Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the forests near Toivola, Michigan, with sites located at varying elevations between 600-1200 feet. The area experiences long winters with heavy snowfall averaging 180 inches annually, while summer temperatures typically range from 65-80°F. Seasonal access becomes limited from November through April due to snow accumulation on forest roads.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 5-minute drive. Twin Lakes State Park Campground offers nearby waterfall access as noted by camper Katilyn P.: "Quite little park, a waterfall about 5 minutes away. Right on a lake. We were site 44 it rained a lot. But it didn't flood the site."
Disc golf: Free course access. The Ontonagon Township Park Campground features disc golf facilities as part of their recreation options. One camper reported: "There is a playground and disc golf in the area and lots of other things to do."
Lake Superior swimming: Sandy beaches. Visitors praise the swimming conditions at Ontonagon Township Park. According to Kevin: "The water felt so good, we ran back up and got into trunks to swim. Brisk but totally swimmable. The beach was sandy, the lake-bottom sandy/small pebbles (no aqua-socks needed)."
Historical exploration: Mining heritage. Nearby towns offer mining history tours. Jeff F. at Twin Lakes State Park Campground notes the area is "UTV friendly. Right on trail system. Nice lake boating activities drop watercraft in at launch enjoy."
What campers like
Lakefront sunsets: Daily displays. Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground offers direct Lake Superior access with remarkable evening views. Camper RJ W. shared: "We discovered this campground 6 years ago when my nephew wanted to camp as far north in Michigan as we could. Since then we've spent 2 weeks each August tent camping on the shores of Lake Superior."
Quiet atmosphere: Rural location. Many campers appreciate the peaceful setting away from urban noise. Kelly L. noted about Sunset Bay: "Nice private camp ground. Sites are nice on the North side not to crowded with some trees still. South side much more open."
Walking trails: No vehicle needed. L'Anse Township Park & Campground provides walking paths with lake views. As one visitor commented: "Lots of lawn areas, trees, and areas of viewing Lake Superior close by."
Farm-based camping: Unique experience. For something different, Constellation Farmstead offers a rural camping experience. Ashley F. mentioned: "These hosts have put so much care and thought into their property. camping space is available for tents or rvs, and there are hiking trails throughout the property."
What you should know
No reservation system: Early arrival recommended. Several campgrounds operate on first-come basis only. Susan H. from Ontonagon Township Park advises: "They do not take reservations, so it's a gamble to just show up. You really have to be there, in person by 7AM to wait in line to get a site."
Shower facility variations: Pay options. Some campgrounds charge for shower access. One camper at Ontonagon Township reported: "The showers are pay showers but are clean like the modern bathrooms. They also have pit toilets around the campground."
Limited laundry options: Plan accordingly. Campers should pack enough clothing for their entire stay. Susan H. notes about Ontonagon Township Park: "Drawbacks, no laundry facilities, even in town. Stores, restaurants and gas stations nearby but expensive."
Campground renovations: 2024 upgrades. River Road RV Park and other campgrounds may have construction during 2024. Roger W. from Twin Lakes State Park mentions: "A huge facelift in 2024 is being touted. New paving, new bath/shower rooms, and pavilion are coming. Shutdown during some of 2024 is anticipated."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options. Several campgrounds feature kid-friendly play areas. Ber M. from City of Houghton RV Park states: "Beautiful and clean! Right on the water with a little hut. Awesome playground as well."
Beach proximity: Sandy shorelines. Families appreciate the swimming options at Ontonagon Township Park. Cullen H. reported: "My wife and daughter definitely appreciated the beach and playground. If we are back in that area I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again."
Dog parks: Designated areas. Some campgrounds accommodate pets with dedicated spaces. Kim E. from L'Anse Township Park shares: "We come up every year for the meteor shower, and every stay is a great one. New shower rooms, and huge dog park are awesome!"
Kid-friendly cabins: Alternative to tents. For families seeking more comfort during RV camping near Toivola, Michigan, some locations offer cabin options. A visitor to Twin Lakes observed: "Beautiful lake, great swimming, too many four wheelers. Local black bears. Close to Lake of the Clouds and the Porcupine mountains."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Lakeside premium. City of Houghton RV Park offers tiered camping with varying views. Nancy W. advised: "The park is divided into two tiers and we were lucky enough to be in the lower one that was directly on the water. The upper tier has a view of the water too and the same patios but you are overlooking other RVs."
Spacing considerations: Varying privacy levels. RV sites have different configurations across campgrounds. Sam C. from River Road RV Park noted: "Some sites do face each other which we find a little awkward when you are not traveling with friends. The pressure to visit when outside every time does feel a bit uncomfortable."
Access road conditions: Gravel and dust. Jeremy B. from Sunset Bay RV Resort observed: "It has a long driveway that is gravel and all of the campground loops are also gravel or sand so it can be a little dusty. The lake shore sites have beautiful, full views of the lake but just know that many sites will be a tight fit for larger rigs."
Site leveling: Varying terrain. Stephen L. mentioned about RV camping at Sunset Bay: "Most sites are fairly level. I feel like we got one of the only ones that wasn't but I'm not real picky."