Camping options near Pembine, Wisconsin include both established campgrounds and dispersed sites across the Upper Peninsula border region. The area features mixed hardwood forests with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,500 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during peak camping season from June through September, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Twelve Foot Falls County Park offers camping with easy access to cascading falls. "The trail to the falls is short but you can also explore the area. The falls are wondrous. We saw people cooling off in the water too," notes one visitor to Twelve Foot Falls County Park.
Lake activities: Morgan Park provides swimming and fishing opportunities on Timms Lake. According to one camper, "Nice beach on Timms Lake" with "gorgeous lake for swimming and kayaking." The park offers both water recreation and hiking options within walking distance of campsites.
Lighthouse visits: Peninsula Point offers unique coastal camping near a historic lighthouse. "We camped one night at the first dispersed site and had a great view of the lake from the site. The sunset was incredible," reports a visitor at Peninsula Point Lighthouse Access Road - Dispersed. Another camper mentions "The lighthouse to explore. Would love to be there for the monarch migration."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Morgan Park receives high marks for site size and privacy. "Huge pull through site, I stayed in site number 41," says one camper about Morgan Park. Others note "Lots of trees and foliage so sites are at least semi-private" and that the park can "accommodate any size rig or tent."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Morgan Park, campers appreciate the "clean and modern shower facility" with one noting the "bathrooms and free showers were very clean and in great condition." Similarly, at Runkle Lake Recreation Complex, a visitor mentions "2 restroom/showers kept spotless."
Natural privacy: Twelve Foot Falls offers secluded camping in a forest setting. "The sites are nice and big with foliage between to give added privacy as we like it," reports one visitor. However, site arrangement can vary as another notes, "The campground has all the sites in one small area."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Several campgrounds have limited access roads that may challenge larger vehicles. For Peninsula Point, one camper points out "It's a one lane road with multiple cutouts in the road for passing."
Limited dispersed sites: Peninsula Point has restricted camping options despite appearing otherwise. "I would have rated 5 stars if there were more sites available," writes a camper at Peninsula Point Lighthouse, adding "there are only 2 dispersed campsites available here, and both are on the left side of the road."
Seasonal considerations: Most RV parks and campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. Runkle Lake Recreation Complex runs "Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend," while others like Coyote RV Park operate from "May 1 to Dec 1."
Tips for camping with families
Affordable options: County parks offer economical family camping. At Runkle Lake Recreation Complex, a visitor reports "Less than $200 for a full week w/ electric" while overlooking a swimming beach.
Hiking opportunities: Morgan Park provides family-friendly trails. One visitor calls it a "Great family park" where you can "Hike the bluffs, swim, fish, blueberry picking, and much more!"
Wildlife viewing: Peninsula Point offers unique monarch butterfly migration viewing. "Caught northern lights, Milky Way, and glorious sights every day," reports one camper about the natural phenomena visible from dispersed campsites.
Tips from RVers
Casino convenience: Island Resort RV Park accommodates RVers with full services plus entertainment. "There is a phone at the shower house that can be used to request a free shuttle to the casino," explains a camper at Island Resort and Casino RV Park. They add "We had electric/water with a paved pull-through. We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site."
Laundry access: RV park laundry facilities vary significantly. At Island Resort, "The laundry facility is located at the BP gas station (located in the parking lot of the casino/hotel). It is a cash only facility, but they have a change machine."
Cell connectivity: Service levels fluctuate throughout the region. Peninsula Point campers report sufficient connectivity for stargazing apps while those visiting Twelve Foot Falls note "The road out to the campground takes you out of cell service."
