Glamping options in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, range from rustic cabins to full-service luxury accommodations across various campgrounds. The eastern Upper Peninsula location provides access to both Lake Superior and St. Mary's River, with seasonal weather patterns allowing for glamping experiences from May through October, though winter accommodations are available at select locations. Most luxury camping sites require advance reservations due to limited availability of premium accommodations.
What to do
Freighter watching from your campsite: Aune-Osborn Campground offers direct views of massive freighters navigating the St. Mary's River. "It was super cool to see the large freight ships pass right by the campground! The campground is very close to town and the Soo Locks but not too close," reports one visitor to Aune-Osborn Campground.
Beach activities at Bay View: Located on the shores of Lake Superior, this campground features sandy beaches and clear waters for swimming. "There are sandy beaches and shipwrecks in the bay which have been preserved for tourists and history geeks," notes a camper at Bay View Campground.
Hiking at Tahquamenon Falls: The Lower Falls Campground provides direct access to trails leading to both Upper and Lower Falls. According to a camper: "Great hiking, obvious beautiful falls, and quiet! Nice facilities, huge sites. Beautiful hiking trails to the falls."
What campers like
Private glamping accommodations: Tiki RV Park offers yurts with modern amenities. "We decided to splurge on a yurt for our first camping trip of the summer. Well worth it! We stayed in 'Kai' one of the newest yurts. Complete with electricity, indoor and outdoor string lights, two deck chairs, a heater, a queen sized bed, and an electric kettle with pour over coffee supplies," shares a guest at Tiki RV Park & Campground.
Direct water access: Many sites at Lake Michigan at St. Ignace provide private paths to the beach. "Some of the beach-side sites looked really great, with private beach access. Beautiful dunes and beach," notes a visitor to Lake Michigan at St. Ignace.
Clean facilities: Despite the rustic setting, many campgrounds maintain high standards. "Bathroom and shower facilities very nice and well maintained, with private lockable shower rooms. There is a laundry with book exchange but no camp store."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most luxury glamping accommodations operate between May and October. "Brand new camper, maiden voyage so really excited. The folks in the office were nice. It was super hot and the park wasn't even half full, yet our AC kept going out due to the power."
Varying hookup quality: Full-service sites aren't standardized across all campgrounds. "Some of the hook-ups at sites are crazy. Our water was nearly 50 feet away and some are on the wrong side."
Road noise considerations: Some glamping sites trade convenience for quiet. "The traffic from highway 2 was louder than the waves at the beach," mentions a camper at Lake Michigan at St. Ignace.
Winter glamping options: Some locations offer year-round accommodations. "Snowmobiled, snowshoed, hiked, cross countries, oh and nice waterfalls," reports a winter visitor to Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for kids: Bay View offers family-friendly shorelines. "If you have kids great campground with some free games/beach items available. Vault toilet (cleanest one I have ever seen!)," notes a visitor.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer recreation areas. "This campground was amazing! Very family friendly with plenty of activities. You are able to rent water equipment, play mini golf and swim around the lake," shares a camper at Brevoort Lake Campground.
Ferry services for island trips: Some campgrounds offer transportation to Mackinac Island. "We visited here to enjoy the locks. But the family found it was so much more enjoyable to be able to just step outside the camper and see the boats go by every chance. Sites on the river are very nice with a great view."
Tips from RVers
Laundry facilities: Some campgrounds offer convenient amenities. "Laundry machines are only 1.25 a load and the dryer actually dries," notes a visitor to Bay Mills Casino RV Campground.
Site selection for waterfront views: Specific site numbers can make a difference. "Site 96, while not waterfront, has excellent view of the river, freighters and all river traffic."
Internet connectivity: WiFi quality varies significantly. "29.00 a day with full hook-ups. 21.00 without sewer. All come with free cable tv and wifi antennas ever couple hundred feet so you get internet from any spot in the park."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require preparation. "Sites are a little close and they have the water and electric hook ups placed a little strangely but it was all good. The sites are a little close and they have the water and electric hook ups placed a little strangely but it was all good."
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