Camping options near Crystal Falls, Michigan extend beyond the traditional state and county parks to include several rustic forest campsites and private RV resorts. The area sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation in the western Upper Peninsula where summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with frequent evening cool-downs. Several campgrounds remain open well into October, with hunting season extending camping opportunities in specific locations.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Bewabic State Park Campground offers hiking trails directly from the camping area, making it convenient for day hikes. "I enjoyed the hiking trails. Grocery and hardware store is close by," notes a camper who stayed in the B Loop at Bewabic State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Chipmunk Rapids Campground provides access to river fishing with multiple species available. "On the water. Lots of deer and turkeys. Heard wolves at night. It was great!" reports one visitor who appreciated the wildlife viewing opportunities that come with riverside camping at Chipmunk Rapids.
ATV trail riding: Paint River Hills Campground offers direct access to ORV routes right from the entrance. According to a review, "The ORV Route is right outside the campground entrance and you can ride to the trail. You can also get ice and gas at the gas station in town by taking the alley," making it a practical base for off-road enthusiasts visiting Paint River Hills Campground.
What campers like
Large, private sites: Bewabic State Park receives consistent praise for site spacing. One reviewer mentioned, "Nice shaded and level lots. The B loop is close to hot showers and clean bathrooms. Plenty of room between neighbor campers." Another noted that "loop A is nice and wooded and private."
Lake access: Pentoga Park Campground offers extensive water recreation options. A camper shared, "They have a dock to jump off about 50' out, and another with a diving board about 200' out. There are trails and a lot of history to discover," highlighting the swimming infrastructure that appeals to families visiting Pentoga Park Campground.
Budget-friendly options: Paint River Hills Campground stands out for its affordability. A reviewer stated, "Great campground $20 a nite with electric and water! Some have sewer. Beautiful walking trail along river. Quiet." The lower price point makes it accessible for longer stays.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the Crystal Falls area close between late September and early November, with only a few facilities remaining open for late-season hunters. "If we ever make it to the UP again we would definitely stay (and longer). He originally set this place up as a hunt camp but people started to want to stay during non-hunting season so he is open till it freezes and opens Memorial Day weekend," noted a visitor to Keyes Lake Campground.
Water access variability: While several campgrounds offer lake access, water levels and quality vary throughout the season. Bates Township Park features sites with "some slope toward lake," and a visitor noted that "being only one there I found flat spot to tent but if busy choice might be limited."
Campground quality differences: Campgrounds in the area range from well-maintained to requiring improvements. One camper at Paint River Hills observed that "most of the sites looked like they had been deserted for years. A few good sites for campers though. The primitive camp sites couldn't fit a tent if you tried."
Tips for camping with families
Look for swimming options: Pentoga Park Campground offers family-friendly water recreation. "I went to Pentoga many years as a kid, always a good time. They have a decent playground and camp store, the beach is great for swimming and the lake for fishing," recalls a visitor to Pentoga Park Campground.
Consider alternative lodging: For families with members who don't camp, some parks offer nearby accommodations. A Pentoga Park visitor pointed out that "for those who don't camp, but want to be part of daily activities, there is a hotel nearby."
Book early for peak season: The most popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer. "This summer was our 3rd visit to Pentoga Park. There are a lot of RVs at this campground. We have a tent. Make your reservations far in advance. Like January 1st for that spring, summer or fall," advises a repeat visitor.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Several campgrounds provide complete services for RVers. Paint River Hills Campground offers "4 pull through sites with full hook-ups; $25 a night. 50/20 amps, high water pressure," according to a camper at Paint River Hills Campground.
Water fill preparation: Some campgrounds have water connections at sites while others require filling tanks before parking. A Bewabic visitor noted, "They have electrical hook-ups but no water hook-ups you have to fill before you come in. There is a dump station there."
Seasonal temperature considerations: The region experiences significant temperature changes, even in summer. "We did not get any chance to actually enjoy the area but it seemed like it would be a great place. Bathhouse was very clean and so was the campground. The next morning it was lightly snowing so we had a fire and breakfast in the falling snow."
