Cabin camping near Moran, Michigan offers visitors access to the eastern Upper Peninsula's unique ecosystem, where northern hardwood forests meet the Great Lakes shoreline. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from December through March, with summer highs typically ranging from 65-75°F. Cabins provide essential shelter during frequent summer thunderstorms, with the region receiving an average of 30 inches of precipitation annually.
What to do
**Dark sky viewing: Wilderness State Park Camping offers exceptional stargazing opportunities near Moran, particularly during meteor showers. "I believe the only dark park in Michigan. Beautiful expansive night views of the sky from the beach. Worth sleeping on the beach during meteor shows," notes Tracie S. The park earned designation as a dark sky park, making it an ideal location for astronomy enthusiasts.
**Boat rentals: Lower Falls Campground provides access to the Tahquamenon River with rowboat options. "We loved staying at Tahquamenon Falls State Park hiking along the river between the falls was great and it was total worth the extra few dollars to rent a boat and row out to the island," shares Bryan T. Boat rentals typically cost under $20 for a half-day excursion.
**Ferry transport to Mackinac Island: Campgrounds in Mackinaw City and St. Ignace offer convenient shuttle service to ferry docks. "We took a scenic walk over to the bridge view side of the campground and were blown away by the views of the Mackinac Bridge," notes Chelsea & Wes J. about Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping. Many ferry services operate hourly from May through October.
What campers like
**Clean bathhouse facilities: State parks maintain well-kept shower facilities despite high usage. "The bathroom and shower facilities were clean and in working order and just a short walk from any site," reports John K. about Petoskey State Park Campground, where concrete pads complement the modern amenities.
**Lake access: Many cabin sites feature direct water access for swimming and fishing. "This campground was quiet and peaceful. The owners are some of the sweetest I've ever met and they keep the campground clean and kept up. There is a small area for swimming and a bathroom house on the property," shares Sydney H. about Loons Point RV Park & Campground.
**Camp stores: On-site provisions eliminate trips to town for essentials. "They have a great general store," notes Julia H. about Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island KOA. Most stores stock firewood, ice, basic groceries, and camping supplies, with many also selling ferry tickets to Mackinac Island.
What you should know
**Site variations: Campground layouts differ significantly, affecting privacy and comfort. "Half of the camp ground was under water. We booked three sites together over the phone. When we got there we were not together," reports Tammy K. about St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA. Checking campground maps before booking helps select appropriate sites.
**Insect preparation: Bug activity intensifies from late May through August, particularly in wooded areas. "Very buggy in June, come prepared," warns Brittany B. about Wilderness State Park Camping. Pack repellent containing DEET for mosquitoes and consider permethrin-treated clothing for tick prevention.
**Water hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric but limited water connections. "State park campground, the sites are nice enough. Bath/Shower house is very well maintained, attending rangers and other staff have been hospitable... One thing to mention is the bugs in the UP in the summer are just overwhelming. There is a water fill station on the way into the campground," notes Tom about Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Tips for camping with families
**Playground access: Several parks feature play areas for children. "They had a small playground for the kids. There was also a nice heated pool for them to swim in," shares Glynnis A. about Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island KOA. Most playgrounds cater to children ages 5-12.
**Educational programs: Rangers often lead activities geared toward younger visitors. "Ranger programs for kids, nice playground," mentions EmmaLee H. about Brimley State Park Campground. Programs typically run on weekends during summer months.
**Swimming beaches: Sandy shores provide safe water entry points. "The swimming is some of the best with a nice sandy bottom and no rocks. The water is generally cold, as Lake Superior often is, but it's nothing too cold for swimming in," explains Samantha B. about Brimley State Park Campground. Most beaches lack lifeguards, so supervision remains essential.
Tips from RVers
**Pad surfaces: Sites vary from paved to gravel to dirt, affecting leveling ease. "We had Full hook-up with a gravel pull-through. We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep. The site was easy to level," shares Julia H. about Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island KOA.
**Electric compatibility: Verify amperage before booking to ensure compatibility. "All sites are gravel and only the ADA spaces are concrete. You can have power and water or pull throughs have sewer connections," notes Gary J. about St. Ignace-Mackinac Island KOA. Most parks offer 30-amp service, with some providing 50-amp at premium sites.
**Satellite reception: Tree cover affects signal quality at many sites. "Our site was not shaded with limited trees (many were shaded though). This was a smaller lot with our neighbors fairly close," reports Julia H. about Cheboygan State Park Campground. Request open sites when satellite TV or internet access remains essential.
