Camping in Upper Peninsula allows you to get up and personalize with the natural world. There are plenty of lakes, rivers, woods, and wildlife.
(In the Upper Peninsula, you’ll hear a lot of “ehs” when you cross the border into Canada!) Because of the peninsula’s huge area and lack of people and cities, camping is one of the greatest ways to spend your time there.
Continue reading to learn where to camp and other details.
Summary
| Guide | Camping In Upper Peninsula |
|---|---|
| Things to bring | Torch, tent, etc. |
| Campgrounds | Soo Locks Campground, and more |
| Best places to visit near | The Porcupine Mountains, and more |
| Situated | U.S. |
Camping In Upper Peninsula
1. Tahquamenon Falls State Park Rivermouth Campground
Rivermouth Campground at Tahquamenon Falls State Park is on the Tahquamenon River with many points of access to the spectacular waterfalls.
Upper Falls features a drop of approximately 50 feet and a width of over 200 feet.
While the falls are a major attraction, Rivermouth Campground offers a variety of activities.
You may keep active in the region by cycling or fishing. Alternatively, if you just want to relax, the campground is in a wonderful forested, serene setting.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is in the state of Wisconsin. Rivermouth Campground has 20 and 30-amp hookup sites for $28 a night, as well as some 50-amp sites for $32. In addition, there is a disposal station in the park.
Address: 41382 M-123, Paradise, MI 49768
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2. Straits State Park Upper Peninsula Camping
From Straits State Park, you may get a great perspective of the historic Mackinac Bridge.
When you gaze south to the Lower Peninsula, it truly seems like you’re camping in the Upper Peninsula.
In St. Ignace, there are several restaurants and stores. You can fish, boat, cycle, bird watch, and hike from St.
Ignace and Straits State Park. A beach is also available in the state park. You may also visit Mackinac Island by taking a boat journey from St. Ignace.
There aren’t many automobiles on this island, yet they all seem to transport you back in time.
Take your bike on the ferry and ride around the island if you have one. The loop is 8.2 miles long.
Address: 720 Church St, St Ignace, MI 49781
3. Soo Locks Campground
The Soo Locks Campground is a private campground with 100 camping spots with water and power in the Upper Peninsula.
Restrooms, a store, a leisure room, and a trash station are all available. The Soo Locks, which allow ships to transit between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes, are conveniently located near the campsite.
You can see this phenomenon from Soo Locks Park. You may also take a boat tour of the locks to get a closer look. Sault Ste.
Marie also features many maritime-themed museums. Sault Ste. Marie is also a Canadian border crossing point.
An international bridge crosses the St. Marys River that joins Michigan and Canada, and you can look clear into Canada from the campground!
Address: 1001 E Portage Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
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4. Twelvemile Beach Campground
Pictured Rock marvel is easily accessible from the Twelvemile Beach Campground. Pictured Rocks are sandstone cliffs that drop out of Lake Superior, and you can see them the best by boat.
Along the National Lakeshore, you can see them for around 15 kilometers. The campsite also has access to a 12-mile stretch of beach. There are several recreational activities in the region.
Hiking dunes and paths that lead to waterfalls are available. Near the AuSable Point Lighthouse, there are also some shipwreck relics visible.
This poignant halt serves as a reminder of the lighthouse’s construction in 1874. The Upper Peninsula’s Twelvemile Beach Campground has 38 campsites. Because the park has several tight curves, the maximum R.V. length is 42 feet.
Address: Alger Co. Rd H-58, PO Box 399, Grand Marais, MI 49839
Best Places To Visit Near Upper Peninsula
The Keweenaw Peninsula and Copper Harbor
You’ll pass lush forests, lovely towns, and (of course) many signs for pasties after you’ve arrived on the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Everyone looks forward to what is to come, and new adventures await them. U.S. 41 takes you through northern pine lakes and forest tunnels on its way to Copper Harbor.
Along M26, you’ll find peaceful coastal communities like Eagle Harbor, as well as a monk-run bakery called The Jampot.
Throughout the peninsula, there are several options for exploring. Houghton, Michigan Tech’s hometown, is a vibrant town with culture, fine beer, and even a ski resort.
Tech students love to tell their parents that they’re going to “The Library” after class since it doubles as a microbrewery.
The Porcupine Mountains
It’s a long way from home in the far western Upper Peninsula, yet it’s a must-see for every Michigander.
A snapshot from Lake of the Clouds is all it takes to show how amazing this area is.
The mountains are only a few kilometers from Lake Superior’s coastlines, making it easy to climb from the coasts to the peaks in a single day.
The Summit Peak route leads to the summit of one of Michigan’s highest peaks, providing panoramic views of the area.
The trek to the summit is just 12 miles long, but the Summit Peak Loop is five miles long and takes you down to Mirror Lake.
Checklist Before Camping In Upper Peninsula
When it comes to preparing for a camping vacation, most campers we know use a checklist.
There are many things to remember, and a lot of stuff has to be packed every time you travel.
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Kitchen utensils
- Scissors
- Sunscreen (if you are going in summer)
- Sunglasses
FAQ
Is camping in Upper Peninsula pricey?
It depends on where you go, but if you got a luxurious campground, you might have to pay a lot of money.
Can you bring your pet to the Upper Peninsula campgrounds?
This is up to the campground and its rules. Some accept pets; some do not.
Do I have to make a reservation in advance for camping in Upper Peninsula?
Shefali Jain is a Content Writer & Editor at USWorkforce.org
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes. In her time at the organization, she has written and edited content on a range of topics, including employment law, human resources, and business management.
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