17 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
State parks and wilderness areas surrounding Michigamme, Michigan provide numerous options for tent camping in remote settings. Craig Lake State Park Campground offers walk-in tent sites accessible via a gravel road off Highway 41, with most campsites requiring either a quarter-mile hike or boat access across the lake. Forestville Campground, located closer to Marquette, features 15-20 rustic tent-only sites nestled in heavily wooded terrain. The Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness area provides more primitive tent camping opportunities with minimal facilities but maximum seclusion for experienced backcountry campers.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though not all sites at Forestville have fire rings. Vault toilets are standard at established campgrounds, while drinking water availability varies significantly. Craig Lake requires campers to pack in most supplies, as the remote location offers limited facilities. Access roads to many sites, particularly Big Lake State Forest Campground, can be challenging with large potholes that require high-clearance vehicles. Weather conditions change rapidly in the Upper Peninsula, with campers reporting full winter conditions as early as mid-October.
In early summer, tent campers often find themselves alone at many sites, particularly on weekdays. According to reviews, Craig Lake State Park provides exceptional seclusion: "Most sites are accessible only by boat. Beautiful quiet lake," notes one regular visitor. The North Country Trail skirts several campgrounds, offering excellent hiking opportunities directly from tent sites. Forestville Campground receives praise for its tent-friendly layout, with one camper observing that "sites are heavily wooded, it would be difficult to navigate a camper here, but it's great for tents." Insect activity can be significant, particularly at waterside locations, so screen shelters are recommended for comfortable backcountry tent camping experiences.
"Access is from 41 turn on the gravel road outside Michigamme coming from the East."
"The hike-in/paddle in camping spots are equipped with a picnic table and a firepit, everything else is up to you. I have been going here yearly for the last 10ys and absolutely love it! "
from $20 - $108 / night
Check Availability"Close to Marquette but feels secluded At the head of some great mountain biking trails and backcountry rock climbing or bouldering. Also just great hiking, our site backed up to the NCT."
"Only a one lane path with tight turns. The largest vehicle I saw during my few days here was a pickup truck with a bed-mounted camping unit."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"Way off the beaten path but the sites are HUGE! Quiet setting right on Big Lake. Probably my most beautiful site in the UP so far. Vault toilets and no shower. Very clean. Boat launch."
"The Michigan State Forest Campgrounds continue to delight us. For $15 a night you can experience camping like I did as a child – simple, unelectrified, and in beautiful outdoor locations."
"Hike in camping"
"The hike in was one of the most beautiful switch back type hikes, with breathtaking views of the gorge on the way down, a quick hike to the top of gorge once you’re down, then look down and see the waterfalls"
"Campground close to casino and lake Baraga. This is the best campground in the area."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Nice small lake, easy access from the main road. Road to the lake isn’t paved and there are huge potholes so go slow."
"We stumbled upon this location through this app."
GuideNice campground, well maintained, next to a lake with a boat ramp. Ever site has a picnic table, fire ring, asphalt pad and drying stand. Vault toilets, very limited trash collection trash cans (2). No water or waste. Only a few pull through most are back in.
LegendTwin Lakes MI SP: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 2-3 (A very clean campground, but old facilities, currently. A huge facelift in 2024 is being touted. New paving, new bath/shower rooms,and pavilion are coming. Shutdown during some of 2024 is anticipated. ) Price 2023: Usage during visit: 30% mid week Site Privacy: Poor Site Spacing: Poor Site surface: Blacktop Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Seems quiet Road Noise: Right along Hwy 26. Some sites back up to the Hwy. Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes Generators: Not needed Bathroom: Flush and pit Showers: Yes Pull Throughs: Some. Most are back in. Cell Service (AT&T): Very good Setting: Some tree cover in between the highway and Lake Roland Weather: High is I low 80s Host: Real nice young and helpful men manning entry booth Rig size: Large rigs Sites: Lakeside sites are the premium here and the only sites that would seduce me to visit. Good stop over place while
TravelerGreat find. Sunday night beginning of June. Only camper in the tent section. Quiet spot with good hosts. Close to the lake. Grass and gravel. Restroom share with the park/boat launch area. I would definitely stay here again. If there was a drawback would be sites have some slope toward lake. Being only one there I found flat spot to tent but if busy choice might be limited. No control over weather but woke up and had to pack up in the rain. Definitely check it out! Thanks to the Hosts!
GuideBottom line is I think the Tourist Park is good enough for RVers, tent campers might not enjoy themselves. You’ll see why below.
The sites are very oddly sized and shaped; some are massive and some are teensy tiny, and it’s difficult to figure out the boundaries of your site when setting up. For example, I’m almost positive our neighbors ended up putting their tents on our site which was a bit awkward. Be mindful of this when booking.
The campground backs up to what I believe is the public works department for Marquette, so you will likely hear some heavy machinery noise. Again, something to keep in mind when picking your site. It didn’t really bother me in my RV, but it might bother tent campers.
Possibly the thing that bothered me most about the campground is it appears to be run primarily by teenagers and/or college kids. No campground host. We had a few noisy neighbors and the aforementioned neighbors camping on OUR site issue, and I didn’t bother to address them because I knew we’d have no one with any real sway to back us up. There was also no one enforcing arrival times, checkout times, quiet hours, etc. so it can stay loud late into the night and you’re largely relying on your neighbors to behave themselves.
What’s good about the campground is a lot of the sites have abundant shade (but not all! Again, choose carefully), there is a playground (it’s very old and possibly unsafe though), it has great access to trails, there’s a beach, and the bathrooms were impeccably clean.
It’s certainly not what I’d call a great campground, but it does the trick.
GuideRippling Rivers Resort is new addition to an area that lacked a decent campground.
Amenities include bathhouses and shows (which have code locks on them), shared water access, picnic tables, fire pits, campstore with bar, and access to an outdoor pool and hot tub.
We stayed at one of the walk-in tent sites and also had the pleasure of enjoying the Carp River. The river was about 10 fee away from our site.
The staff is extremely friendly, to both people and dogs. I was very impressed with how dog friendly this location is. Even the other campers were respectful of each other.
Our tent location was entirely shaded and made it feel as though we were camping in a forest.
The downsides. The tent sites were too small and not level. We had a very hard time finding a place to put our tent. The sites were also very close together. Our neighbors were backed right up to use.
As mentioned above, the shower/bathhouse requires a code to access it. It was kind of weird. And made it a challenge if you had to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.
Parking was very limited. Not a problem if you have only one vehicle, but we had two. One of us had to park on the other side of the campground, which became an inconvenience.
TravelerThis campground is located just off the Sturgeon River in the Ottawa National Forest and is first come first serve with no reservations. From speaking with a local who frequents the campground, it is usually quiet with few sites actually in use at a time; it seems this year (2020) there have been more people out camping, though, so getting there earlier is better to ensure finding a site.
It is rustic -- there is no water pump, but there are pit toilets in the center of the site. If you don't bring enough water the river next to most sites can provide drinking water with the proper filtration. The national park website says there are 9 sites, but only 7 are actually available. My best guess is the MIA sites existed in the central part at one time.
Two sites can fit a camper, but they also happen to be the sites with the best view of the river. The remaining sites are tent-only due to a set of rocks blocking off the sites so vehicles do not drive in. From what I could tell with observations, 4 or 5 sites are either right on the river or have a short trail to get to the river.
The locations are sparse enough that the only thing really heard from other campers is the occasional shutting of a car door. The soft sound of the river drowns most noises out. Each site has a fire ring, most have a grate on the ring, a lantern hook, and a picnic table.
LegendThe Sturgeon River is wide and beautiful. Just imagine sitting next to the rippling water. The road there is down some dirt roads with some bumps but it’s drivable.
The small rustic campground doesn’t have all the frills so this is for the rustic campers. The sites vary but there is shade to be found. We enjoyed the seclusion of this forest campground.
On the way to camp you pass a trailhead. Head back for a hike. This is in the Sturgeon River wilderness so take care to leave no trace that you were here.
GuideWe stayed at Van Riper State Park three times during June and July. The park is always clean and well-maintained. The bathrooms and showers and generally always nicely maintained as well, and there are plenty of both. The bathrooms do tend to run out of soap and toilet paper at busy times. Dogs are not allowed on the beach but also cannot be left unattended in your site. The rules are heavily enforced in this park. Park staff will ask you to move vehicles if you have more than two, and you will be asked to turn music completely off upon quiet hours. This is not the place to go if you want to party.
Sites 15 and 17, as well as several other sites along that side of that loop, now have a wooden fence at the back of them, so they are not as large as they appear in the photos online.
We have stayed in sites 14, 90 and 93. We travel with a 34’ trailer.
Site 14 is narrow but manageable. It is well-shaded by large pine trees on the site. Site is entirely dirt. There are trees to hang hammocks or clotheslines in.
Site 90 is on a corner by the propane tanks. It is a large site. It does have some roots and low spots. It is partial grass. It has nice shade and is adjacent to the bathrooms. There are trees to hang hammocks or clotheslines.
Site 93 is a large site that backs up to a small grass/tree buffer. It is across the road from the bathrooms. It has nice shade. There is a place to hang a clothesline but not hammocks.
Pros: Clean, well-maintained park
Quiet
Lots of playground equipment
Bike/scooter pump track
Excellent beach area
Lots of green space
Hiking trails
Wood and ice available for purchase at the entrance
Laundry is available; one washer and two dryers
Very kid and pet friendly
Cons: Park website has out of date information, specifically that there is no longer a store on the beach, nor are there kayaks/SUPs to rent
The Water Warrior Island is no longer in the lake
There are very few sites with buffers between
It is sort of far to the beach and laundry from the modern campsites
No non-reservable sites available
RangerAlong 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.
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan offers numerous remote tent camping opportunities near Michigamme. This heavily forested region sits at elevations ranging from 1,200-1,600 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the year. Winter conditions can persist well into May at many campsites, with ice-out on lakes typically occurring in late April to early May depending on the season's severity.
Fishing from shore: Multiple campgrounds provide direct water access with species variety. At Genes Pond State Forest Campground, one camper reported "My hubby caught some bluegill in the lake that we cooked up for dinner." The pond offers relaxed fishing without motorboat traffic.
Hiking the North Country Trail: This long-distance trail connects several backcountry camping areas. At Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, a visitor described "one of the most beautiful switch back type hikes, with breathtaking views of the gorge on the way down, a quick hike to the top of gorge once you're down, then look down and see the waterfalls!"
Wildlife observation: Early mornings offer prime viewing opportunities. One camper at Lake Perrault mentioned "Some interesting animal calls overnight" while staying at this dispersed site. Dawn and dusk provide the best opportunities for spotting deer, eagles, and other wildlife throughout the region.
Seclusion and quiet: Many sites offer true remoteness. At Big Lake State Forest Campground, campers found "Way off the beaten path but the sites are HUGE! Quiet setting right on Big Lake." Another visitor noted "Getting to Big Lake leads you through some marvelous pine meadows and wetlands with browsing deer and pheasants."
Lake proximity: Direct water access ranks high with tent campers. At Lake Perrault, a reviewer described it as an "Idyllic camping spot" noting "There are a few spots suitable for a small travel trailer, but most of them are better suited to tents." Several sites feature direct shoreline access for convenient water activities.
Natural immersion: Densely wooded sites provide a true forest experience. At Forestville Campground, one camper found it was "Close to Marquette but feels secluded. At the head of some great mountain biking trails and backcountry rock climbing or bouldering." This campground's 15 sites maintain a natural feel despite proximity to town.
Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. For Big Lake State Forest Campground, a reviewer warned the entrance "is not for low clearance vehicles...it is full of HUGE flooded potholes (small ponds really). Not recommended for 2 wheel drive, low clearance vehicles."
Weather variability: Shoulder seasons bring unpredictable conditions. One camper at Big Lake recalled, "In mid-October, we woke up to full on winter one morning, so be prepared for anything in the shoulder season."
Water quality issues: Some hand pumps produce poor quality water. At Craig Lake State Park Campground, visitors need to "Park and walk/hike/canoe/kayak in. No motors on lake." Another camper at Genes Pond warned about "horrid water. It comes from a cistern (I imagine) and has a hand pump. The water is awful. Cloudy and foul tasting, stale and full of minerals."
Site selection: Choose campgrounds with lake beaches for kids. At Lake Perrault, a visitor observed "A couple of the spots are right down at the water," making it ideal for families who want water access without long walks.
Space considerations: Look for larger, more open sites with children. At Forestville Campground, one reviewer noted "Sites aren't very private, and are somewhat cramped, but I've certainly seen worse." Another observed "You can't build a fire without a fire ring but not all sites have them."
Seasonal timing: Visit early summer for fewer crowds but bring insect protection. A camper at Paint River Forks recommended the campground "would be great Mid summer with a big group of people! just keep on lights!" noting that shoulder seasons can be very quiet.
Size limitations: Most sites accommodate smaller RVs only. Forestville Campground reviews repeatedly mention "large RVs will not be able to access these sites! Only a one lane path with tight turns. The largest vehicle I saw during my few days here was a pickup truck with a bed-mounted camping unit."
Self-sufficiency: Bring all necessary supplies as most sites lack hookups. Paint River Forks provides "5 or so campsites. Clean out house right on river. Just a mile or so down the dirt road," but lacks water and electrical connections like most rustic campgrounds in the region.
Cell service considerations: Reception varies drastically between campgrounds. Lake Perrault visitors report "good cell reception for Verizon and ATT" while Paint River Forks campers note "Cell service is 1/10," highlighting the importance of planning communication needs when tent camping near Michigamme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Michigamme, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Michigamme, MI is Craig Lake State Park Campground with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Michigamme, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Michigamme, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
