Elizabeth M.
Traveler
TravelerTourist Park Campground
Great City Campground
Clean bathrooms, friendly people, good location, and flat sites for our van rv.
Camping near Munising, MI
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Campgrounds near Munising, Michigan range from developed sites with amenities to rustic backcountry options across the Hiawatha National Forest and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Bay Furnace Campground in Christmas offers lakeside camping with vault toilets and drinking water, while Munising Tourist Park Campground provides electric hookups and showers. The region includes several RV-friendly locations with full hookups, tent-only areas with walk-in sites, and cabin rentals at places like Otter Lake Campground and Pictured Rocks RV Park. Most campgrounds near Munising operate seasonally from May through September or October, with many sites providing direct access to Lake Superior shoreline camping spots and popular outdoor recreation areas.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping near Munising, with most campgrounds closing during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer, especially for waterfront sites which fill quickly. "We took a chance of finding a spot here in June and there was a cancellation with a waterfront spot for one night," noted one visitor about Munising Tourist Park. Mosquitoes and biting flies present challenges during summer months, particularly in wooded areas and near standing water. Several campgrounds in the Hiawatha National Forest offer more secluded experiences but with fewer amenities, typically providing vault toilets and water spigots rather than showers or electric hookups. Cell service can be limited or nonexistent at more remote locations, especially at Twelvemile Beach Campground where reviews mention "no cell service for many miles."
Waterfront access represents a common feature across many highly-rated campgrounds in the area. Lake Superior shoreline sites at Twelvemile Beach and Munising Tourist Park receive consistently positive reviews for their views and beach access. Campers seeking more privacy often prefer the forest campgrounds like Au Train Lake and Colwell Lake, where sites are described as "tucked away in a silent wooded area" with "paved roads all the way in." Proximity to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore attractions serves as a major draw for most visitors, with many campgrounds situated within 15-30 minutes of popular hiking trails, waterfalls, and boat tours. Public lands near Munising support various camping styles, from developed campgrounds with amenities to more primitive options for those seeking solitude, making the area suitable for different camping preferences and equipment types.
Best Campgrounds near Munising (161)
1. Munising Tourist Park Campground
"We loved location and moved to overflow for 2 more nights. Private beach was cold but we got in every day."
"Love the Munising area. Lots of waterfalls and close to pictured rocks. Nice facilities and great location. Fire ring is provided at each campsite and was clean of debris."
from $29 - $45 / night
Check Availability2. Bay Furnace Campground
"Conveniently located within 15 minutes of downtown Munising, but felt far enough out. Nice access to the lake and fairly inexpensive. Hosts were very nice!"
"Hands down the best campground near Munising, MI. Located in Christmas. You can find iron ore and beautiful stones here. Very peaceful and rustic."
from $26 / night
Check Availability3. Munising-Pictured Rocks KOA
"We went in September and it was still mildly warm, bugs were gone the only thing I would recommend is water proof hiking boots which is a must hiking in Michigan anyway."
"This location kept me coming back. The KOA now offers may different activities for kids too."
4. Au Train Lake Campground
"Tucked away in a silent wooded area. Paved roads all the way in. 15 minutes from Munising. Was a perfect hideaway for us driving from SW michigan over memorial day weekend."
"This is very close to the Munising/Pictured Rocks/ Christmas Michigan areas. The campground is adequate, but not the most awesome bathrooms. "
from $26 / night
Check Availability5. Otter Lake Campground & Lodge
"Close to Munising and Pictured Rocks. Very friendly owners and nice bathrooms."
"Otter Lake Campground is nestled within the Hiawatha National Forest and a close driving distance to Munising, Michigan."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability6. Pictured Rocks RV Park and Campground
"Very close to tourist locations."
"Newer campground, not much shade but outer ring surrounded by trees. Site 50 has beautiful view. Hook ups are very nice quality Staff is very friendly."
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability7. Superior Times
"We opted for the rustic campground which still allowed access to the bathroom and showers, but was secluded from the cabin and RV area. The lake access was great! Warm water and good fishing."
"Outhouse and showers were clean Electric hook up
Filled water at dump station We stayed in site 10 it was quiet and away from the core of the noise
Friendly staff Seasonals were a little wild and"
from $20 - $200 / night
Check Availability8. Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping
"About 10min from Munising."
"Was slightly passed the pin marker on the same unlaced road - only about 1/4-1/2 off the highway."
9. Hovey Lake Campsites
"There is a small store/restaurant nearby too. We didn’t see hiking trails but we found a lot of atv trails. Some people were walking along the road."
"There was a little trail right to the waters edge at our site, nice and sandy (dont need water shoes) We spent most of our time there soaking up the sun in our tubes. Very quiet secluded site."
10. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Sites — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
"It gets cold in pictured rocks and being away from the gusts of wind coming off the lake and being able to warm up via fire is ideal."
"This is another easy-hike site located in the park. The site is situated not along Lake Superior, but Little Beaver Lake--although the name can be misleading."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 53 min from Green Bay, WI
- 3 hrs 12 min from Appleton, WI
- 3 hrs 56 min from Traverse City, MI
- 4 hrs 4 min from Wausau, WI
Recent Camping Photos near Munising, MI
306 Photos of 161 Munising Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Uncle Ducky's Paddlers Village
Munising Tourist Park Campground
Lake Superior Beachfront (US Forest Land)G
Channel Marker Campsite On Grand Island
Bermuda Campsite on Grand Island
Loon Call Campsite On Grand Island — Hiawatha National Forestp
Bay Furnace Campground
Duck Lake Campsites on Grand Island
Little Dune I Campsite on Grand Island
Little Dune II Campsite on Grand Island
Pictured Rocks RV Park and Campground
Munising-Pictured Rocks KOAE
Recent Reviews near Munising, MI
798 Reviews of 161 Munising Campgrounds
Meghan B.
LegendPretty Lake State Forest Campground
Pretty Lake State Forest Campground
There are a handful of drive-up sites in each of the campground’s three loops, with about two sites per loop offering the sought-after lakefront views. Even if you don’t manage to snag one of those sites, the remaining sites are tucked beneath nice, tall trees, and there’s a Day Use Area near the campground entrance that everyone can enjoy.
The backcountry sites are also relatively easy to reach by foot or paddle. The portages are quite short, and most of the trails are two-track. Interestingly, the backcountry sites seem to be right along the trail and very close together, so they actually feel less private than the drive-up sites.
The vault toilets in each loop, as well as those in the backcountry area, were clean and well-maintained. We also saw a DNR truck making the rounds during our stay.
One thing I LOVE about this area is that it’s a designated Quiet Area--no ORVs and no motorized watercraft. It makes for a much more peaceful camping experience!
Cell service was spotty without a booster. Sites are FCFS, and the current rate is $20/night.
Ada R.TravelerBrasswire Campground
Simple county campground
Nice grassy areas around spacious sites, though no trees or shrubbery between sites. Clean toilets and access to multiple trails in the adjacent forest.
- MMathew S.
GuideNorth Gemini Lake State Forest Campground
Quiet Lakefront Campground
Nice well kept campground. Plenty of sites along the water. Seems a bit more unknown compared to other sites in the area as I was struggling to find somewhere with open spots until I came here. Also, despite being a small lake it was great for fishing, I caught plenty of northerns and my personal best smallmouth.
- AAlex R.Traveler
Lake Superior Beachfront (US Forest Land)
Beautiful Site, got stuck BAD, “no camp” signs. Idk what that means.
This spot is beautiful for someone with a 4x4. Unfortunately my rear wheel drive tundra did not make it very far. That said, I walked the remaining 100 feet to the site, right on Lake Superior. There are local walkers, I encountered about 5 - 8 teams walking the beaches.
- Charlie Y.Guide
Kewadin Casino Manistique
Overnight RV stop
Decent RV Site...lot adjacent to casino...economically priced..30/50 amp hook up. We stopped late in the evening needing a secure, safe site for a night....cross country RV travelers. Highly recommend...couldn't be easier or more convenient considering our routing and needs(mosquitos enjoyed our visit...so we didn't spend much time outside....but did venture in the casino for a visit)
Emily A.GuideHaymeadow Creek NF Campground
Forest vibes, mosquitos present
There were no open sites when we got here on a Thursday afternoon so we had to stay in an overgrown site. It was very shaded from the trees so it was not great for our solar capabilities. Loved that there was a cute trail nearby though. No cell service for us with Verizon, only way to get it was to go 10 miles by the main turn in road. There’s no big towns nearby so you had to travel quite a ways for groceries etc. Campsites a bit close to one another for my taste but everyone was respectful so it was peaceful and lovely otherwise! Mosquitos were around definitely.
- bbrittany G.
ScoutKewadin Casino, Christmas MI
I wouldn’t come here for gambling or to park
I saw on a different app that they had overnight parking with free electric hookup, no fee was mentioned. I called at 7:45pm and spoke with a guy in security and asked “Is it enough space to set up a tent there?” and he said “Yeah, you can put it on the pavement in a parking spot, we had a group of bikers here that did that not too long ago.” Verbatim. I asked if he happened to know if there were spaces available and he said yeah theres..1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 empty spaces right now. I said alright, great, thank you, have a good night. He said youre welcome, you too. I arrived at 8pm, set up my tent, which is a small 2 person tent, just me and my dog. I moved my jeep to a regular parking spot in the middle of the lot. Then i went inside to use the restroom and asked about buying some used playing cards, spent $20 in slots and came back out to sit in my jeep until about midnight when I went to my tent and got settled into bed. Then a guy comes out at 12:35am and says “Hey, we don’t allow tents here.” I explained that I had explicitly asked someone in security if it was ok to set up a tent and he said yes. The guy went back in and asked the manager about it, came back out with a second security employee and said we dont allow tents. I asked who was working security around 7:45 and they said theres 3 security employees and neither of them two took a phone call from someone asking about a tent. I asked ok then who is the 3rd person? They said we can’t give that information but you’re welcome to come in and talk to the manager. Did you pay for this spot? I said the guy I spoke with on the phone never told me I needed to pay but I can do that. He said well we don’t allow tents, this is RV only and they come in at all times of the night so if you want to come talk to the manager, you can. I said ok I’ll be packed up in ten minutes. So I went in at 12:50, they close at 1AM. As i walked in i heard the announcement saying the casino closes in 10 minutes, please print your tickets and make your way to the cashier to cash out. I asked the security guy “can you get your manager, please?”he said we close in 10 minutes but I’ll get her for you. I said “I know.” I simply wanted to tell her that she should make sure all her employees are on the same page and to avoid this problem in the future, she should inform the employee that gave me incorrect information of what the rules are. The security gaurd went over to the door where the managers office is, whispered back and forth for a few seconds, closes the door and says she busy, we’re locking the doors now, you need to leave. I said you just told me less than 10 minutes ago that i could speak with her. He said yeah that was when we were open, now we’re closed and you need to leave. I said you just told me you guys close in 10 minutes..? And what did that announcement just say? He hesitated because he knew it said they were closing in 10 minutes but he said its to let ppl know that they need to bring their tickets to the cashier. And i said so they have 10 minutes to do that… he said per the manager, we are locking the doors now and you need to leave. I said i just don’t understand why you said i could speak with her, you said you’re open for another 10 minutes but now 30 seconds later you’re closed? The manager then gets on the walkie talkie and asked if he’s good and he responded shes not leaving, can you get tribal on the phone? She gave a really enthusiastic “I’M ON IT!” And the guy tells me theyve got tribal on the way so i need to leave. His voice was shaky and he seemed like a ball of nerves. Im a single female in my late 20s. There was no reason for him to be so worked up. I never raised my voice, I didn’t cuss, I didnt even give the impression that I was upset. When he told me I couldn’t be there I politely explained that I specifically called and asked security about it and then when he came back outside i said ok ill be packed up in 10 minutes, I didn’t argue or give them any trouble about it. So i just kind of laughed and shook my head and left. The fact that they waited until 25 minutes until closing, well past midnight, to come tell me to leave, the fact that my tent had been there for 4 hours at that point, the fact that there were 5 other open spaces, the fact that I was told I could speak to the manager and then she was unwilling to do so, and the fact that I’m still in the parking lot because Im not about to find another place to camp at 1am and its now past 3am and not a single other RV has pulled in, all has left me with a very bad taste in my mouth. I just think they handled the situation very poorly, in my opinion. I understand that the spaces are meant for RVs, though the information on the other app did not mention that but I called ahead to confirm it was ok. They could have made an exception, made 20 more dollars than i already put in their machines, explain that it was a one time thing because of the miscommunication, or at the very least the manager could have spoken to me face to face. I’m also wondering, if RVs come in at all hours of the night as the secuirty gaurd says, how are they paying the 20$ to be there for the night if the casino is closed? I guess if you need a place for an RV that bad and all the campgrounds around are full like they are tonight, Its a last resort but I think you should give your money to anywhere else than to such an unprofessional business. If you’re in an RV, just go to any other parking lot to sleep. The management here is not good people.
- MMarc V.Traveler
Gitche Gumee RV Park & Campground
Don’t do it
Turned us away after calling ahead and telling us to come, said he didn’t need the money and I politely said ok even though I was miffed about being told to come. He started taking photos of our vehicles even though we told him calmly we were leaving and had no visible aggression towards him. Turned into a weird altercation.
Guide to Munising
Dispersed camping near Munising, Michigan provides several free options in the Hiawatha National Forest for those seeking more primitive experiences away from established campgrounds. These sites lack electrical hookups and modern facilities but offer direct access to natural surroundings with greater privacy. At Hickey Marsh, located approximately 10 minutes from Munising, campers can access multiple undesignated sites along unpaved forest roads. Camping conditions vary significantly by season, with spring typically muddy, summer requiring insect protection, and fall offering colorful landscapes with fewer crowds.
What to do
Kayaking and watersports: Otter Lake Campground offers kayak, canoe, and paddle boat rentals directly on-site, allowing campers to explore the calm waters. "The lake is clean. The owners are very nice and helpful. I can't recommend this campground enough," notes one visitor to Otter Lake Campground & Lodge.
Hiking bird trails: Au Train Lake Campground features an educational bird watching trail with interpretive signs. "There was a great trail near our campsite that had signs and info about the birds in the area (great for young ones especially)," according to a camper at Au Train Lake Campground.
Visiting historical sites: Bay Furnace Campground contains the remains of a 150-year-old iron smelting furnace within the campground itself. "We love the history of the campground with the bay furnace within the limits. Where they used to smelt iron in a 150 year old furnace is fascinating," reports one camper who appreciated this unique feature.
Lake swimming: Several campgrounds offer lake access with varying water temperatures. One visitor to Superior Times mentioned, "Water was 'crisp' lol, another way to say cold, but refreshing. Sand and rocks and driftwood."
What campers like
Private shoreline access: Munising Tourist Park offers waterfront tent sites with direct lake views and beach access. "I was in spot N which is one of their rustic tent spots right on Lake Superior. $25/night which was very reasonable. My site had a nice, level and sandy spot for the tent," explains a visitor to Munising Tourist Park Campground.
Free camping options: Hovey Lake provides no-cost camping with basic amenities. "For free camping with privvys, firepits, picnic tables and pump water, You can't beat this campground with a stick. Has a water pump. The privvys are actually in good shape and do not stink," notes a camper at Hovey Lake Campsites.
Lack of crowds: Hickey Marsh dispersed camping offers solitude with minimal facilities. "Just off M-28, down the right side road a bit you will see campfire remnants and a spot where people tend to park on the left. No signage and only saw 2 pre-used spots...Quiet spot especially in early May, cell service with Verizon was shockingly good," reports a visitor to Hickey Marsh Dispersed Camping.
Clean facilities: Despite being rustic, many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms. "The vault toilets were very clean and well maintained (nice for vaulted toilets)," notes one Au Train Lake visitor.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the area have spotty or non-existent connectivity. "No cell service or starlink under the tree canopy. Fine for a night or two but plan accordingly if you need cell service," warns a visitor at Pictured Rocks RV Park.
Mosquito intensity: Biting insects can be problematic, especially in wooded campgrounds. "Bring bug spray, the mosquitoes are 24/7," advises one camper who stayed at Au Train Lake Campground.
Uneven terrain: Many sites require leveling equipment. "Warning, all the sites were very unlevel!" cautions a camper at Hovey Lake.
Limited shade: Newer campgrounds often lack mature trees. "Open, level gravel sites and some concrete pads scattered throughout this pretty new campground. A few baby trees in the open meadow are trying to get started, but other than those there is no shade," notes a visitor to Pictured Rocks RV Park and Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Superior Times campground provides recreational equipment for children. "The kids had a lot of fun, they have a lot of outdoor toys. There were kids everywhere," shares one visitor to Superior Times.
Educational opportunities: Arrange visits to the Bay Furnace historical site. "The Bay Furnace itself is very interesting and only a short walk from the campsites," mentions a camper.
Shallow water swimming: Some lakes offer safer swimming for children. "Lake is very shallow. Good for kayaking. Not good for fishing or swimming," notes a Hovey Lake visitor, highlighting the importance of checking water conditions.
Book early for summer: Family-friendly sites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. "This campground is all about what site you can get. I reserved a full hookup/waterfront site and it was amazing," explains a Munising Tourist Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Limited space for large rigs: Many campgrounds have tight turns or uneven terrain. "We only found 2 pull in sites and took the first one. We were able to back our 26 foot travel trailer in and stay hooked up to it," shares a Hickey Marsh visitor, indicating the limitations for larger vehicles.
Casino parking alternative: The Kewadin Casino offers inexpensive RV parking with electrical hookups. "Sites have electric but no water. Some road noise but that's to be expected. Gas station right next door. Casino closed at 1am. It is actually $20 a night, not $15. You get a free $5 casino credit per night per person staying," explains a visitor to Kewadin Casino.
Plan for water access: Many sites require filling tanks beforehand. "Filled water at dump station. We stayed in site 10 it was quiet and away from the core of the noise," advises a Superior Times camper.
Early/late season considerations: RVers should check opening dates. Most campgrounds in the region operate from mid-May through September, with some extending into October. Weather can change rapidly, especially in spring and fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there RV camping available near Pictured Rocks in Munising?
Is there RV camping available near Pictured Rocks in Munising?
Pictured Rocks RV Park and Campground near Christmas offers dedicated RV camping with full amenities including water hookups and toilet facilities. It's designed to accommodate larger rigs, making it ideal for RV travelers exploring Pictured Rocks. Munising-Pictured Rocks KOA is another excellent option for RVers, providing reservable sites with water access and big-rig-friendly spaces. Both locations offer convenient access to the stunning attractions of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore while providing the amenities RV campers need.
What are the best campgrounds in Munising, MI for families?
What are the best campgrounds in Munising, MI for families?
Munising Tourist Park Campground offers an ideal family camping experience with a private beach where kids can swim, plus it's just 3 minutes from town for convenience. Au Train Lake Campground is another excellent family option located about 15 minutes from Munising, featuring paved roads, a peaceful wooded setting, and educational nature trails with informational signs about local birds—perfect for young children. Both campgrounds provide a great balance of natural surroundings while maintaining proximity to Munising's attractions and amenities.
Are there any free camping options available in the Munising area?
Are there any free camping options available in the Munising area?
The Munising area offers limited free camping options. Hovey Lake Campsites provides dispersed camping opportunities at no cost, though amenities are minimal with just basic water access and toilets. For those willing to paddle or take a ferry from Munising, Channel Marker Campsite On Grand Island offers a more adventurous free camping experience. While not entirely free, the rustic cabins at McKeever Cabin and Tom's Lake Cabin provide affordable alternatives with more shelter than tent camping.
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