Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches 42 miles along Lake Superior's shoreline in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, with sandstone cliffs rising up to 200 feet above the water. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F, while summer averages 70-75°F with frequent rain showers. The region's unique microclimate creates conditions where mosquitoes can be exceptionally abundant from June through August, requiring campers to prepare accordingly.
What to do
Hiking along Lake Superior: Access the North Country Trail directly through Twelvemile Beach Campground where you can explore some of the most scenic routes in Pictured Rocks. "We love exploring the beach and hiking down the trails right from the campground. We enjoy the ranger programs that are offered, and the camp hosts are so friendly," notes Mandi B.
Kayaking Pictured Rocks: Base yourself at Munising Tourist Park Campground for convenient access to guided kayak tours. The campground is just 3 minutes from Munising where kayak outfitters operate daily during summer. One visitor shared, "Super convenient to go to laundry mat and grocery. We explored area, kayaked Pictured Rocks, hiked Miners Falls (relaxing 1 mile with ability to get down to water)."
Fishing at inland lakes: The North Gemini Lake State Forest Campground offers quieter fishing opportunities away from Lake Superior's crowds. "Awesome little lake campground! Perfect for camping near Lake Superior while avoiding crowded sites and still camping near water," says Keenan. The lake is known for bass and panfish, and has a boat launch accessible to campers.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently praise the exceptional site spacing at JoeIda Campground. "This is the campground seasoned boondocks would build for their family and friends. Perfect. Huge campsites that are spread far apart. Small and beautiful," notes Jim W. The white birch forest setting creates natural barriers between sites.
Quiet inland locations: Many visitors appreciate escaping the crowds at South Gemini Lake State Forest Campground. "This place is very quiet with good separation between sites and lots of trees. The sites on the water are stunning... This was a great way to car camp near pictured rocks without dealing with the closer campsites that are booked well in advance," explains Shelagh R.
Immaculate facilities: Clean facilities matter even in rustic settings. According to Scott D., JoeIda Campground has "pit toilets [that] are super nice and clean" while another camper called them "immaculate." At Colwell Lake Campground, "Bathrooms were cleaned daily and camp hosts were very friendly."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds near Pictured Rocks require advance planning. Colwell Lake Campground operates primarily on reservations with limited first-come sites. "Most of the campsites here need to be reserved-there are only a handful of first come," warns Nicole V.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the area. At Colwell Lake Campground, "Cell service is almost non-existent," while at South Gemini Lake, visitors report "no cell service." Plan communications accordingly.
Seasonal considerations: Winter comes early to the Upper Peninsula. According to Bryan K., who camped at Twelvemile Beach, "We camped at 12mile towards the end of October. Sites are first come which can be an issue peak season. The campsite was great other then that the outhouses were screwed shut by late fall, which made #2's interesting."
Tips for camping with families
Pack for bugs: The Upper Peninsula's insects can be overwhelming, especially for children. At Colwell Lake Campground, one family reported: "The ONE thing I have to say is that the mosquitos came in droves and were absolutely ravenous. We aren't sure if they fog at this place but if not, they most certainly should... These things were unphased by a number of citronella candles, obscene amounts of bug spray."
Consider proximity to attractions: Munising-Pictured Rocks KOA offers kid-friendly amenities despite mixed reviews about site spacing. "Average KOA- There were many tents and RVs but we had a rustic cabin for 3 nights... an overall nice stay with easy access to Pictured Rocks hiking and the town of Munising," reports Rae M.
Look for educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer ranger-led programs that engage children. At Twelvemile Beach Campground, these programs receive positive reviews: "We enjoy the ranger programs that are offered, and the camp hosts are so friendly!!"
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Many of the most scenic campgrounds have limited RV access. Larger rigs should note that JoeIda Campground has access restrictions: "For the narrow 1 mile, one lane entry road with few turnouts, I suspect this is tent only or van camping. Check their website."
Generator use: Not all campgrounds allow generators. Twelvemile Beach Campground does permit generators in designated areas: "Allowed, but there is a generator free zone," according to Roger W., who suggests maximum rig size is about 28 feet.
Water and dump availability: Access to potable water varies among campgrounds. Fox River Campground has limited services with "a couple toilets and self registration station" but no water hookups or dump stations. Plan your tank management accordingly.
