Looking for a place to go glamping near Watton? Camping has always been a favorite form of travel for many, but Watton, MI glamping is a new and unique way to do it. These scenic and easy to access Michigan glamping locations are perfect for any adventurer.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
$20 - $34 / night
Although not part of the Ottawa National Forest, this beautiful waterfalls is surrounded by the Ottawa National Forest. One of the most popular Upper Peninsula waterfalls. Managed by the U.P. Power Company, a developed trail is maintained with steps and bridges across the river at the base of the falls. This is one fall that is beautiful yearlong, and a variety of plants can be viewed throughout the summer.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more:https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
Sylvania (Clark Lake) Campground is located seven miles southwest of Watersmeet, Michigan, adjacent to the 18,327 acre Sylvania Wilderness Area. This 48-site campground provides a home base for visitors who venture into the wilderness on day outings. Also a great camping area in general or overnight camping just 5 minutes off Highway U.S. 2. Some electrical sites available, pressurized toilet facilities and an RV Dump and Water Station. Some sites are reservable but there are always sites available on a first come first serve basis as well!
Sylvania's abundant lakes provide plentiful non-motorized boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. Other popular activities include hiking and viewing wildlife.
The old-growth forests and pristine lakes in the region provide habitat for a wide range of animal and plant life, including rare orchids, bald eagles, loons and osprey. The wilderness contains 34 named lakes, some with sandy beaches and others surrounded by record-size red and white pines. The Ottawa National Forest is comprised of nearly one million acres and is located in the western reaches of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The forest's rolling, forest covered hills extend from the south shore of Lake Superior to the Wisconsin border. Lakes, rivers and waterfalls are found throughout this beautiful landscape.
Bond Falls located about 20 minutes North East. Porcupine Mountains located about 1 hour North West. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore located about 2 hours North East. Keweenaw Peninsula is located about 1.5 hours North.
$18 - $23 / night
Guide
This is my absolute favorite place to camp, hike, kayak, fish, and just get away from it all. If you want seclusion, you can find it here with many remote campsites that are only accessible through the water or overland by hiking the trails in the park.
The park has 2 rustic cabins and 2 yurts for rent that are a fantastic getaway and a great place to take your spouse.
The wildlife include loons, eagles, bears, moose, deer and others. The lake has fantastic fishing for smallmouth, northern pike, crappie, walleye, and the occasional musky.
I CAN’T WAIT TO GO BACK!
TravelerThe Michigan Recreation Passport Solar does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas.
Legend
This was a GREAT campground to stay at for checking out some of the numerous popular waterfalls in upper Michigan. Our grassy site was on the shore of the lake with lots of trees. It felt quite secluded and the park wasn't too busy. The facilities were clean and the park rangers were very friendly and helpful. We like trying new campsites on each trip, but this was pretty ideal so we might be back next year!
Traveler
Hi, all. So, everyone’s been traveling haven’t they? Us spontaneous no planning SOB’s are SOL. My family could not find anywhere to stay and this was the very last campsite on the map in the state of Michigan. We thought F it. We will pay 30$ for electricity and a shower... honestly worth it for the shower. But definitely not a destination spot if I do say so myself. If you can, PLAN your camping. I’m from MN and am not used to having to reserve your campsite. Plan ahead and get the best of the best. Although, we did have weird luck camping at smaller lakes outside of pictured rocks for free.
Legend
Bond Falls is a little difficult to figure out if you haven't done your homework before visiting. You will show up to Bond Falls looking for a campground. You will see a self-registration board at the falls but it has NOTHING to do with camping. It is only to register your vehicle for the daily admittance pass if you have not already done so. Problem, it is the same form and envelope in every other Michigan State park so you will see the line for camping fees on the form and it can be a bit confusing.
The falls are very pretty and worth checking out. There is no "campground" per se. There are campsites strung along the banks all around the lake, there are even a few camp sites on some islands in the middle of the lake. The camp sites are managed by a power company. They have a visitor center right off the main road outside of the park entrance where you can get all of the information you need.
Do your homework before you commit the time and resources to camping at Bond Falls.
Legend
The Michigan State Forest Campgrounds continue to delight us. For $15 a night you can experience camping like I did as a child – simple, unelectrified, and in beautiful outdoor locations. Lots of space in between most sites gives you a good deal of privacy. In mid-October, we woke up to full on winter one morning, so be prepared for anything in the shoulder season. Also, the entrance to this campground is not for low clearance vehicles...it is full of HUGE flooded potholes (small ponds really). Not recommended for 2 wheel drive, low clearance vehicles.
Getting to Big Lake leads you through some marvelous pine meadows and wetlands with browsing deer and pheasants. The North Country Trail (long distance backpacking trail) winds through this part of the UP, and the Big Lake campground would make a perfect starting or ending place for a section hike. Within 10 miles back on the highway is a large gas station/convenience store and café where you could get a hot meal or stock up on a few essentials.
Opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling or fishing abound in this area, so plan to bring your gear with you. There is a small craft launch right in the campground to access the lake, which as it turns out isn’t very big when you compare it to nearby Lake Superior. I imagine that this might be a popular deer hunting campground during rifle season. Bathrooms are simple pit-toilets, and water is accessible year-round with the hand operated well pump.
Guide
My family and I took a 3 week vacation to visit Michigan. We stayed at a few different campgrounds, and did lots of hiking. We really like Michigamme Shores Campground (the name was really cool we thought!). The campground was really nice. We were able to get a spot by the little beach area they have- next to the Michigamme Lake. Being by the lake in the summertime was really nice! They have a cool trampoline type thing in the water that kids loved playing on. It was definitely busy, so the people in our group didn't get to jump off it. The beach area was clean, which we really appreciated. There are garbage cans and dumpsters within the park which helps with clean up. Lots of picnic tables, which we used during the times when we ate. The campground also has a playground area and beach volleyball. The campsites have hookups which is also really nice. The only downside to this campground was that because the lake and beach area is right there, it was pretty busy. Especially since it was in the summer- lots of partying/boating and people just being overly loud. Other than that, it was a great stay. Great hikes nearby, which we did every morning (3 different hikes). The views were amazing!
Legend
Van Riper State Park is a must-visit if you’re traveling through Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It’s popular year-round, although camping is only open between May and October. Stop for the day to hike the trails and go for a swim, or stay a week and enjoy the sunsets and serenity.
The state park covers both sides of the highway with the campground and day-use area on the south side and a huge section of trails and wildlife viewing areas on the north.
There are 147 sites in the modern campground, including some sites with 50-amp electric service, and there are another 40 sites in the rustic campground. Plus, there are two mini cabins in the modern campground if you don’t own a tent or RV. All of the campsites have a fire ring and picnic table.
One thing we noticed is that the sites at Van Riper are very large– so much bigger than many sites we’ve seen at other state parks. This means there is plenty of space for your trailer, truck, bikes, screen tent, kids’ toys, etc. without feeling like you’re infringing on your neighbor.
Another plus for the state park is the laundry facilities. Two washers and dryers are located in the restroom building near the beach.
Van Riper State Park is extremely family-friendly, with activities for everyone. There are approximately 5 miles of hiking trails on the north side of the state park. One trail provides a very nice overlook of Lake Michigamme and the surrounding area. Other trails run along the Peshekee River or through the woods and may even provide the chance to see the moose that live in the area. The trails are not difficult, but there is some elevation to get to the lookout. If you don’t want to hike the whole 5-plus miles from the campground and back, you can drive and park at the group campground and go from there.
A sandy beach awaits both kids and adults on Lake Michigamme. The lake is popular as it is much warmer than most of the lakes in the Upper Peninsula. A large, fairly new playscape is also located near the beach, as well as a swing set. One of the most unique activities is a bike pump track. This is the only state park that we saw that had one. It was very popular with the kids and is conveniently located between the campground and the day-use area. The lake is popular for fishing and if you have a boat you can use the launch in the back of the park. It also is a good location for kayaking.
GuideWay off the beaten path but the sites are HUGE! Quiet setting right on Big Lake. Probably my most beautiful site in the UP so far. Vault toilets and no shower. Very clean. Boat launch.
LegendThis area is being logged so many trees are gone. This makes it less pleasant now but that will change over time. Once we saw this we left and looked for another spot.
The campground is small but some space is between sites. Several are close together - perfect if you need a group type spot. Vault toilet and water hand pump are available. Go all the way to the boat launch and you can find a beach. Some campers found campsites here too.
This is a bit of a drive from the main road so maybe reflect on the logging before heading over. Don’t get us wrong though, the area is still quite beautiful.
Traveler
Spent the 4th of July here on site #5. Grounds are very clean and well maintained. Sites 7,8,9,10 have the best water views.
ScoutOff the beaten path, older facility, that was so quiet & relaxing. Everything very clean and well kept. Lots of lawn areas, trees, and areas of viewing Lake Superior close by.
GuideBeautiful & clean. Great site overlooking Lake Superior. Need to walk over highway to get to water. Very orderly and great Park Manager. Family & pet friendly with awesome playground.
TravelerWe come up every year for the meteor shower, and every stay is a great one. New shower rooms, and huge dog park are awesome!
GuideStayed on a Wednesday and there was space available but booked solid for weekends. Filled up by 4 pm. Spots are small, side-by-side and no privacy, but they have several spots to watch spectacular sunsets. That was worth the stay.
LegendNice camp site to stay at with great view of the bay. We drove to Houghton and took a hike. Restroom and showers not close however. The dump station was so easy since small campground. Very good price.
RangerThis is a small campground, with sites that are somewhat close together. However, there’s a great view of Lake Superior, and the sunset from our site was wonderful. (Site 7) Nice and quiet too. We’d return if we’re in the area again.
GuideIf you're looking for an off-the-grid escape this is it. The hike-in/paddle in camping spots are equipped with a picnic table and a firepit, everything else is up to you. I have been going here yearly for the last 10ys and absolutely love it! The only downside is the fishing has gone downhill the last 3ys, the bass used to bite every cast...
TravelerSo amazing - I almost want to give this campground one star and discourage people because it is so amazing, and I'm selfish. For someone who GREATLY values hidden gems where you can get really out and remote, this place is a an absolute heavenly oasis.
Access is from 41 turn on the gravel road outside Michigamme coming from the East. Do not recommend coming or going from the access road on the west, can't remember the town/landmark...starts with an N - it's a VERY bumpy road, and my cockiness convinced myself I could do it in my truck, but didn't get very far before I gave in and had to back up aways to be able to turn around. Big boulders in road/trail.
What to expect:
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.
Beautiful, peaceful, place.
On insta @roaming_rebecky
GuideI stayed one night at the end of May and it was stunning (from inside my van). Unfortunately, the mosquitoes came in clouds but that’s expected. Was able to make it in my van and would be back a different, less ferocious time of the year. Just stunning.
Guide8/26-9/1/22- Free camping! There are vault toilets and hand-pump well drinking water in several places, and picnic tables and fire pits at each camp site. The sites are well maintained, clean, and reasonably flat. I tried self registering, but there was nowhere to sign-in. About 11Am the next morning, someone came by to register us. 2-bars Verizon 5G, and 2-bars AT&T 4G.
We rolled in about 10pm and drove through the western loop sites 1-22, pulled into the first pull-through site(W5) that we could easily get our 34’ fifth wheel into and went to sleep. In the morning, I walked the loop and found several others that we could fit(now that it was light out), and we moved over one site to W6. Site W21 has a lake view and a large loop in front of this back-in site that would be super easy to navigate for a big rig. Sites 11 and 12 were really close together but had a good views of the lake as well. Later, we drove over to the east camp site that all seemed to have lake views, and sites E12 and E13 are surrounded on 3 sides by water, a turn-around loop, and more sunlight for solar powered rigs. I didn’t think to check cell signal while there.
The towns of Watersmeet and Conover had the cheapest diesel fuel. The Wild Turkey Bar& Grill in Conover, WI had fabulous smoked meats, and there is a great little hardware store in Conover as well.
RangerThis place was a great one night stop with beautiful camp spots on the lake. Beautiful waterfall.
ScoutThere are about 20 campsites and a handful on the water. The sites are free for up to a total of 14 days which is really nice. We stayed at a site that was up the hill from the water. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table and allowed for our 10 person tent. There are a few port-a-potty’s scattered throughout the campground, but no shower site. There are a few rules regarding the sites, but you can check in with the park ranger for all the details. This was our first time camping here and I would defiantly go back.
Guidefirst come-first serve camping, few amenities for camper trailers, nature is gorgeous
GuideBond Falls is a very short walk from the car, with longer hiking opportunities nearby. I visited the falls in the wintertime when some of it was frozen, and the ground covered in snow. Very pretty that time of the year.
GuideThese campgrounds are run by the Upper Peninsula Power Company and have just about everything. The sites are mostly private and spread out with the exception of the loop which is more family oriented. The damn here has enhanced the natural waterfall here and is one of he main attractions. The lakes are stocked with brook trout and the fishing is amazing. Picnic areas are located near the falls and hiking in the surrounding areas is limitless. It's very inexpensive and also very popular.
LegendBond Falls is beautiful! The campground is tidy but busy. There is a nearby gift shop that sells just about anything you may have forgotten. The trail system is fabulous and some trails are handicap accessible. The pit toilet is pretty gross, only downside. I highly recommend camping here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Watton, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Watton, MI is Van Riper State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Watton, MI?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 glamping camping locations near Watton, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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