This article about camping at Lake Superior is brought to you by Cusa Coffee & Tea. Their wide variety of high-quality drinks will keep you cozy and caffeinated at any of these Michigan campgrounds.
Hands down, the best camping on Lake Superior in Michigan is along the Upper Peninsula. The peninsula straddles Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, making it one of the most robust places to camp in the state. There are many water and land activities, as well as a rich history. Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, is the premier camping spot for anyone looking to soak up the outdoors. These seven campgrounds are the best of the Upper Peninsula — where you can get the most out of camping on Lake Superior in Michigan.
The Best Camping on Lake Superior in Michigan
1. Fort Wilkins
Image from The Dyrt camper Shannon M.
The Fort Wilkins campground in Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is on the north end of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The campground has sites for tents and RVs, with electric hookups, Wi-Fi, flush toilets, and laundry. The park features a restored military outpost from 1844 and one of the first lighthouses on Lake Superior. You can also fish for splake and walleye on Lake Fanny Hooe, walk the hiking trails, or drive the scenic road overlooking Lake Superior. Pack up the kids and head to Fort Wilkins, where you can recreate, relax, and learn some remarkable history.
“Great campground to unplug. There is WIFI at the modern bathroom, but we only had to use that once. Our site in the West Campground was well shaded, it seemed as though trees separated every campsite allowing for privacy and nature views everywhere. Behind our site we could access the bike/walking trail that led to the historic fort and into the town of Copper Harbor. It was a bit chilly the week we visited so we didn’t go swimming, but Lake Fanny Hooe looked gorgeous.” – Makayla B.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-29
- Number of sites: 159
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Rivermouth
The Rivermouth Modern Campground is the modern camping option in Tahquamenon State Park. It’s at one of the most sought-after waterfalls in Michigan, Tahquamenon Falls. They have reservable sites for tents and RVs, with electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, and a boat launch with equipment rentals. You’ll never get bored at Tahquamenon State Park. The campground sits right at the mouth where Tahquamenon River meets Lake Superior. You can fish in the river, float in Lake Superior’s Whitefish Bay, or take in the incredible waterfall. You’re also close to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, and Oswald’s Bear Refuge.
“We had such a great time at this park! The sites were quite generous in size and we felt like we had adequate privacy. Of course the main attraction itself, the falls, can be heard late at night, right from the campground; it’s amazing. Do you kayak? It’s a must! They provide a slide/railing to easily Portage your kayak down to the water, and from there, paddle to the island for a different perspective of the upper and lower falls! Trust me!” – Lisa P.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-32
- Number of sites: 72
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Union Bay
Image from The Dyrt camper Magy C.
The Union Bay campground at Porcupine Mountains State Park sits right on Union Bay of Lake Superior. The campground has reservable sites for tents and RVs, with electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, and a store. Get your spot early for a site with lakeside views. You’re within walking distance to Lake Superior’s sandy shores. Use the boat launch to access the lake, or explore the trails, rivers, and waterfalls in one of Michigan’s largest wilderness areas. Union Bay is a nature lover’s paradise, with outdoor adventures around every corner. For more primitive camping, check out the park’s rustic Presque Isle campground.
“I absolutely loved campsite 28 in the Union Bay Campground. You sit right next to Lake Superior overlooking the water! Between you and the water is a beautiful large rocky beach area that spans the shoreline for miles. Especially because you also get a wonderful view of the sunset. At night we laid out on the rocks and watched the stars! All night long you hear the waves crashing into shore. It was so peaceful. It is hard for me to look for other campsites at different campgrounds because of how much I loved this spot. This site is hard to beat! Not to mention how beautiful the rest of the park was. Mountains, waterfalls, and thousands of acres of forest. I will be coming back for another visit.” – Frances P.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-28
- Number of sites: 100
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Twelvemile Beach
The Twelvemile Beach Campground is on the east end of Twelvemile Beach, in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The campground has reservable sites for tents and smaller RVs, with fire rings and vault toilets. You can access two hiking trails from the campground, as well as the 12 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. The campground sits on a plateau overlooking the beach, so you have amazing views of Lake Superior and the Pictured Rocks Cliffs. You’re close to several scenic features of the park, as well as watersports and wildlife viewing. Twelvemile is the perfect resting place for campers who want a quiet retreat on the beautiful shores of Lake Superior. For a primitive camping experience, check out the Pictured Rocks backcountry sites.
“This is the most amazing campground there is. I was on the side of the water and it was absolutely exceptional. Easy access to the water and lots to explore whether on the beach or on the trails. Words cannot do the beauty of this campground and area justice. The campground itself was easy to get to, you had privacy, lots of awesome cars and trucks, and it was clean and spacious.” – Marta S.
Campground Details:
- Price: $15-20
- Number of sites: 36
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
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5. Munising Tourist Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Shawn M.
The Munising Tourist Park Campground is northwest of South Bay, between Munising and Grand Island. They have reservable sites for tents and RVs, with Wi-Fi, electric and water hookups, flush toilets, and showers. You’re less than five miles from all kinds of fun activities, like boat rides, kayak rentals, hiking trails, and family dining. Munising is a great basecamp for family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and water recreation. The city provides all your creature comforts, with the respite of a scenic campground.
“Great place to stay while visiting the Munising area. Lots of cool area shops and even a few waterfalls nearby. Hard to beat the great Lake Superior views. We came at a good time of year, and there were quite a few people around.” – David K.
Campground Details:
- Price: $29-45
- Number of sites: 127
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. McLain
The McLain State Park campground is on the west end of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The campground has reservable sites for tents and RVs, with electric hookups, flush toilets, showers, and a store. You’re mere steps from Lake Superior, making this campground one of the best options for wading in the water. Watch the sun rise and set over the lake while the kiddos built sandcastles on the beach. You’re also close to fun activities like windsurfing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and ghost towns. McLain is a great place to camp if you want extraordinary views of Lake Superior, where you can relax and take in the natural beauty of the world’s largest freshwater lake.
“The sites are overly spacious and well dispersed. Everything is super clean. Over a mile of beach gives every camper enough room to feel like the entire lake is theirs to enjoy alone. I couldn’t be much happier with this campground. The best state campground I’ve been to in Michigan so far. It’s a gem.” – Richard E.
Campground Details:
- Price: $22-30
- Number of sites: 98
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. Van Riper
Image from The Dyrt camper Ari A.
The Van Riper State Park campground is further inland from Lake Superior, on Lake Michigamme. They have reservable sites for tents and RVs, with Wi-Fi, electric hookups, flush toilets, and showers. The campground is right on the shores of Lake Michigamme, where you can swim in more moderate water temps. It’s not uncommon to see moose roaming around the campground, so it’s a great place for wildlife enthusiasts. There’s plenty of recreation, like fishing, hiking, biking, and metal detecting. Lake Superior is a short drive away for even more fun. Van Riper is a great camping spot if you want a wide variety of activities and natural features.
“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.” – Ari A.
Campground Details:
- Price: $22-29
- Number of sites: 147
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Camping on Lake Superior in Michigan is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re into outdoor recreation, natural features, or fascinating history, the Upper Peninsula of Lake Superior will keep you coming back year after year. Start your trip right with these excellent camping spots on the Upper Peninsula.
