Best Campgrounds near Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Campgrounds near Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan feature waterfront settings along the St. Mary's River, offering prime views of freighters traversing between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes. Aune-Osborn Campground and Sherman Park provide developed sites with electric hookups and modern facilities for both tent and RV camping. Several campgrounds, including Brimley State Park and Bay View in Hiawatha National Forest, offer cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping areas. Most developed campgrounds in the region maintain a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and in some cases, cabin rentals, creating versatile options for different camping preferences within proximity to water features and local attractions.
Camping in the Sault Ste. Marie area operates primarily from May through October, with most facilities closing during harsh winter months. "We had a great stay at Aune Osborn. Beautiful quiet place. Friendly staff, pet friendly and freighter watching," noted one visitor. Reservations are highly recommended during summer months, particularly for waterfront sites that offer views of passing ships. While some campgrounds like Soo Locks Campground and Kewadin Casino RV Park operate on a first-come, first-served basis, others require advance bookings through phone or online systems. Most developed campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, though sewer connections are less common. Bathhouse availability varies significantly between locations, with city-managed sites typically offering better maintained facilities than more remote options.
The region's campgrounds exhibit distinctive characteristics centered around maritime activities and viewing opportunities. Freighter watching emerges as a primary attraction at riverside campgrounds, with sites along the St. Mary's River providing front-row views of massive ships. A visitor remarked, "This location can't be beat: close to town and great freighter watching." Sites at Sherman Park and Aune-Osborn Campground offer beach access and water views but provide minimal shade and privacy between campsites. Campers frequently mention clean bathrooms and shower facilities as positive attributes at Brimley State Park and Aune-Osborn, though site spacing receives mixed reviews. Casino-adjacent campgrounds provide convenient access to additional amenities, while state park and national forest campgrounds typically offer more natural surroundings with hiking opportunities. Proximity to downtown Sault Ste. Marie and the Soo Locks visitor areas serves as a significant advantage for most campgrounds in the region.