Paradise, Michigan camping options span beyond traditional RV parks with several rustic campgrounds scattered throughout the Hiawatha National Forest and along Lake Superior's shoreline. Most camping locations sit at elevations between 600-900 feet, with the terrain consisting primarily of mixed hardwood forests and sandy lake shores. Seasonal temperature swings are significant, with winter lows regularly reaching below zero and summer highs typically in the 70s.
What to do
Shipwreck viewing access: Bay View Campground offers direct access to preserved shipwrecks in the bay. "Sandy beaches and shipwrecks in the bay which have been preserved for tourists and history geeks," notes James D., who recommends this site for those who enjoy both beach time and historical exploration.
Kayaking on calm lakes: Soldier Lake Campground provides excellent lake access for paddlers. "Kayaks were super easy to put into the lake due to the lake access on our campsite! And we were even able to swim about the lake," says Bansi D., who particularly enjoyed the convenient water entry points.
Freighter watching: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to view massive freighters navigating the waterways. "This is a great campground if you want to watch the freighters. I gave it only 4 stars because there is only 30 amp hookups available and there aren't many trees for shade. But the close access to watch the freighters makes up for those short comings," shares Dave D. about Aune-Osborn Campground.
What campers like
Beach quality: The sandy beaches at Brimley State Park rank highly among campers. "The swimming is some of the best with a nice sandy bottom and no rocks. The water is generally cold, as Lake Superior often is, but it's nothing too cold for swimming in," explains Samantha B., who appreciates the swimming conditions despite Lake Superior's typical chill.
Privacy between sites: Three Lakes Campground offers exceptionally spacious sites. "Sites are huge, and very private. We came on a Thursday in late July and only two sites occupied. Full by Friday noon to Sunday morning," reports thomas V., who extended a planned 2-night stay to 10 nights due to the campground's tranquility.
Clean facilities: Bathrooms at many Paradise area campgrounds receive consistently positive reviews. "Michigan State parks earn extra marks for their recycling: paper, plastic, aluminum, and best of all - propane canisters. I was impressed with the cleanliness of the bathrooms and the shower rooms," writes Lee D. about Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
What you should know
Water access limitations: Not all RV campgrounds near Paradise, Michigan provide full hookups. "No water hook ups. State park campground, the sites are nice enough. Bath/Shower house is very well maintained, attending rangers and other staff have been hospitable," advises Tom about Tahquamenon Falls State Park, noting "There is a water fill station on the way into the campground."
Shoulder season visitation: Fall offers excellent camping with fewer crowds at most sites. "We were there late in the season and had a lovely, quiet campsite near the River where we fished for our dinner and later built a romantic campfire," shares Becky K. about her experience at Rivermouth Modern Campground.
Pest preparedness: Mosquitoes can be problematic throughout summer months. "Beware of mosquitos," warns Ellie M. about Soldier Lake Campground, while another reviewer mentions "the bugs in the UP in the summer are just overwhelming" at Tahquamenon Falls.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Bay View Campground offers excellent beach amenities for children. "Enjoyed this clean campground with beach access at gorgeous Lake Superior. Camp host was very friendly, and helpful. If you have kids great campground with some free games/beach items available," recommends Sharon H.
Playground access: Brimley State Park provides playground facilities within the campground. "Nice quiet park, cute cabins, nice spots throughout the park. Short walk to a clean beach. Ranger programs for kids, nice playground," notes EmmaLee H., highlighting the combination of amenities.
Educational opportunities: The Soo Locks offer learning opportunities for children. "The Visitor Center (operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) is free and well worth a visit. There are some short films, interpretive exhibits, and a board letting you know what time the ships are expected into the locks," writes Nancy W. about attractions near Aune-Osborn Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Brimley State Park Campground, site choice matters significantly. "Be careful when selecting your site as there are many different sizes and some pull through sites as well. Water is throughout the park, but the only threaded faucets are at the dump station where you can fill up when you pull in," advises Joe C.
Power reliability concerns: Some RV campgrounds Paradise, Michigan visitors note electrical issues. "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," reports Stacey R. about her experience at Bay Mills Casino RV Campground.
Laundry facility access: Limited laundry facilities exist in the area. "Laundry machines are only 1.25 a load and the dryer actually dries," notes Master R. about Bay Mills Casino RV Campground, one of the few locations offering this amenity.
