track. This is the only state park that we saw that had one. It was very popular with the kids and is conveniently located between the campground and the day-use area. The lake is popular for fishing and if you have a boat you can use the launch in the back of the park. It also is a good location for kayaking.
Ryan B.TravelerMoose Rapids Campground
Excellent
This was my wife and I’s first trip to the U.P. And we were pretty much the only ones here. It was absolutely beautiful and quiet. The Michigamme river is amazing. Decent fishing here as well. We caught some small mouth.
Nikki P.RangerVan Riper State Park Campground
Well-maintained State Park
Nice campground right on Lake Michigamme, variety of sites (tents, cabins, electric hook-ups), big clean beach, showers. AT&T was okay, ended up using it for internet over Starlink, which was spotty due to trees. Son had a good time skateboarding and using the playground. We've stayed twice now and likely will again. I did notice the AED was missing from the beach house/laundry area....otherwise it seems accessible.
Guide to Michigamme
Michigamme sits in Michigan's Upper Peninsula at approximately 1,600 feet elevation in the rugged Marquette Iron Range. The area experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and mild summers, typically ranging from 70-80°F in peak camping months. The camping season generally runs May through October, with some facilities closing after the first frost in mid-September.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Michigamme offers excellent fishing conditions, particularly for smallmouth bass. "My kids made some of their best memories ever camping here. Swam and paddled on Lake Michigamme for hours," notes Jenny G. about Van Riper State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: The North Country Trail system connects through Craig Lake State Park, providing access to remote wilderness areas. "This is my absolute favorite place to camp, hike, kayak, fish, and just get away from it all," says Jeff P. about Craig Lake State Park Campground, adding that "the wildlife include loons, eagles, bears, moose, deer and others."
Winter recreation: Some campgrounds remain open year-round for winter camping and cold weather activities. "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," reports Rebecca B. about Van Riper, showing the amenities available regardless of season.
What campers like
Water activities: Many campgrounds feature swimming beaches and water 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," recommends Tracie S. about Van Riper State Park.
Quiet, remote locations: Campers seeking seclusion can find it at several parks around Michigamme. "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. about Craig Lake State Park.
Convenient amenities: Michigamme area campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities. "Located just off the highway but out of earshot of the major noise, this campground is awesome! The sites are well maintained and we required no additional leveling," notes Pete D. about Country Village RV Park.
What you should know
Pet policies: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Michigamme require leashes and have specific pet areas. "This campground has it all! Rustic or modern you will enjoy the beach, hiking/biking trails (many right from your site), boating, fantastic fishing, kayaking and year-round events! We love it and its dog friendly to boot!!" shares Ashley S. about Van Riper.
Site characteristics: Campgrounds vary significantly in site layout, privacy, and amenities. "Small, quiet campground with only six spots. They seem to fill up because it is fairly close to Canyon Falls. The lake was very quiet a peaceful," notes Margaret W. about King Lake State Forest Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Bugs can be problematic during certain seasons. "During our trip through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this was one of my favorite campgrounds. At night it is very surreal as the only sounds you hear are the ones you make and an empty night sky," reports UnnamedAdventures about Squaw Lake State Forest Campground, though they warn "If you have dogs beware the lake bottom is heavy dark mud."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Several campgrounds feature child-friendly swimming areas. "The beach area for swimming in Lake Independence is nice with a pavilion, volleyball, and ping pong nearby. You can launch your boat or fish from the dock," notes Katie M. about Perkins Park & Campground.
Playground options: Some campgrounds provide dedicated play structures. "Stayed at Van Riper a few years ago. Had my son's 6th birthday party here. The kids were are to play on the beach or the play ground equipment. Very nice and relaxing way to celebrate," shares Ashley L.
Water attractions: Several locations feature water play equipment. "The campground was really nice. We were able to get a spot by the little beach area they have- next to the Michigamme Lake. They have a cool trampoline type thing in the water that kids loved playing on," explains Ashley W. about Michigamme Shores Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds offer various hookup options. "Very expensive, but what can you do with a useless storm that doesn't go away?" notes Rick M. about electric hookups at Van Riper State Park, referencing the practical necessity of having power during bad weather.
Leveling requirements: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. "This site is more for a trailer or a RV being the ground is hard and full of rocks," advises Nona A. about Van Riper State Park, suggesting tent campers may want different sites.
Seasonal access: Not all campgrounds accommodate large RVs year-round. "I wouldn't suggest this park for larger rigs though - it is a long drive in and maneuvering within the park may be difficult," warns Nikki P. about King Lake State Forest Campground.
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