Upper Peninsula camping near Seney, Michigan features coastal and inland options with significant temperature variations. Summer nights can drop to 50°F even when days reach the 80s, while winter brings heavy snowfall exceeding 200 inches annually in some areas. Cell service throughout the region remains spotty with many campgrounds reporting limited to no connectivity, particularly in more remote locations.
What to do
Lighthouse hiking trails: Access the Au Sable Lighthouse via a 1.5-mile trail from Hurricane River Campground. "You can take a 1.5 mile hike along the shores of Lake Superior to the Au Sable Light House stopping to see old ship wreck remains," notes a camper who appreciated the coastal walk.
Kayaking and canoeing: Northland Outfitters offers river excursions directly from their campground. "We canoed and our son kayaked the Manistique River. Shuttled up and paddled back to campground. About 3 1/2 hour trip. It was serene on the river," reports a visitor who enjoyed this family-friendly activity.
Beach access: Many campgrounds offer Lake Superior beach access with varying terrain. "We took our chairs and a light snack to the beach to enjoy the sunset," mentions a Hurricane River camper, while another notes you'll find "a small but rocky beach" just a short walk from the campsites.
Winter camping: For those prepared for extreme conditions, Hurricane River Campground remains accessible in winter months. "I went in mid-late November so water and restrooms were closed off by then. I was the only camper there but it was lovely. You can hear the lake waves and you're steps from the trail to the lighthouse," reports a winter visitor.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers frequently mention site size and privacy as key factors. At Pictured Rocks RV Park, visitors appreciate that "all site are very large and spacious. Picnic tables and site rings." Another notes, "Open, level gravel sites and some concrete pads scattered throughout this pretty new campground."
Clean facilities: Facility cleanliness stands out in reviews across multiple campgrounds. "The cleanest camp showers I've ever used," reports a camper at Indian Lake RV Resort, while another mentions, "Very clean facilities. Every site is close to the lake."
Natural soundscapes: Campers value the natural ambient sounds at waterfront sites. One Hurricane River visitor noted, "You can hear the lake waves," while a reviewer at Woodland Park Campground mentioned, "We could literally hear lake superior all night, it was so peaceful and relaxing."
Centralized locations: Many campgrounds serve as strategic bases for exploring the region. "Central location for upper peninsula activities," notes a reviewer at Newberry Campground, while another camper at BayRidge RV Park appreciated being able to access multiple attractions: "We did go to Oswald's Bear Ranch, Kitch-iti-kipi, and a few other places in one day."
What you should know
Limited water access: Many campgrounds feature electric-only hookups without direct water connections. At Kewadin Casino Manistique, there are "20 amp hookups on the grass, 30 on the pavement. $20 and $25. Park and pay at the gift shop. $5 back with receipt if you get a rewards card. Electric hookups only."
Early arrival recommended: First-come, first-served campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "I would recommend that you arrive early to get a site especially in the summer months. Be aware of other close campgrounds as back up in case the campground is full," advises a Hurricane River camper.
Uneven terrain: Site leveling can be challenging at some parks. A BayRidge RV Park visitor warns, "Have plenty of levelling equipment available!! Some are very level, some are not level at all. We were in spot 32 and 4" laterally and 19" longitudinally out of level to start with."
Insect preparedness: Biting insects can be intense during summer months. "There were a lot of bugs while we were there, so it was hard to stay outdoors for a long period of time during certain times of the day. But this is the Mid-west and it is just part of this region," notes one camper at Pictured Rocks RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Newberry Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "There's a playground a pool for kids. Large wooded sites and friendly staff," reports one repeat visitor, while another notes "a little game room and store" among the facilities.
Playground considerations: Quality and appeal of play areas vary significantly. One family visiting Newberry Campground found "the playground was less than appealing" to their older children ages 11+, while Northland Outfitters received praise for its "swingset and covered sandbox for kids. Volleyball net."
Natural play areas: Children often create their own entertainment in natural settings. At Pictured Rocks RV Park, one family reported: "the kids stumbled upon a sand dune just off the main stretch of campsites. Not sure if they were supposed to be there, but a little playing in the dirt can't hurt, right?!"
Noise levels: Road noise can be an issue at some campgrounds. At Hurricane River Campground, a reviewer noted, "our site #8 like others was next to the only road that carves through Pictured Rocks. It's not a super busy road but you will hear every single car and truck whizzing by."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Carefully check site measurements before booking. At BayRidge RV Park, a reviewer notes, "Most sites are back-in but there are about a half dozen pull-through sites. All sites are gravel and there is a varying amount of site size and privacy between sites."
Proximity concerns: Some campgrounds feature extremely close sites. A visitor to Big Cedar Campground observed, "Campsites were very small; your neighbor's sewer tube was right underneath your picnic table."
Connectivity challenges: Cell service varies dramatically throughout the region. At BayRidge RV Park, a camper reported "No Verizon service. Only T-Mobile and AT&T," while another mentioned, "WIFI only works around the office/facilities building."
Check-in/check-out policies: Some campgrounds enforce strict departure times. At Pictured Rocks RV Park, visitors are warned: "Check in at noon, check out at noon. Just make sure to leave by noon or they charge you $100."
