Tahquamenon Falls State Park's Lower Falls Campground offers standard and rustic camping options within a 50,000-acre wilderness area. The park sits at an elevation of approximately 630 feet and experiences wide temperature fluctuations, with summer highs averaging 75°F and winter lows regularly reaching below 0°F. Fall camping requires preparation for cold nights with temperatures often dropping into the 30s by late September.
What to do
Waterfall viewing access: Visit Tahquamenon Falls State Park's Upper and Lower Falls within easy driving distance. "Great proximity to Lower Falls from campsite, easy drive to Upper Falls. We took a chance and did not reserve a site and was able to stay a night," notes Beth B. from Lower Falls Campground.
Lake Superior beach activities: Many campgrounds offer direct lake access for swimming and relaxation. "Enjoyed this clean campground with beach access at gorgeous Lake Superior. Camp host was very friendly, and helpful," shares Sharon H. from Bay View Campground.
Seasonal recreation options: Winter visitors can enjoy multiple snow sports around Paradise. "Snowmobiled, snowshoed, hiked, cross countries, oh and nice waterfalls," says Michael T. about his winter experience at Lower Falls Campground.
Shipwreck viewing: Historical shipwrecks preserved for visitors in Whitefish Bay. "There are sandy beaches and shipwrecks in the bay which have been preserved for tourists and history geeks," mentions James D. from Bay View Campground.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Sites along the Tahquamenon River offer unmatched views and serenity. "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," reports Elaine G. from Lower Falls Campground.
Lake-based recreation: Multiple lakes for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. "Pretty Lake is connected to other lakes and is excellent for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. We also enjoyed the hiking trail several times with our dogs," shares Nikki P. from Pretty Lake State Forest Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Opportunities to spot local fauna in natural settings. "Great state park. Nice facilities, huge sites. Beautiful hiking trails to the falls. Brewery has good beer," notes Tracie S. about Lower Falls Campground.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. "Clean open campground that is quiet. Some road noise from local traffic. Close to food and fuel. Easy pull through sites," reports Sean N. about Bay Mills Casino RV Campground.
What you should know
Remote locations: Many camping areas require significant travel on unpaved roads. "Beware that the route to get here is on a dirt road, heavily washboarded and took us about 30-40 minutes from the main highway," warns Nicole V. about Bodi Lake State Forest Campground.
Site flooding concerns: Some campsites flood during heavy rain. "The only downside to my stay and a warning to those who may be planning to visit is that it rained heavily and the site flooded very quickly. I've camped other places in the rain but this was the worse I've experienced in terms of flooding," shares T W. about Bodi Lake State Forest Campground.
Varied water access: Water sources range from full hookups to hand pumps. "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," advises Steve H. about Bay View Campground.
Insect preparation essential: Bugs can be intense, especially in wooded areas. "Well maintained. Has electric hookups but no water. Nice bathroom shower area and cleaned daily. Playground for the kids and nice hiking trails. Lots of mosquitoes!" notes Quinten F. about Lower Falls Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer special facilities for children. "We camped here with our family of 5 for 2 nights. The campground host, Gilly (Santa) helped us with firewood and made us feel very welcome. He had a community box of games that we could use during our stay," shares Melissa A. from Bay View Campground.
Pool access options: Glamping near Paradise includes swimming facilities at select locations. "They have a playground, playroom and a pool. None of this was open during our visit but I imagine in the summer it is all going strong and the kids have a blast," notes Yetiman about Newberry Campground.
Beach play opportunities: Lake Superior's sandy shores provide natural playgrounds. "If you have kids great campground with some free games/beach items available. Vault toilet (cleanest one I have ever seen!)," adds Sharon H. about Bay View Campground.
Site selection strategy: Choose campsites based on your family's specific needs. "We stayed in the Lower Falls modern campground for 3 nights. The Lower falls were a short hike away, and there was a nice hike to the Upper falls 4 miles away," mentions Jess O. about Lower Falls Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric, water, and sewer options differ significantly between parks. "$29.00 a day with full hook-ups. $21.00 without sewer. All come with free cable tv and wifi antennas ever couple hundred feet so you get internet from any spot in the park," explains Master R. about Bay Mills Casino RV Campground.
Site size considerations: Check campground specs before booking large rigs. "Good size lots with fire pit. Some full hookup and others with electric and water. Also WiFi available however seems not to work well. Cable tv, Laundry and bath house," advises Steve P. about Bay Mills Casino RV Campground.
Power reliability issues: Some campgrounds have electrical challenges during peak usage. "It is a grassy field with unreliable power. It was super hot and the park wasn't even half full, yet our AC kept going out due to the power," cautions Stacey R. about Bay Mills Casino RV Campground.
Seasonal availability: Most RV facilities operate from May through October. "The first night we were there, a cabin-renter up the hill and his wife were arguing loudly and seem to be regulars at this place. While it provided entertainment in the otherwise quiet and boring campground- it was a little off putting," reports Kelli V. about Newberry Campground.