Cabin camping near Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan occupies the easternmost edge of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where Lake Superior and Lake Huron meet at the St. Mary's River. The region experiences long, cold winters with heavy lake-effect snow and mild summers with temperatures rarely exceeding 80°F. Cabin accommodations range from no-electricity rustic structures to modern units with kitchenettes, with most sites requiring advance reservations during the peak summer season.
What to do
Freighter watching: The St. Mary's River serves as a major shipping channel for Great Lakes freighters. At Drummond Island Township Park Campground, campers have prime viewing spots. "If you check out the lake at night you can watch HUNDREDS of crawdads crawling across the rocks! If you aren't scared of the leeches that also come out at night, you can catch them by the bucketload," notes one visitor.
Island exploration: Boat-accessible Lime Island State Recreation Area offers a secluded cabin experience with historical attractions. "According to the Michigan DNR, 'Lime Island provides a significant representation of early 20th-century industrial and maritime history. The coal dock, fuel storage tanks, Quonset hut with bunker, fuel heating and pumping equipment, other supporting buildings, and scattered industrial equipment, provide a complete picture of the island's use as a ship refueling depot,'" explains one reviewer.
Paddling: The protected bays and islands create ideal conditions for kayaking and canoeing. "This is a paddler's dream launch site, we left our boats on the shore for the week and jumped in them whenever the desire arose. Islands, rocky ledges, and fossil hunts lie around each headland," reports a camper at Drummond Island Township Park.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Sites along Lake Superior provide direct water access for swimming and fishing. At Lower Falls Campground, "the Lower falls were a short hike away, and there was a nice hike to the Upper falls 4 miles away," according to one visitor, providing multiple water features to explore.
Wildlife viewing: The relatively remote location offers opportunities to see local wildlife. A camper at Sherman Park notes, "Watching the 1000 foot lake freighters come in the St. Mary's River makes up for it though. Enough can't be said for the wilderness found in the UP either."
Hiking trails: Several parks feature trail systems for day hikes. "There is a nice three mile hiking trail right off the campground," mentions a visitor to Drummond Island Township Park, while another adds, "There's also wonderful hiking trails that start right at the campsite, and the woods hide beautiful rock formations and the stone foundations of long destroyed houses."
What you should know
Ferry access: Some of the best cabin locations require boat transportation. "Lime Island Recreation Area is located in the St. Mary's River at the very east end of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It sits in the middle of the river with Canada on one side and Michigan on the other. Raber, Michigan is the nearest shore town, 2 miles across the river. The only way to reach the park is by boat," explains a visitor.
Weather preparation: The Upper Peninsula climate demands packing for variable conditions. "Arrived here 9/27/30, leaving on 9/30/20. It rained off and on continuously. Our site backed up to a bay in Lake Superior. We were able to see a sunset from the beach the first night," shares a visitor at Brimley State Park Campground.
Limited amenities: Many cabins have minimal facilities. "The island has limited electricity (solar-powered only) and no running water. Portable toilets are provided and there is a pump for a potable-water well. Cabin guests need to provide all their own gear, including sleeping and cooking supplies and equipment," notes a visitor to Lime Island.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Lake Superior shoreline provides water recreation opportunities. A Brimley State Park visitor notes, "The shining star of this campground is the beach. 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."
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds include playground equipment for children. At Loons Point RV Park & Campground, visitors appreciate family-friendly amenities. "This campground was quiet and peaceful. The owners are some of the sweetest I've ever met and they keep the campground clean and kept up. There is a small area for swimming and a bathroom house on the property," shares one camper.
Ranger programs: Some parks offer educational activities for children. A visitor to Brimley State Park notes, "Nice quiet park, cute cabins, nice spots throughout the park. Short walk to a clean beach. Ranger programs for kids, nice playground."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "Sites sites are nice size and grassy. It's right on Lake Superior. Bathrooms are nice and clean. Very close to a lot of cool things to go sightseeing," notes a visitor to Brimley State Park.
Electrical hookups: Not all sites provide the same level of service. A Lower Falls Campground visitor mentions, "Great state park. Nice facilities, huge sites. Beautiful hiking trails to the falls. Brewery has good beer," but others note limitations in hookup availability at various parks.
Water access: Water fill stations may not be at individual sites. "State park campground, the sites are nice enough. Bath/Shower house is very well maintained, attending rangers and other staff have been hospitable. There is a water fill station on the way into the campground," explains a camper at Lower Falls Campground.
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