Rustic and developed campgrounds surround Newberry, Michigan, in the eastern Upper Peninsula, with most sites located within 30 minutes of town. Winter temperatures typically range from 10°F to 25°F, while summer averages 60°F to 75°F with frequent rain showers. Camping options include lakeside state forest campgrounds and full-service private facilities with concrete pads for larger RVs.
What to do
Hiking near Tahquamenon Falls: Lower Falls Campground provides access to trails connecting both upper and lower falls sections. "Great hiking within park... Great proximity to Lower Falls from campsite, easy drive to Upper Falls," notes Beth B., who mentions the "level lot" and "decent bath house" available for campers exploring the area.
Winter recreation: Outdoor activities continue year-round in the Newberry area. "Snowmobiled, snowshoed, hiked, cross countries, oh and nice waterfalls," reports Michael T. about winter activities near Tahquamenon Falls, making it a four-season destination.
Lake Superior beaches: Bay View Campground offers sandy lakefront camping with unique recreational opportunities. According to Kevin, "Sandy beaches and round rock lake bottom; bring aqua-socks for sensitive feet if going for a swim. Water was clean and cool but definitely swimmable."
Kayaking and canoeing: Explore multiple connected lakes at Pretty Lake State Forest Campground, where paddlers can navigate between water bodies. "This campground has 18 sites, lots of little walking paths, as well as hiking trails that lead you to other nearby lakes that don't have access for vehicles," explains Tyler N.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Campsites directly on lakes or rivers rank highest with visitors. "I camped in the area around the falls as a kid, and have fond memories of it. Nothing prepared me for camping near the river mouth. You want the old part of the campground, right on the river, with no electricity. The sunsets are magical," shares Elaine G. about her experience at Lower Falls Campground.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the Newberry area offer good separation between campers. At Newberry Campground, Chris M. found "a lot of different style of sites wooded and grassy" and notes that "they actually had campsites that were more private then almost all the Michigan state parks we have stayed at."
Natural swimming options: Campers appreciate alternatives to developed pools. Lauren W. calls Bay View "the best campground in Michigan" and specifically mentions that "the beach is the best I've seen in Michigan," making it ideal for glamping in Newberry, Michigan during summer months.
Rustic isolation: Remote locations attract those seeking quiet. "Small campground in the middle of the trees! Had vault toilets and potable water pumps. Great lake with a boat launch," says Tyler N. about Bodi Lake State Forest Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds are accessed via unpaved roads. Robert M. cautions about the route to Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground: "Unless you enjoy extreme vibration, the journey to the campground is quite a trial... the deep ripple of the washboard road surface creates a teeth-chattering ride."
Cash payment required: Some rustic campgrounds have limited payment options. At Seney Township Campground, Cheryl K. notes: "They have a senior rate. Can only pay by cash or check. Electric and rustic sites. Water is central from an artesian well."
Limited services: Cell coverage varies widely between campgrounds. Nikki P. reports that at Seney Township Campground, "We used AT&T for daily internet use, it was very reliable at around 30-80 mbps download speeds," while Beth B. found "Minimal ATT cell service" at Lower Falls Campground.
Insects: Mosquitoes can be intense, especially near water. Christopher L. warns about Pretty Lake: "Great views, plenty of campsites, definitely many along the water. However the mosquitoes are quite rough. If you plan on doing any of the hiking trails you'll definitely need a bug net."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Log Cabin Resort offers a blend of developed facilities for glamping in Newberry, Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Tirzah H. mentions, "Overall a very nice campground. Small beach area on the lake, playground, and boats available to rent."
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. Hannah at Newberry Campground notes there's "a playground a pool for kids. Large wooded sites and friendly staff" making it suitable for families seeking both recreation and privacy.
Swimming options: Children need water activities in summer. At Bay View, Melissa A. describes: "Our campsite #3 walked right out to the sandy beach of Lake Superior," and the campground host "had a community box of games that we could use during our stay. We used sand buckets and shovels to play with during our stay."
Site size considerations: Family groups need adequate space. Kelli V. found Newberry Campground's facilities helpful but notes: "The pull-through sites are SMALL! If you happen to have a neighbor, you share campfire and picnic table space."
Tips from RVers
Concrete pads: Sean N. found Log Cabin Resort offers "Big rig access (46' 5th wheel). Nice concrete pads, full hook up and cable. The staff is great and helpful. Secluded and quiet."
RV site utilities: Electric-only sites predominate at state forest campgrounds. Cheryl K. mentions Seney Township Campground has "Electric and rustic sites. Water is central from an artesian well. Vault toilets and no showers."
Water fill stations: Campers with self-contained units should arrive with full tanks. Steve H. cautions about Bay View Campground: "Warning: hand pump for water so if you have a camper, fill up elsewhere. No dump station but one nearby at casino in Bay Mills."
Campsite dimensions: Large RVs have limited options at many state forest campgrounds. Chris M. notes about Pretty Lake State Forest Campground: "Campsites are spacious; at least large enough for pick up campers and towed pop-up campers."
