Looking for a place to go glamping near Pictured Rocks National Park? The Dyrt lets you enjoy a unique, rustic Pictured Rocks National Park experience while glamping. The Dyrt makes it easy to find glamping near Pictured Rocks National Park.
Twelvemile Beach Campground is a beautiful campground along Lake Superior located within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, just 15 miles (24 km) west of Grand Marais. There are 36 sites total, including 2 universally accessible sites. Twelvemile Beach has water, pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and an interpretive amphitheater. The campground has access to the North Country Trail and the two mile (3.2 km) long self-guided White Birch Interpretive Trail. The turning radius and some of the parking at sites are limited, so the Park recommends that camper, or vehicle/trailer length should NOT exceed 42 feet (13 m).
There are three sets of stairs to the beach as well as a day-use picnic area and parking. The two-mile (3.2 km) long White Birch Trail begins and ends at the campground. The North Country Trail treks through the campground. The entrance road winds through a picturesque stand of white birch.
Sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, inland lakes, deep forest, and wild shoreline beckon you to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The power of Lake Superior shapes the park's coastal features and affects every ecosystem, creating a unique landscape to explore. Hiking, camping, sightseeing, and four-season outdoor opportunities abound.
Kayak and Other Guided Tours and Pictured Rocks Boat Cruises within the national lakeshore are offered by authorized private companies. Pontoon boat and other rentals for use on Lake Superior are available in nearby communities.
$25 - $35 / night
Located in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on the shores of Lake Superior lies the Munising Tourist Park Campground. This City owned campground was established in 1924 and has long since been a stopping point for campers visiting pictured rocks. With its unique location on Lake Superior it gives campers the ability to recreate on Lake Superior while experiencing breathtaking views. The campground is just 3 miles west of Munising where campers will find boat rides such as Pictured Rocks Cruises, Glass Bottom Boat Cruises’s and the Riptide Ride all located within 3 miles of the campground. Our location provides for day trips to Marquette, Grand Marais and Taquamenon Falls all within an hours drive without having to haul your camper!
$29 - $45 / night
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
$15 / night
$20 / night
17 sites for tent and small trailer use. Rustic campground includes vault toilets and potable water from well hand pump. Sites available on a first-come, first-serve basis. No reservations.
$20 / night
$20 - $200 / night
Colwell Lake Campground is situated on Colwell Lake in the center of Michigan's Hiawatha National Forest. Guests of all ages can enjoy nature and the outdoors in this picturesque setting. The campground has much to offer in terms of recreation, such as swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking, and can accommodate families, individuals, small groups, RV and tent campers with several amenities.
With an excellent swimming beach, boat access and an accessible fishing pier, Colwell Lake has plenty to offer families and anglers. Largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish, perch and bluegill are all available in the lake. The facility also provides a leisurely 2 mile hiking and snowshoeing trail.
The campground is situated on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, on the eastern shore of the 145-acre Colwell Lake. The area is forested with a variety of deciduous and conifer trees, and some campsites overlook the water.
Big Island, Fish and Straits lakes are all within 25 miles of the campground.
$22 - $70 / night
$30 / night
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
Guide
Booked this trip with the sole purpose of kayaking the Pictured Rocks National Park. Camp site was great, had a great walk in site which was right in the beach of Lake Superior.
The facilities of the campground were great. The shower and bathroom facilities were clean, and easily accessible. Drinking water was readily available, as was fire wood for purchase.
Overall a great location and experience.
Scout
This is a fabulous campground! There are over 20 sites, about half of which are located lake side (not directly on the lake, but there are little paths that lead you there and you can somewhat see the water from these sites.) There is a boat launch on one end of campground and the amazing beach on the other. The water is clear and warm (perfect lake for swimming) and there is both sand and grassy areas on the fairly large beach. The beach also offers picnic tables and benches. The only negative aspect I can see about this campground is that the sites are right on top of each other, so if you have a loud group or a generator next to you, it is noisy. But most campgrounds have sites set real close together, so you will find this pretty much everywhere. Def camp here! About an hours drive from a Pictured Rocks National Park. There are no showers or running water. Camp hosts were very nice, helpful, & welcoming.
Guide
Paddlers Village was a nice, small, clean campground right on Lake Superior. We stayed in a Yurt, and had a good experience. The campground offers nice showers, a sink to wash dishes, trash cans.. all the amenities. The yurts are just steps from lake superior, and they have a nice rock beach (we filtered the water there and it was awesome) and a pier going out into the water. We had great sunrises. Each yurt is equipped with bunk beds and a futon (sleeps 5), mini fridge, power... definitely glamping :) Just bring your own sleeping bag, etc.
You can also rent kayaks from there to go out into lake superior. We were not able to do that because it stormed, but they say you can get to Pictured Rocks - that would be VERY FAR.
One thing to note - there was a HUGE thunderstorm while we were there, and we stayed totally dry and secure in the yurt. It was an ideal night to be there with that happening.
The only negative of the place is really just the tight proximity to other campers. there is not a ton of room, so we could hear people talking outside into the night.
GuideA treat to fall asleep in one of the yurts to the sound of the waves lapping the shore. The tents are great, too. Prime sunrise spot on the beach with coffee — view of Grand Island. Clean, friendly, a fun experience. Lots of cool rock picking by the dock. Fun to stay in the beginning/end of season for a quieter stay, otherwise enjoy a neighborhood feeling campground :) highly recommend the kayaking tours that this company also gives along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Traveler
We went in September and it was still mildly warm, bugs were gone the only thing I would recommend is water proof hiking boots which is a must hiking in Michigan anyway.
Ranger
Campground Review: Indian Lake State Park, South Shore, has become my favorite State Park in Michigan! This was my first visit, and I'm in love. Great location, well maintained. 5 minutes from Kitchitikipi, or the Big Springs, 5 minutes from Lake Michigan. Lovely lakeside spacious sites.
Gear Review: La Siesta Travel Hammock- very cool, compact hammock! My first ever hammock/hammock experience, and it was a huge success! Easy up, easy down, the rigging was easy and simple to figure out. Tips and hints about where to locate your hammock, hammock angling, etc. would be appreciated in the instructions. Overal a great product though.
Guide
unable to find a site at Pictured Rocks we were directed to this state forest campground. it was our first stay at a SF campground in Michigan and since we have sought them out and stayed in many. gorgeous lake surrounded by dense forest. sites are secluded, some are on the lake. perfect place if you’re looking to get away from it all. we were there in September after labor day only one other site was occupied.
Legend
Super popular first come, first served campground. We checked out all the sites online (there are even pictures of each site!) and had planned which ones were favorites. Sites are all near the beach or amongst the dunes. Sites were large and some shaded but not super secluded, but the views and ambiance made it a favorite camping trip. The drawback, as in many Upper Michigan campgrounds and parks, were black (biting) flies :( So try to plan your trip before they are too bad!
GuideSet up your tent on the sands of Lake Superior and take in the view. That makes this the most amazing campground in Michigan. Period. The views are magnificent. We were able to cook dinner over the fire while watching some of the finest sunsets in Pictured Rocks. The vault toilets are surprisingly clean and there is drinking water available. There are also bear proof bins available for hikers who might not have a vehicle.
The downside is the secret about this place has gotten out and the 36 sites pretty much stay filled all year round. It's a first come, first serve campground.
Traveler
This is one of my favorite campsites in Michigan. We happen to stumble upon it after endlessly searching for a spot at Pictured Rocks. There is a beautiful sand bottomed lake for swimming on many sites are right on the lake. The lake also connects to several other small lakes in the area. You can kayak or canoe to each lake during the day. The sites are large and from what I remember they have vault toilets. No showers. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table and some firendly chipmunks.
Guide
We stayed here on the very last night they were open this season. The staff was very friendly and they actually had campsites that were more private then almost all the Michigan state parks we have stayed at. It was a bit pricey for camping $40 for a pop up truck camper with only electric and water.
They have hot showers that were clean and looked taken care of. 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. My one complaint was it is pretty close to the road and during a heavy tourist season it could probably be pretty loud.
TravelerTwelvemile Beach sits along a foredune of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, an intensely remote stretch of shoreline with Grand Marais to the east and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to the west.
As you pull in, you find the entrance road winds through a white birch forest. I've been to Twelvemile in the spring, summer and autumn and find the forest enchanting with every season. The road takes an abrupt left turn and runs parallel to the Lake, unseen until now. This begins the loop that is Twelvemile Beach Campground.
There are pros and cons to both lakeside sites ($16/night) and the wooded sites ($14/night) across the road. Bugs, wind, and the freshwater gales ol' Gitche Gumee likes to toss up should all be taken into account when choosing a site, but it's safe to say that a lakeside site is always preferred in my book. They run along the dune ridge with sweeping views of Lake Superior and the constant breeze helps keeps bugs at bay (usually).
Sites are generous in size and quite private, especially if you visit in spring and autumn. Access to the beach is plentiful and the North Country Trail actually cuts straight through the campground. Poison ivy has never been an issue for me here. Sites are first come, first served.
If you're visiting during the summer season, get there early and catch sites in the morning as people leave. It sounds extreme but it's well worth the effort (you'll thank me when you're swinging in your hammock as the poor souls who arrive in the afternoon drive through, again and again, hoping for an opening.) I can't recommend Twelvemile Beach enough. Getting there is a journey, but the destination will become one of your favorite places on earth.
Guide
If you’re into getting off the grid in the middle of the forest with nearby lakes this is a great spot. Small campground with private sites within pictures rocks lakeshore. Primitive with vault toilets, no showers. There is a water pump. There was no firewood for purchase and we did not see any hosts. No cell service. Would definitely stay here again!
TravelerThere are 8 campsites, 1 cabin and a pair of vault toilets, so I’m reluctant to let anyone else know about Joeida Campground...just keep it quiet, ok? We had site #8 which was large, near the toilets and near the water pump. (As someone else mentioned, the vault toilets are like no others we’ve experienced. Amazingly clean and new.) The sites are well-spaced and it was very quiet within the campground. The owners welcomed us and gave us a few tips on hikes and other things to do in the area. It’s a short drive to both Munising and to Grand Marais, and to many other activities within the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Firewood is available at the campground and can be arranged for at the time of reservation. Otherwise, there are several racks of firewood available for purchase nearby.
GuideThis is the campground you would build for family and friends. Everything looks new and well cared for. The campsites are beyond spacious. The road into the campground is one lane tight.
The pit toilets are immaculate. The picnic tables are extra large and new. The fire rings have gravel around and again, new.
This is quality in a rustic setting.
GuideThis is the campground seasoned boondocks would build for their family and friends. Perfect. Huge campsite s that are spread far apart. Small and beautiful.
TravelerCleanest vault toilets ever. Lots of room between sites. Water pump. Completely satisfied 😊. Excellent camping. Road was not too bad
LegendSecluded 8 camp sites. BEAUTIFUL vault toilets...not kidding. The campfire rings have built in grills. Very quiet and clean.
LegendJoleda: In the Pictured Rocks NP buffer zone. I rate primarily based on desire for at least a moderate wilderness type experience w at least some camp site privacy. Cleanliness and care of campground are also taken into consideration.
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer)
Overall Rating: 5 - the best privately owned campground layout I have ever seen. For the narrow 1 mile, one lane entry road with few turnouts, I suspect this is tent only or van camping. Check their website.
Price 2023: $25 per night
Usage during visit: Full on Labor Day weekend .
Site Privacy: EXCELLENT. One site that I saw, I’d downgrade to good! Enjoy.
Site Spacing: EXCELLENT
Site surface: Not surfaced.
Reservations: Yes
Campground Noise: Ideally quiet.
Road Noise: 1 mile from the highway.
Through Traffic in campground: No reason for through traffic here.
Electric Hookup: No
Sewer Hookup: No
Dump Station: I did not see one.
Potable Water Available: New hand pump.
Bathroom: New and very clean pit toilet.
Showers: No
Pull Throughs: A couple
Cell Service (AT&T): Nope.
Setting: In a forest with thick understory offering GREAT privacy for each site.
Weather: Nice and Sunny on the second day of September.
Bugs: I have experienced moderate mosquitoes in the after following a dip in temperatures. With increase in temp, they are becoming a bit more numerous.
Solar: No
Host: I did not see one.
Rig size: Keep it under 25’ Id say. Check their website
Sites: Most everyone is superb.
TravelerThis is our favorite campground! 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!!
GuideGet there early! Campsites don’t take reservations so walk in early if you want a chance to find a campsite. There is only 12 campsites + a few handicapped campsites in the area I was in. I was lucky enough to get a campsite right next to the lake and it was absolutely beautiful! Toilets are available but no running water. There is a bubbler/water spout at entrance to campsite. Gorgeous campsite! Gorgeous Park! Will be back sometime!
TravelerWe had an absolutly gorgeous site that was right on a ridge overlooking the lake. We just had to walk down the ridge to get to the lake. The site had a nice amount of trees to hammock from and a good amount of space for our larger tent. The facilities there were nice. Do note that spots are first come first serve.
GuideThere is a backcountry campground not 1/2-mile from the 12-Mile Beach car/RV campground. "Backcountry" is deceptive, as there is a road/parking area about 1/4 mile west of the site.
You'd expect a site close to cars/roads to be clean as it's easy for people to pack trash out to a car, but there was a fair amount of garbage left in fire rings at this campground (we burned what we could and packed the rest out). The plus side was that someone had left a handful of split logs behind, negating the need to gather anything beyond kindling.
Proximity to the drive-in sites provided ready access to potable, running water and flush toilets, although there is a pit toilet at this campground.
Lake Superior is readily accessible from both these sites and the drive-in campground.
TravelerNo reservations so you need to be early and persistent in finding a campsite. Great lakeside sites with easy beach access and gorgeous views.
LegendWhat an amazing campground location! Easy access to the beach and the trails along the water :) We lucked out with a GREAT view of Lake Superior. Sandy sites mean its easy put up and tent and get a good nights rest. For how busy the campground was it wasn't overly loud or too chaotic. Paths down to the beach for easy access no matter what spot you get, it will not be a disappointment. (Though still try for the lake view ones ;) )
I would think it's challenging to get a spot here! We stayed our first night at a campground near Munising then got up SUPER early to get a site here. I believe it's first come, first served but since it's been a couple years that might have changed.
*Munising is not super close, but it's well worth it for a bit of a drive to go on the Picture Rocks cruise! VERY cool to see the cliffside and the brilliant colors from the water :)
GuideAbsolutely breathtaking beach side sites. Came in late June during the week and getting a spot was easy. The sites are close together. but had our own private trail that lead to the beach. Quiet for the most part and campers respected privacy. Found wolf prints not far from our site on the beach. Can’t wait to visit again!
GuideWe stayed during the last few nights of walk-up only camping. Pit toilets were rough but did have hand sanitizer. Water available at center point of campground. Easy beach access from nearly all sites. Flies varied from nonexistent to intolerable, depending on the wind. This campground was so quiet and beautiful. On our last night a storm blew in and demolished many of the tents and other structures along the beach side. The sites with the best views were hit harder bc of a lack of trees. Beware. No cell service at campground but is available at the Sable visitor center approximately 20 minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Pictured Rocks National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Pictured Rocks National Park is Twelvemile Beach Campground — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with a 4.8-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Pictured Rocks National Park?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 glamping camping locations near Pictured Rocks National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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