RV camping options near Wakefield, Michigan span from rustic national forest sites to small municipal parks. The region sits at the western edge of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where dense forest meets Lake Superior's southern shore. Fall temperatures often drop below 45°F at night, with summer daytime temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F, creating ideal camping conditions from June through September.
What to Do
Waterfall exploration: 5 miles from Black River Harbor Campground, visitors can access multiple waterfall trails. "The real gem of this place is the location. The Black River Falls are an astounding bit of Michigan scenery just minutes away by car. We decided to take a 7 mile out-and-back hike that brought us past five of the falls—each one far exceeding the expectations of this downstater," writes Anthony K.
Lake swimming: 30 minutes from town at Presque Isle - Porcupine Mountains State Park. "There is a steep trail to the lake (some of this is covered in staircases, but the last scramble is down a steep slope)," notes Annie C. The park also has "a trail to the lake and a small beach where you could swim."
Winter sports: 10-15 minute drive to Powderhorn Mountain Resort from several campgrounds. "The road that brings you off route 2 towards this campground brings you past the powderhorn ski resort and then past 3 gorgeous waterfall sites, which are clearly marked," shares Lucy B. about Black River Harbor Campground.
What Campers Like
Lakefront access: Several campgrounds provide direct Lake Superior views. At Presque Isle, "There are a few sites which are along the cliff side looking down to Lake Superior, we were lucky enough to reserve one of those, site 2. It was a very large site, equipped with the standard picnic table and fire ring," reports Stacia R.
ATV trail access: Several RV parks near Wakefield provide direct trail connections. "This place has always been well maintained. Clean facilities. There is plenty of space in between camping or RV spots. If your looking for a place that isn't crammed packed full of people this is it. Utv trails to Wisconsin can be accessed right here," notes Cindy about Alpine Campground & RV Park.
Affordable rates: Most campgrounds in the area maintain competitive pricing. "For $38 for 2 adults, 2 kids electric and water hook up," reports Karen B. about one campground, while at River Road RV Park, a visitor notes it was "Only $20 with no hookups. Clean restrooms & shower stalls."
What You Should Know
Seasonal operation: Most RV parks near Wakefield close in October. "This campground is rustic with only vault toilets and no hookups. There is a section that allows generators during certain hours of the day," explains Stacia R. about Presque Isle. Many water systems shut down early: "The water is turned off for the 2020 season so just pack in enough water."
Black fly season: Early to mid-summer brings intense insect activity. "We went early-mid July and it was so bad we left with at least 20 bites each. Deet does nothing. In fact, we were told by a local that 'no bug spray works, any spray that says it does is lying,'" warns Emma W. about Black River Harbor Campground.
Limited cell coverage: Service varies significantly throughout the area. One camper at Kreher RV Park reports: "I had great 5G T-mobile signal here, and decent 4G Verizon signal inside the camper. Outside the camper I could get a good 5G Verizon signal." However, many forest service campgrounds have minimal or no coverage.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Frontier RV Park, one visitor notes it has a "Large playground, biking, hiking" making it "Great for families!"
Weather preparedness: Pack for temperature swings of 30+ degrees. "In the evenings, we followed the trails to the Harbor and caught a gorgeous sunset," shares a camper at Black River Harbor, but temperatures can drop rapidly after sunset.
Beach accessibility: Not all "lakefront" sites provide easy water access. "The sites along Lake Superior itself were reserved but we walked down to the harbor and beach and strolled for almost an hour on the beach without seeing anyone," notes Lucy B. about Black River Harbor Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Come prepared with blocks and levelers. "Our site was grass and had some ruts from previous guests. It sounded like they had a lot of rain earlier in the summer," reports one visitor to River Road RV Park.
Limited large rig options: Most campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs best. "I would not recommend this campground for anything larger than a pop up or teardrop. The sites are close together and hilly. The road to the back area where we stayed in 25 was narrow," cautions Stephanie J. about Dalrymple Park.
Off-season availability: Some parks offer year-round camping. "Full hookups with laundry facilities approximately 40 miles north of Wakefield," is available at River Road RV Park, which operates "All year" according to their listing information. "Very nice park with several new lots that are all grass with water and electric. Several lots are full hookup," notes Jim M. about Frontier RV Park.
