Negaunee's surrounding area offers diverse camping options throughout Michigan's Upper Peninsula, particularly for those seeking recreational vehicle accommodations. Located at around 1,400 feet elevation, this region experiences warm summers and significant snowfall in winter, with camping season typically running May through October. The area features a mix of wooded sites and open campgrounds across both municipal and private facilities.
What to do
Mountain biking access: At Rippling Rivers RV Resort, trails connect directly to the campground. "If you love mountain biking or hiking you stay here. Period. You are right on the trails. If you have little ones the grom trail rims next to the top camp site," notes Rory L.
Swimming options: Farquar-Metsa Tourist Park provides river swimming for warm days. "The tent sites are well shaded and secluded from each other. Tenants were amazing and hiking trails were beautiful. The weather was too cold to swim but the beach area would be nice with warmer weather," writes Jenni C.
Marquette exploration: Campsites serve as excellent base camps for exploring the region. "We camped here while visiting the upper peninsula. We loved Marquette and this campground made a great home base. It's close to everything. The hot tub was nice after hiking 11 miles in pictured rocks," explains Scott B. from Rippling Rivers.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Many campers appreciate secluded sites available at certain parks. At Little Lake State Forest Campground, "We got one of the spots closer to the road but turned out great! These spots don't have quite the lake view but seem to feel more quiet and secluded. The lake views were gorgeous," reports Katie M.
Bathroom facilities: Clean facilities make a difference to campers. "The bathrooms and sites were so clean and well maintained. Will definitely come back soon!" shares Paige H. about Rippling Rivers RV Resort.
Lake Superior proximity: Gitche Gumee RV Park & Campground offers convenient lake access. "Don't judge a book by its cover. The campgrounds are a bit 'quirky'…lots of art and signs etc. BUT the owner and his family were really sweet and cared about the guests... You can walk across the street to the beach along Lake Superior," explains Erin A.
What you should know
Variable site quality: Campgrounds around Negaunee feature different site configurations. At Marquette Tourist Park Campground, "Only the FHU sites on the perimeter have paved camper pads, all others are either dirt, grass, or a combo. The electric sites closest to the Dead River are, although wide and fairly deep, still in an open grassy area with very few trees so don't count on shade," cautions Lee D.
Campground noise levels: Some locations experience more noise than others. At Little Lake State Forest Campground, one camper noted, "There is a significant amount of road noise and sometimes trains go by blasting the horn at the intersection. There are definitely quieter more secluded campgrounds in the UP but it is fine for a quick overnighter."
Reservation requirements: Several parks require advance planning. "We love Tourist Park, and will definitely be coming back! Quiet and relaxing, tucked in the woods with a nice hiking trail, picnic tables, swimming area, full hookups or rustic sites. The only down side is that they are by reservation only. No 'walk-in's' if you will," explains Emilee S. about Farquar-Metsa Tourist Park.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational amenities: When looking for rv sites near Negaunee, Michigan with family-friendly features, consider Country Village RV Park. "Our kids loved that there is a pool, hot tub & bouncy pillow! It is located in town, near a Camping World & just behind some restaurants, shops, a brewpub & a hotel, but the other sides of the campground are surrounded by trees/forest," shares Jessica P.
River access: Natural water features enhance family camping experiences. At Farquar-Metsa Tourist Park, "We enjoyed our stay at Tourist Park in Gwinn. Full hook-ups, bathrooms with showers, basketball court, fishing, Escanaba River, and hiking trails all right at the park," notes Pepper C.
Entertainment proximity: Some RV parks near Negaunee offer convenient access to community amenities. Country Village RV Park is "located behind (and within walking distance of) a shopping area that has a meat market, grocery, gas station, movie theater, bowling alley, a few restaurants and a brewery," which can keep families entertained during longer stays.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When seeking RV camping options around Negaunee, Michigan, consider layout preferences. At Pictured Rocks RV Park and Campground, "This is a very wide open center, or back in to Wooded sites. All site are very large and spacious. Picnic tables and site rings. Check in at noon, check out at noon. Just make sure to leave by noon or they charge you $100," advises Lauren M.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts campground conditions. One camper noted at Pictured Rocks RV Park, "Newer campground so the landscaping is still being developed. Basically a large open field but the sites are large and easy to maneuver in. Very close to tourist locations." The lack of mature shade trees can affect comfort during rare hot days.
Water quality issues: RVers should prepare for regional water conditions. At Gitche Gumee RV Park & Campground, "We stayed for a month, twice the owner tried to tell us we owed more money. The campground has very hard water, to the point our shower is stained pretty bad even though we had multiple filters and a water softener," reports Noah P.
