Camping Guide: Upper Peninsula Michigan Adventures on a Budget
- Lindsay & Justin
- 13 minutes ago
- 9 min read
Looking to plan the perfect Michigan Upper Peninsula camping trip without spending countless hours researching? We've got you covered. As experienced campers who've explored the UP for many summers, we've already invested hundreds of hours planning routes, testing campsites, and discovering the best spots - so you don't have to. In this comprehensive guide to Upper Peninsula Michigan camping, we'll share our tried-and-tested recommendations for campgrounds, gear, and food prep that will help you create unforgettable outdoor memories while staying within your budget.
Table of Contents: Upper Peninsula Michigan Camping
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Considerations
We learned timing is crucial when planning your Michigan Upper Peninsula camping adventure. For the best chance at snagging waterfront campsites (which we highly recommend), you'll need to book exactly 6 months in advance.
Here's what you need to know about the booking systems:
💻 Michigan State Parks: Reservations open at 8 AM on weekdays and 9 AM on weekends - we suggest setting an alarm to be online right when they open
🏕️ National Park (Recreation.gov) Sites: These become available exactly 6 months before your date at midnight. This is especially important for popular spots like Twelvemile Beach.
For summer camping in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, we recommend starting your booking process in November of the previous year. We've found this strategy particularly helpful when planning our visits to spots like Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks, where the prime waterfront sites get snatched up quickly.
Pro tip: Before finalizing your dates, consider visiting during shoulder season to avoid peak crowds and higher pricing. Just remember to pack appropriately as UP weather can be unpredictable! (for more tips, snag our free 35-page planning guidebook)
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Top State Park Campgrounds in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
1. Tahquamenon Falls - Lower Fall Modern Camping
Campsite R20 offers a perfect mix of privacy and waterfall views. The paved sites make setup easy, and you'll be just steps away from the Lower Falls viewing platform. Modern amenities (including hot showers!) make this an ideal base for summer hiking adventures to both the Upper and Lower Falls.
2. Tahquamenon Falls - Rivermouth Modern Campground
Sites R19 & R20 offered stunning river views and easy kayak launch access. We found this spot to be quieter than the Lower Falls campground, perfect for peaceful evenings by the fire. The hiking trails here connected directly to the mouth of the Tahquamenon River, where we spotted several bald eagles.
3. Baraga State Park Modern Campground
For stunning Lake Superior views and cool summer breezes, book sites 49 & 51. This campground's location serves as an excellent base for day trips to the Keweenaw Peninsula. You'll appreciate the clean facilities and rocky beach access that offers spectacular sunset views over the water.
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4. Fort Wilkins Historic State Park
Choose sites 178, 176, 172, 173, 165, or 161 for the best combination of shade and space. Take advantage of the historic fort next door for rainy-day activities, and enjoy quick access to Copper Harbor's mountain biking trails. The well-stocked camp store is perfect for last-minute necessities.
5. Wells State Park
Book sites 26, 28, 30, or 32 for prime waterfront camping, or try site 151 for a more rustic experience. You'll be treated to incredible sunsets over Green Bay, and the swimming area provides perfect refreshment during summer months. The helpful camp hosts can provide excellent local recommendations.
📲 All of these campsites, along with nearby activities, are pinned in our Michigan Google Map.
6. Indian Lake State Park
Reserve sites 67-71 for excellent lake views and easy water access. This less-visited park offers peaceful wildlife watching opportunities and fantastic fishing. Boaters will appreciate the well-maintained launch for getting out on the water.
📲 This location is very close to Kitch-iti-kipi, one of the top things to do in the upper peninsula.
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Rustic State Park Campgrounds
1. Tahquamenon Falls-Rivermouth Pines Campground
During our summer Michigan camping trip, we discovered the most scenic spots at R133 and R131, which offered stunning river views and perfect sunrise watching. We loved how these rustic sites balanced privacy with easy water access, making them ideal for morning coffee by the river. If these prime spots are taken when you plan your visit, R130 and R132 still provide excellent alternatives with similar peaceful vibes.
2. Porcupine Mountains - Presque Isle
After hiking several trails in the area, we found P13, P15, and P17 to be the perfect bases for exploring this stunning wilderness. These sites offered excellent tree coverage and easy access to some of the best hiking trails in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (we have pinned these locations in our Michigan Google Map). The waves of Lake Superior made for incredibly peaceful sleeping conditions.
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National Park Campgrounds
1. Twelvemile Beach Campground
For the best Lake Superior views and beach access, we recommend booking sites 25, 9, or 14. These waterfront spots offer spectacular views and the soothing sound of waves, making them perfect for a peaceful camping experience. While basic in amenities, the location makes these sites highly desirable.
💰 $25/night (2025)
💡 All sites are drive-in and rustic without electric, water, or sewer hookups
2. Little Beaver Campground
Site 2 stood out as our favorite, though honestly, every spot here backs up to water views. We particularly enjoyed the secluded feel and the easy access to nearby hiking trails. The morning fog rolling over the water created some absolutely magical moments.
💰 $25/night (2025)
💡 All sites are drive-in and rustic without electric, water, or sewer hookups
3. Hurricane River Campground
We recommend sites 2 and 7 for their perfect balance of privacy and scenic views. You'll love falling asleep to the peaceful sound of Hurricane River flowing into Lake Superior. These sites are ideally located for easy access to nearby beaches and hiking trails.
💰 $25/night (2025)
💡 All sites are drive-in and rustic without electric, water, or sewer hookups
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First Come First Serve State Forest Campgrounds
1. Andrus Lake State Forest Campground
This peaceful spot offers 28 spacious campsites at $20/night (2025). Visitors can enjoy a swimming beach for cooling off after hiking the nearby trails. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring and picnic table, and the vault toilets are well-maintained. Note: There's no cell service, so plan accordingly (snag our free 35-page planning guidebook).
2. Big Knob State Forest Campground
Experience this hidden gem with 23 rustic sites at $20/night (2025). The campground features scenic hiking trails that begin right at your campsite. Sites are well-spaced for privacy, and the area is known for wildlife viewing, including deer and various bird species. Fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of the nearby stream.
3. Hog Island State Forest Campground
Choose from 42 campsites at $20/night (2025), with the best sunset views along the western edge. Perfect for swimming enthusiasts, this quieter alternative to state parks offers excellent beach access. Important: Bring extra water containers as there's no potable water on site.
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4. Portage Bay State Campground
Find 23 waterfront sites here ($20/night in 2025), with an ideal mix of shade and water views. Features include a convenient boat launch for kayakers and excellent shore fishing opportunities. Tip: Arrive early on summer weekends to secure the best spots.
5. Kingston Lake State Forest Campground
This 16-site destination ($20/night in 2025) serves as an excellent alternative when Pictured Rocks is full. Ideal for paddling enthusiasts, the campground offers private sites and a scenic hiking trail circling the lake. Perfect for those seeking a quieter alternative to national park campgrounds.
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Cozy State Park Reservable Cabins
1. Twelvemile Beach Cabin
We recommend this rustic gem for $35/night (2025). The cabin offers incredible Lake Superior views and direct beach access. While it can sleep up to 8 people, it's particularly cozy for couples. Note: Bring your own water and lighting, as there's no electricity or running water.
2. Baraga Mini Cabin
At $62/night (2025), this cozy 4-person cabin serves as an excellent base for exploring the Keweenaw Peninsula. Enjoy stunning Lake Superior sunsets from the front porch and easy access to hiking trails. Clean vault toilets are conveniently located nearby.
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3. Little Presque Isle Cabins
These charming cabins are available for $84/night (2025) and sleep 8 people. Cabin #3 offers an ideal balance of seclusion and accessibility. The 6 rustic cabins require walks of varying distances (100 yards to 0.75 miles). Tip: Bring a wagon for gear transport to the further cabins.
4. Wells Rustic Cabins
At $68/night (2025), these three spacious rustic cabins accommodate 9-12 people each. Enjoy private trail access to Green Bay and a large fire pit area perfect for stargazing. Important: Bring your own water supply as none is provided on-site.
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5. Indian Lake Mini Cabin (Modern)
For $54 per night (2025), this 4-person cabin offers excellent value with modern amenities. Features include electricity for device charging and proximity to Indian Lake for sunrise kayaking. Clean shower facilities make this perfect for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.
Essential Gear for UP Camping
When planning our Michigan summer camping trips, we've learned exactly what gear makes the biggest difference. Having the right equipment helped us stay comfortable through unexpected weather changes and made our outdoor adventures much more enjoyable. Here's what we discovered works best after multiple camping trips in the Upper Peninsula (snag our free camping packing list).
Must-Have Basics
Our go-to tent is our Coleman 3-person (it's the first one we bought and still going strong!)
We love our Kelty Doublewide Sleeping Bag which is perfect for couples and ideal for those chilly UP nights
Pairing perfectly with our double sleeping bag is our double sleeping pad! This one is our favorite since its lightweight and doesn't require a pump to blow up.
👀 We've compiled all of our favorite items for frontcountry camping here!
Camp Kitchen Essentials
After forgetting essential cooking items on our first UP hiking trip, we created a foolproof meal planning system. Our favorite no-refrigeration meals kept us energized for long days of exploring, while saving money and avoiding frequent trips to town (we have pinned our favorite grocery stops in our Michigan Google Map).
🥘 Our Favorite No-Fridge Meals
Overnight oats with dried fruit and nuts (prep the night before)
Tortillas with peanut butter, granola, and honey - perfect hiking fuel
One-pot pasta with canned vegetables and olive oil
Safety Tips for Two
Safety became our top priority after encountering a black bear near our campsite in the Porcupine Mountains. We learned that proper preparation makes all the difference when camping in Michigan's remote areas.
🏕️ Essential Safety Practices
Always let someone know your planned camping location and expected return date
Keep food stored in bear-proof containers or your vehicle at night
Pack a basic first aid kit and know how to use it (we detail our exact kit contents in our camping packing list)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the minimum budget needed for a weekend camping trip in the UP?
A: A couple can enjoy a weekend camping trip for as little as $100-150, including campsite fees, food, and gas.
Q: Do we need permits for camping in the UP?
A: Yes, most campgrounds require either a Recreation Passport ($11/day out of state or $14 annual in-state) or camping permit. Some dispersed camping areas are free with proper registration. Check dnr.state.mi or [recreation.gov](http://recreation.gov) for required permits at the campsite you choose.
Q: What's the best way to avoid crowds while camping in the UP?
A: Visit during shoulder season (early spring or fall), choose rustic campgrounds, or opt for dispersed camping in national forests.
Q: Are there shower facilities at UP campgrounds?
A: Facilities vary by location. State parks typically offer showers, while rustic sites generally don't. Always check amenities before booking.
Q: How do we protect our food from wildlife?
A: Use bear-resistant containers or store food in your vehicle. Never keep food in your tent.
Ready to experience the untamed beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula? From secluded lakeside spots to cozy cabins in the wilderness, we've shared our tried-and-true camping recommendations to help you plan an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned camper, the UP offers something special for everyone - and often at budget-friendly prices.
Want more detailed camping guides, our complete packing lists, and exclusive travel tips? Check out our travel resources page! And don't forget to follow our adventures on Instagram @Noms.Brews.Views, where we share real-time updates and behind-the-scenes moments from our outdoor explorations.
See you under the stars! 🌟
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Any questions on planning your trip to Michigan? Let us know in the comments below, we respond to every single one👇
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