The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is an outdoor lovers dreamland, promising some of the country’s best hunting, fishing, hiking, and scenery. If you’re visiting the Upper Peninsula (or just passing through), be sure to visit the famous Pictured Rocks–but not before you venture out to the remote Isle Royale National Park.
Overall, the Upper Peninsula is especially perfect for those looking to explore on a budget. Traveling by RV–while more time-consuming–is not only more eco-friendly than air travel but also far more affordable (especially when staying at Upper Peninsula campgrounds in tents or RVs).
You can camp on Lake Huron in the Eastern Upper Peninsula or venture a little to the west and park near Lake Superior. Just know that there are camping options for every occasion.
Campgrounds Near Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island
- Straits State Park Campground
- Soo Locks Campground
- St. Ignace / Mackinac Island KOA Holiday
Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island are two of the biggest tourist attractions in Michigan. Mackinaw City is the last town you go through before crossing the Mackinac Bridge into the Upper Peninsula. The Mackinac Bridge bridges the gap between Upper and Lower Michigan and crosses both Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.
If you want to explore Mackinac Island or travel between the island, Mackinaw City, and St. Ignace, there are several great campgrounds to choose from. For luxury camping (and plenty of amenities), the St. Ignace / Mackinac Island KOA Holiday is the place to stay. The KOA also has cabins, yurts, and tent sites available!
However, if you’re okay with fewer amenities and a more affordable stay, Soo Locks Campground and the Straits State Park Campground are excellent options. Each of these campgrounds offers tent and RV sites with electricity and water. There’s also a dump station and a swimming beach, and some sites even offer full RV hookups.
Campgrounds Near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Munising Tourist Park Campground
- Munising Pictured Rocks KOA Journey
- Wandering Wheels Campground
If you’re venturing into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, it’s absolutely essential to check out the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It’s one of the most unique scenic experiences in the United States, and you won’t find anything like it.
On your way to Pictured Rocks, there are also plenty of hiking trails and tourist stops–perfect for pit stops.
The nearby town of Munising is one of the most popular places to stay–and for good reason. There are awesome campgrounds nearby, plus a downtown area for shopping and dining. Should you choose to stay in Munising, be sure to try a famous pasty while you’re there!
If you don’t want to rough it at nearby state forest campgrounds, any of the campgrounds listed above are great options. They all feature electric hookups, an RV dump station, and select full hookup sites. When you choose a rustic camping site at the Munising Tourist Park Campground, you can even pitch a tent on the shores of Lake Superior!
Campgrounds Along the Lake Superior Shoreline
- McLain State Park Campground
- Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground
- Fort Wilkins State Park Campground
At 31,700 square miles, Lake Superior is the largest lake in the United States, by a long shot. It’s also one of the most beautiful and scenic lakes in the world, boasting some of the best fishing and boating in North America.
Whether you’re looking to fish, boat, or simply relax and take in the sights in the Upper Peninsula, there are several great campgrounds dotting the Lake Superior shoreline. Fort Wilkins State Park Campground is on the very tip of the UP and is as far north as you can go before reaching Canada or Isle Royale National Park.
If you don’t want the rustic camping experience of a state park, you can also stay at nearby Sunset Bay RV Resort and Campground. Or, if you want to stay a little further southwest towards the main part of the UP, McLain State Park Campground is an excellent option.
Regardless of which campground you choose, they all have RV sites with electricity and water nearby. In addition to each of these campgrounds, Munising Tourist Park Campground, which is listed above, also lies on the shores of Lake Superior.
Campgrounds in Hiawatha National Forest
- Bay Furnace Campground
- Widewaters Campground
- AuTrain Lake Campground
On your way to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore? Stop for a night or two in Hiawatha National Forest. It is about halfway between Mackinaw City and Munising and offers several rustic campground options.
It’s important to note that campgrounds inside Hiawatha National Forest don’t have electricity, water, or sewer hookups–so you’ll mostly be roughing it. However, there are communal water spigots and vault toilets.
However, most people who spend time in Hiawatha National Forest don’t do it for the camping amenities. Instead, they’re exploring one of the largest and mostly untouched forests between Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. With dozens of lakes and hiking trails throughout the forest, be sure to bring your hiking and fishing gear with you.
If you plan to Hiawatha National Forest by RV, be aware that aside from the three campgrounds listed above, most Hiawatha campgrounds aren’t RV-friendly. Therefore, you’ll need to verify whether a campground is RV-friendly before you book your stay.
Family-Friendly Campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula
- Aune-Osborne Campground
- City of Houghton RV Park
- Summer Breeze Campground
If you’re going on an extended camping trip to the Upper Peninsula with the whole family, you’ll likely have days when you just want to hang out at the campground. On days like these, it’s important to be at a campground with fun activities for the whole family.
Aune-Osborne Campground is a great option if you’re planning to venture into Canada or spend time on the St. Mary’s River, as it borders both. If you want to stay towards the middle of the Upper Peninsula and enjoy a wide range of family-friendly activities, Summer Breeze Campground and the City of Houghton RV Park are two great options.
As the name would imply, the City of Houghton Campground is owned by the city. It features a large heated outdoor pool and hot tub and is also adjacent to a water park. While Summer Breeze Campground also features a pool, it’s loved for more traditional campground staples and amenities–including basketball courts, volleyball courts, tetherball, a playground, and cornhole and horseshoe pits.
Whether you’re enjoying a meal at a picnic table or exploring a playground, these campgrounds are designed with family at heart.
Best Upper Peninsula Campgrounds For Fall Foliage
- Union River Big Bear Campground
- Tahquamenon Falls State Park Campground
- Kritters Campground
Planning a fall trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? No matter where you stay in the UP when the leaves are changing, you’ll see some of the best fall foliage views in the world. However, some areas are better than others and are considered seasonal destinations.
To snag a spot at these coveted RV parks, it’s important to book your stay in advance, as campgrounds fill up quickly in September and October.
If you don’t want to venture far into the UP but still take in the breathtaking fall foliage, Kritters Campground in Newberry is a great option. However, if you want to go to one of the most renowned and beautiful areas in Northern Michigan, Tahquamenon Falls State Park Campground is the place to stay. In addition to beautiful fall views, this state park is also home to the famous Tahquamenon Falls, located in the aptly named town of Paradise.
If you’re looking for arguably the best fall foliage views in the US (and are willing to spend a few extra hours to get there), Union River Big Bear Campground is the place to go. Located in the heart of the Porcupine Mountains and on the banks of Lake Superior, this campground offers views unlike any other.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer to camp in a tent or an RV, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has plenty of great campgrounds to choose from. If you choose to explore in an RV, you’ll need somewhere to store it when your trip is finished.
If you don’t have space for proper RV storage on your property, consider using Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace. Neighbor offers safe and affordable RV storage options near you, and you can browse your options online!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between an RV Park and a Campground?
The terms “RV park” and “RV campground” are often used interchangeably. However, a campground is any type of facility or outdoor area conducive to camping, whether in tents, RVs, cars, or under the stars.
On the other hand, RV parks can offer these forms of camping, but they must also offer RV camping. Additionally, RV parks typically have full hookup sites and amenities like laundry facilities and recreational opportunities.
Why Are RV Parks So Expensive?
The cost of maintenance, utilities, and repairs has gone up. Additionally, camping is more popular than ever post-pandemic, meaning people are willing to pay top dollar to do it.
