Cabin camping near Toivola, Michigan offers options within Michigan's Upper Peninsula where average winter temperatures can drop to 10°F (-12°C) and summer averages reach 75°F (24°C). This area sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with mixed hardwood-conifer forests dominating the landscape. Most cabin sites in this region operate year-round but require advance reservations, particularly between June and September.
What to do
Beach activities at Lake Superior: McLain State Park Campground provides access to both human and canine beaches along Lake Superior. "There's a very nice beach and a dog friendly beach. All sites had a very nice fire pit though there was no grate," notes Thomas S.
Hiking local trails: Craig Lake State Park features the North Country Trail which skirts the lake. Rebecca W. shares, "North Country Trail skirts the lake and there are additional trails that branch on and off it, including trails that go all the way around."
Winter recreation: Bond Falls Campground maintains year-round accessibility with winter activities. One camper mentioned visiting "the falls in the wintertime when some of it was frozen, and the ground covered in snow. Very pretty that time of the year."
Lake activities: Michigamme Shores Campground offers water-based recreation options during summer months. Steve notes, "There were several large floating climbing structures in the swim area. Kids were having a blast. Great sandy beach with resort style lounge chairs."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Craig Lake State Park Campground offers remote cabin and tent sites with true seclusion. Rebecca W. explains, "For someone who GREATLY values hidden gems where you can get really out and remote, this place is an absolute heavenly oasis."
Rustic cabin experience: Many visitors appreciate the wilderness setting of Craig Lake cabins. Jeff P. states, "The park has 2 rustic cabins and 2 yurts for rent that are a fantastic getaway and a great place to take your spouse."
Sunset views: Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground provides cabins with exceptional lake views. A recent visitor shared, "This place is way off the beaten path. Long dirt road to get back here. There are tent sites all along the beach front to watch the sunset and pick rocks."
Family-friendly amenities: Van Riper State Park Campground offers activities for all ages. As Jenny G. notes, "My kids made some of their best memories ever camping here. Lots of families, positive environment. Clean campground and park, helpful staff."
What you should know
Road noise considerations: Baraga State Park Campground cabins sit near highways which affects the experience. Lydia T. reports, "The campsites are very close together and the whole campground is next to very busy road. My tent was under a flood light all night."
Campsite privacy varies: McLain State Park has varying levels of seclusion between sites. Kate K. explains, "I try to avoid state parks when I can, because they are just slightly too crowded and the sites are always a little small."
Water quality and temperature: Lake Superior cabin locations feature cold water even in summer. Wendy L. mentions at McLain State Park, "Great for bicycling, hiking, lazy days at the beach. Lake superior water is cold!"
Seasonal insect conditions: Bond Falls campers report significant bug activity during certain seasons. Nathan W. states, "Mosquitoes and flies were so bad that our dogs faces were getting bloody and bug spray and a fire did nothing for us."
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Van Riper State Park Campground has multiple water recreation facilities for children. Jenny G. shares, "Swam and paddled on Lake Michigamme for hours. Huge beach with volleyball net. Large bathhouse with private shower rooms. Huge playground."
Birthday celebrations: Van Riper accommodates special events in cabin areas. Ashley L. recounts, "Had my son's 6th birthday party here. We were able to grill our food at our camp site then brought it over closer to the beach where we set up in the grassy area."
Kid-friendly water features: Michigamme Shores Campground includes water attractions specifically designed for children. Steve observes, "There is a cool trampoline type thing in the water that kids loved playing on."
Off-site excursions: McLain State Park provides access to regional attractions. Dalton B. notes the park is "not far from Houghton/Hancock" making day trips to nearby towns feasible when cabin camping.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility information: Michigamme Shores Campground provides full hookups for RVs and cabins for those without. Randall J. mentions it's "right off the highway with full hook-up available and a great roadside bbq joint on site."
Campsite surfaces: McLain State Park offers various pad types for different rigs. Wendy L. explains, "Nice sites either blacktop, gravel or grass. Majority of sites have lake superior views."
Bathroom facilities: Van Riper State Park maintains clean shower facilities for all campers. As Kelly L. reports about another location, it "had a nice bath and shower building, firewood for sale, dump station and water fill."
Seasonal considerations: Visitors recommend checking road conditions during winter months for cabin access. Some campgrounds require additional fees beyond the standard Michigan Recreation Passport, typically $11 per vehicle for non-residents.
