This article about camping near Marquette is brought to you by Tentrr. If you’re looking for more glamping in Michigan, check out Tentrr.
If you’re looking to explore the Upper Peninsula and discover the majesty of the Great Lakes, you should consider camping near Marquette, Michigan.
This bustling town sits on Lake Superior’s south shore, and is surrounded by plenty of high-quality camping options. Whether you’re looking for primitive campsites or RV resorts, Marquette, Michigan, has something for everyone.
The Best Camping Near Marquette, Michigan
1. Marquette Tourist Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Ari A.
This municipal campground is a 5-minute drive from downtown Marquette, and the sites lie along the banks of the picturesque Dead River.
There’s a 40-acre park nearby, where you can walk among trees and spot local wildlife. Kids can enjoy the small playground on-site, and adults can explore the well-maintained hiking trails or lounge in the vast, grassy fields near the campsites.
During July, the Tourist Campground plays host to the charming Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival.
“There’s access to many of the local mountain bike trails directly from the campground. Overall, the sites are good size and offer a decent amount of privacy”
–Amber
Campground Details:
Price: $18-35
Number of sites: 110
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
2. Rippling Rivers RV Resort
Image from The Dyrt camper Shelly B.
You’ll find this privately owned RV resort just under 3 miles southwest of downtown Marquette, along the banks of the Carp River. The campground is well-equipped, with a general store, outdoor heated pool, kids’ playground, bar, and mini-golf course on-site.
You can choose between full hook-up, electric hook-up, and primitive sites when you book online, and most of the campground has free Wi-Fi, so you won’t have to worry about missing a work call or giving up streaming services for the weekend. This campground has direct access to local hiking and mountain trails.
“If you love mountain biking or hiking, you stay here. Period. You are right on the trails. Bathrooms and showers are nice” – Rory L.
Campground Details:
- Price: $40-50
- Number of sites: 120
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Bay Furnace Campground
This campground is located just beyond Au Train Bay, on the south banks of the majestic Lake Superior. There are plenty of jaw-dropping waterfalls nearby, including the Miner’s Falls and Munising Falls.
Each campsite comes with a picnic area and fire ring, so you can have dinner with friends and family while your kids toast s’mores in an enclosed fire pit. You’ll find clean toilets and drinking water stations dispersed around this campground, and you’ll love taking a day trip out to Grand Island.
“These campgrounds had some of the best sites I’ve been to in terms of privacy, shade, and ample trees. Plenty of trees to hang hammocks and provide shade” – Jessica L.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-30
- Number of sites: 50
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Au Train Lake Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Jade G.
If you follow the M-28 east for just under 40 miles, you’ll come to the Au Train Lake Campground, which lies along the south banks of Au Train Lake. Watersport enthusiasts will enjoy canoeing, kayaking, or jet-skiing on this tranquil, vast lake.
There are plenty of excellent opportunities for wildlife and bird watching nearby, and nature lovers should hike to the Buck Bay to spot local fauna like squirrels, rabbits, and snowshoe hares.
“This campground has nicely shaded sites well spaced from each other. The facilities are clean and well maintained (nice for vaulted toilets)” – Amy K.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-30
- Number of sites: 34
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. Van Riper Campground
Image from The Dyrt Brittny B.
This State Park is situated just over 30 miles to the west of downtown Marquette, and it’s easy to access: you follow the US-41 north for around 30 minutes before turning off onto the County Road AKE and driving for half a mile until you reach the campground itself.
The campsite sits on the eastern shore of Lake Michigamme, and your kids can enjoy splashing about in its refreshing waters during the summer months. If you prefer glamping to pitching a tent, this campground offers reservable mini cabins and rustic sites.
“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” – Ari A.
Campground Details:
- Price: $17-25
- Number of sites: 147
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Forestville Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Joshua L.
This primitive campground is 6 miles northwest of downtown Marquette, and it’s first-come, first-served, so there’s no need to book online.
There are clean pit toilets on-site, and outdoor sports enthusiasts will love the nearby mountain bike trails and hiking paths. The rustic campsites are nestled in amongst tall, picturesque trees.
“This campground is well placed for hiking as well. Sugarloaf Mountain and Hogsback are only a short drive away. There are also numerous waterfalls within an hour’s drive of this place” – Richie C.
Campground Details:
- Price: $15-20
- Number of sites: 18
- RV sites: No
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
7. Perkins Park Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Shari G.
You’ll find this county-run campground just over 25 miles north of Marquette, lying a few miles away from the southern shore of Lake Superior.
There’s free access to a serene sand beach and a boat ramp to the smaller Lake Independence. You’ll find well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities on-site, as well as several communal picnic areas.
“Tons of hiking, mountain biking, and water sports of all kinds around. Nice boat launch facility, as well as a special place to launch canoes/kayaks” – Shari G.
Campground Details:
- Price: $17-33
- Number of sites: 75
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
Camping in the Upper Peninsula gives you brilliant opportunities to explore the Great Lakes, surrounding tributaries and forests between these waterways. Marquette, Michigan and the surrounding area is a great destination for those looking to visit the UP. If you want some more inspiration for places to camp in this area, check out The Dyrt’s full list of camping in Marquette, Michigan or our 4 top spots for camping in the Upper Peninsula.
This article about camping near Marquette was brought to you by Tentrr. Their platform tents will keep you cozy no matter where you camp.
