Beach Camping in Upper Peninsula, Michigan: Best Beach Campsites 2024

United States
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Michigan
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Upper Peninsula

98% (392 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Upper Peninsula

Available this weekend

8 top beach campgrounds in Upper Peninsula

94%

(397)

Superior Times Resort & Campground

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Au Train, MI

Hello, and welcome to Superior Times Resort and Campground! We would like to take a moment and introduce ourselves. Our names are Tom and Heather Holmstrom. We were married in 2016 and have four children as part of our blended family. We are both originally from the Upper Peninsula. Superior Times Resort and Campground was the result of us wanting to do something “outside of the box” that would allow us to raise our family and show them there is more out there than the traditional path. We also wanted showcase our love and respect for the beauty of the Upper Peninsula; the area that many refer to as “God’s Country.” In December of 2016, we mistakenly pulled into the driveway of this property. At that time, it was known as Coleman’s Paradise Resort. There was a For Sale sign marking the property. We both knew at that point our fate was sealed to become this property’s new owners. We learned that this property had been a family vacation destination for nearly 100 years. We could only imagine the special memories that had been made here over the years! We wanted to become a part of that deep history. Through the many years of the resort’s history, the owners had changed and the cabins were showing true signs of their age. We knew there was A LOT of work that simply had to be done. On a wing and prayer, we somehow made this great resort ours. In April of 2017, we opened what we named Superior Times Resort and Campground. We pulled up or sleeves and went to work! Thank you for choosing us and allowing us to be part of the memories that you create here. We know that you work hard for your own money, as we do. Knowing that you chose our resort to support, means a lot to our Superior Times and Resort family team. We truly appreciate your loyalty and give special thanks to our returning customers. There is nothing more rewarding to us than a return visit! It means to us that we have exceeded your expectations. Thank you for considering us for your next vacation! Tom and Heather Holmstrom

Lake Superior Beach Perfection

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Linden, MI

What more do you need than a private camping site and your 125' of your own pristine Lake Superior beachfront access? Well, there is the need of a fire ring so we added that, too! Everything else you will to bring to enjoy the million dollar views. Oh, and on the opposite side of the camping site is quiet slough which is great for smooth water paddling and exploring. Down the gravel road about 1/3 miles are logging roads to hike, bike and explore. OHV trails are a couple miles away but check local maps for detailed information. Intentionally being minimalists beyond a fire ring and picnic table, there is a port-a-john (of humble means) to make your stay comfortable. You will need to bring your own firewood if you desire a campfire.

Private Wooded Camping on the Lake

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · L'anse, MI

Learn more about this land:Camp only feet from the lake. Go kayaking boating fishing hiking . Restaurant/ bar grill only 1 Mile away. Porta potty for tent campers. Launch your small boat or canoe right from the site. Many scenic sites nearby.

Hemlock Ridge Homestead

3 sites · Lodging10 acres · Marquette, MI

Welcome to the Hemlock Ridge Homestead! This custom log home built in the early 2000's was a dream of mine since I was 8 years old. Our family lives here year round and absolutely love it. These sites are on a seasonal road so travel in and out can be impeded at times due to weather or external forces, such as tree falls, wash outs, etc. This is a self sufficient homestead in the making. Our garden has progressed greatly, and our fruit tree orchards are starting to produce. The free range chickens are fun and quirky, offering farm fresh eggs. We just opened our second site, the Prairieview Chalet 2024 summer. Both sites offer great amenities. The Acorn Retreat cabin includes a hot tub, gas weber grill and other amenities. The bouchee outhouse is shared by both sites and is cleaned regularly. The new Prairieview Chalet is an exceptional adventurers haven! It has all the things you want after a day(s) out in the wilderness, with amenities like a hot shower, fully stocked kitchen, linens and more. Our property reflects our love of the land and space. We are always making improvements, such as the timber framed chicken coop. We now have a ping pong table for our guests, and still offer farm fresh eggs. Our motto is to make every place better than we found it and hope our guests will do the same. This is a zen, quiet place to heal, reflect and refill your cup of life:)

Gitche Gumee Trailside Micro cabin

1 site · Lodging60 acres · Marquette, MI

A stone’s throw from the North County Trail system (MM MI-287.5) discover your boujee hippie micro-cabin, a cozy Lake Superior retreat nestled within the beautiful Gitche Gumee RV Park. The rustic comfortable amenities will ease the need to be in the mix of the Marquette Maze. A mere 8.5 miles from downtown Marquette – jump onto the Iron Ore Heritage Trail for an easy ride into town for the Saturday and Wednesday Farmers Market. Walk across M-28 at the campground entrance to find the secret beach- over to 2.0 miles of sand beach with prime open-water swimming. But don’t underestimate Lake Superior – She will transform from millpond flat to a 5’0” break in 15 minutes – calling heavy water lovers ; ) Build a beach fire and wait for the Borealis to reveal itself – smell the north. Enjoy the on-site Red Pine Brewery tasting room for a horn of Amber Red Ale or Lunar Shock Belgium witbier before you drift off to dreams of Valhalla. Bathroom and showers located out your front door at the Gitchee Gumee Campground bath house. The loft sleeps two in a full bed with a full hide-a-bed/couch below for a friend. Check current water conditions live on www.inwoodtownship.org - “Road Conditions of the U.P. (MDOT cameras)” – take a peek 24/7/365 day or night. Room details: Two (2) full beds (loft up/hide-a-bed/couch down) 5 gallons of filtered drinking water Sheets, blankets and pillows Coffee and Tea tray Small refrigerator Microwave Toaster Oven Electric water kettle French Press High top table Three (3) wrought iron chairs Wood stove Air conditioning Ceiling fan Electric Space heater Pet Friendly Outdoor grill and fire pit NO WIFI, NO TV Hiking, Mtn-biking, Snowmobile, Side-by-side, snowshoe, XC-Ski trail access from the Boujee Hippie Oasis. Fall and Winter availability with alternative bathroom service. The North Country Trail runs directly through the campground. Lake LeVasseur is a short hike (2.0 miles). Lakenenland Sculpture Park 5.0 miles East on the North Country Trail. For winter adventure the Iron Ore Heritage Trail and Michigan Snowmobile Trail (417) parallels the North Country Trail all the way to Munising.

100%

(5)

RUTH LAKE RESORT

1 site · RV1 acre · Michigamme, MI

We are located in Three Lakes, on Lake Ruth. We have 200 LF of beach front. We have a sauna, kayaks and paddle boards for use. We have 4 motel rooms, 5 cabins, and room for 2 RV electrical hook-ups. The property includes gas grills and fire pits. Our large garage has room for activities on rainy days. Our outdoor kitchen area is covered and a great place for cooking. Garage has a bath, with toilet, lavatory, and shower for RVers that need a restroom.

100%

(3)

Premium Keweenaw Beach RV Site

1 site · RV3 acres · Lake Linden, MI

NOTE: The water is shutoff for the season and I have removed the Sauna for the winter. I am no longer renting until Spring 2025. If for some reason you still want to use the site with electric only at a reduced price, please contact me to discuss. The site is often open through November with minimal snow. This site has a private level aggregate 50 foot RV pad overlooking Lake Superior with 50/30 amp service, well water and septic hookups. This site is best for Class A, B or C RV's. Towables will work, but you will need to back in for access to your tow vehicle and your door will open away from the lake. No tents allowed. With respect for our good neighbors, no parties or loud music allowed. This site is for quietly relaxing with your family and friends and enjoying the big lake views. The site has 100 feet of private sandy beach and great swimming (sandy shallow bottom out 100 feet). Included is a wood fired Sauna to help with the lakes colder water. Also included is a 16x20 deck overlooking the lake, 2 picnic tables, deck chairs, gas grill, charcoal grill, beach chairs and 2 fire rings (Firewood is available to purchase onsite or can be purchased at several places on the way in). A separate flushable toilet enclosure is available and can be used if desired. A canoe, 2 kayaks and paddles are provided for you to use at your own risk (Some lifejackets are in the deck box). The premium site will support a 40 foot vehicle but require you to disconnect a towable at an angle for access to your vehicle. The additional site will support a 30 foot vehicle again requiring you to disconnect at an angle for access to your tow vehicle (30 amps only from this additional site via a provided extension cord). A large Class A or C will require you to have good backup skills to get out and a spotter to watch for obstacles and clearance on the way in and out, but it can be done. Plenty of blocks are provided for additional clearance if needed. ATT has good cell service here and Verizon is OK but marginal at times.

Superior wayside rustic road tent

1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Marquette, MI

Superior Wayside Rustic road is a primitive road passing thru the middle of the property giving access to hundreds of acres of state land. Forrest is a mix of maple, aspen, and old growth hemlock trees. Perfect unique secluded quiet spot between Marquette and Munising with almost instant access to local hiking, biking, skiing, and snowmobile/atv trails. Pictured Rocks/ Munising- 27 miles Marquette- 13 mi Ramba- 21 mi North Country trail- 3.8 mi Lake Superior scenic turn out- 4.8mi Ojibwa casino 1.8 mi Lakenenland- 3.4 Sugar loaf- 15 mi Au Train- 25mi Laughing whitefish falls- 21 mi

Star Hosts in Upper Peninsula

99%

(115)

Hemlock Ridge Homestead

3 sites · Lodging10 acres · Marquette, MI

Welcome to the Hemlock Ridge Homestead! This custom log home built in the early 2000's was a dream of mine since I was 8 years old. Our family lives here year round and absolutely love it. These sites are on a seasonal road so travel in and out can be impeded at times due to weather or external forces, such as tree falls, wash outs, etc. This is a self sufficient homestead in the making. Our garden has progressed greatly, and our fruit tree orchards are starting to produce. The free range chickens are fun and quirky, offering farm fresh eggs. We just opened our second site, the Prairieview Chalet 2024 summer. Both sites offer great amenities. The Acorn Retreat cabin includes a hot tub, gas weber grill and other amenities. The bouchee outhouse is shared by both sites and is cleaned regularly. The new Prairieview Chalet is an exceptional adventurers haven! It has all the things you want after a day(s) out in the wilderness, with amenities like a hot shower, fully stocked kitchen, linens and more. Our property reflects our love of the land and space. We are always making improvements, such as the timber framed chicken coop. We now have a ping pong table for our guests, and still offer farm fresh eggs. Our motto is to make every place better than we found it and hope our guests will do the same. This is a zen, quiet place to heal, reflect and refill your cup of life:)

Lake Superior Beach Perfection

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Linden, MI

What more do you need than a private camping site and your 125' of your own pristine Lake Superior beachfront access? Well, there is the need of a fire ring so we added that, too! Everything else you will to bring to enjoy the million dollar views. Oh, and on the opposite side of the camping site is quiet slough which is great for smooth water paddling and exploring. Down the gravel road about 1/3 miles are logging roads to hike, bike and explore. OHV trails are a couple miles away but check local maps for detailed information. Intentionally being minimalists beyond a fire ring and picnic table, there is a port-a-john (of humble means) to make your stay comfortable. You will need to bring your own firewood if you desire a campfire.

Private Wooded Camping on the Lake

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · L'anse, MI

Learn more about this land:Camp only feet from the lake. Go kayaking boating fishing hiking . Restaurant/ bar grill only 1 Mile away. Porta potty for tent campers. Launch your small boat or canoe right from the site. Many scenic sites nearby.

Dog-friendly getaways

94%

(397)

Superior Times Resort & Campground

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Au Train, MI

Hello, and welcome to Superior Times Resort and Campground! We would like to take a moment and introduce ourselves. Our names are Tom and Heather Holmstrom. We were married in 2016 and have four children as part of our blended family. We are both originally from the Upper Peninsula. Superior Times Resort and Campground was the result of us wanting to do something “outside of the box” that would allow us to raise our family and show them there is more out there than the traditional path. We also wanted showcase our love and respect for the beauty of the Upper Peninsula; the area that many refer to as “God’s Country.” In December of 2016, we mistakenly pulled into the driveway of this property. At that time, it was known as Coleman’s Paradise Resort. There was a For Sale sign marking the property. We both knew at that point our fate was sealed to become this property’s new owners. We learned that this property had been a family vacation destination for nearly 100 years. We could only imagine the special memories that had been made here over the years! We wanted to become a part of that deep history. Through the many years of the resort’s history, the owners had changed and the cabins were showing true signs of their age. We knew there was A LOT of work that simply had to be done. On a wing and prayer, we somehow made this great resort ours. In April of 2017, we opened what we named Superior Times Resort and Campground. We pulled up or sleeves and went to work! Thank you for choosing us and allowing us to be part of the memories that you create here. We know that you work hard for your own money, as we do. Knowing that you chose our resort to support, means a lot to our Superior Times and Resort family team. We truly appreciate your loyalty and give special thanks to our returning customers. There is nothing more rewarding to us than a return visit! It means to us that we have exceeded your expectations. Thank you for considering us for your next vacation! Tom and Heather Holmstrom

Private Wooded Camping on the Lake

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · L'anse, MI

Learn more about this land:Camp only feet from the lake. Go kayaking boating fishing hiking . Restaurant/ bar grill only 1 Mile away. Porta potty for tent campers. Launch your small boat or canoe right from the site. Many scenic sites nearby.

Gitche Gumee Trailside Micro cabin

1 site · Lodging60 acres · Marquette, MI

A stone’s throw from the North County Trail system (MM MI-287.5) discover your boujee hippie micro-cabin, a cozy Lake Superior retreat nestled within the beautiful Gitche Gumee RV Park. The rustic comfortable amenities will ease the need to be in the mix of the Marquette Maze. A mere 8.5 miles from downtown Marquette – jump onto the Iron Ore Heritage Trail for an easy ride into town for the Saturday and Wednesday Farmers Market. Walk across M-28 at the campground entrance to find the secret beach- over to 2.0 miles of sand beach with prime open-water swimming. But don’t underestimate Lake Superior – She will transform from millpond flat to a 5’0” break in 15 minutes – calling heavy water lovers ; ) Build a beach fire and wait for the Borealis to reveal itself – smell the north. Enjoy the on-site Red Pine Brewery tasting room for a horn of Amber Red Ale or Lunar Shock Belgium witbier before you drift off to dreams of Valhalla. Bathroom and showers located out your front door at the Gitchee Gumee Campground bath house. The loft sleeps two in a full bed with a full hide-a-bed/couch below for a friend. Check current water conditions live on www.inwoodtownship.org - “Road Conditions of the U.P. (MDOT cameras)” – take a peek 24/7/365 day or night. Room details: Two (2) full beds (loft up/hide-a-bed/couch down) 5 gallons of filtered drinking water Sheets, blankets and pillows Coffee and Tea tray Small refrigerator Microwave Toaster Oven Electric water kettle French Press High top table Three (3) wrought iron chairs Wood stove Air conditioning Ceiling fan Electric Space heater Pet Friendly Outdoor grill and fire pit NO WIFI, NO TV Hiking, Mtn-biking, Snowmobile, Side-by-side, snowshoe, XC-Ski trail access from the Boujee Hippie Oasis. Fall and Winter availability with alternative bathroom service. The North Country Trail runs directly through the campground. Lake LeVasseur is a short hike (2.0 miles). Lakenenland Sculpture Park 5.0 miles East on the North Country Trail. For winter adventure the Iron Ore Heritage Trail and Michigan Snowmobile Trail (417) parallels the North Country Trail all the way to Munising.

RUTH LAKE RESORT

1 site · RV1 acre · Michigamme, MI

We are located in Three Lakes, on Lake Ruth. We have 200 LF of beach front. We have a sauna, kayaks and paddle boards for use. We have 4 motel rooms, 5 cabins, and room for 2 RV electrical hook-ups. The property includes gas grills and fire pits. Our large garage has room for activities on rainy days. Our outdoor kitchen area is covered and a great place for cooking. Garage has a bath, with toilet, lavatory, and shower for RVers that need a restroom.

Lake Superior Beach Perfection

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lake Linden, MI

What more do you need than a private camping site and your 125' of your own pristine Lake Superior beachfront access? Well, there is the need of a fire ring so we added that, too! Everything else you will to bring to enjoy the million dollar views. Oh, and on the opposite side of the camping site is quiet slough which is great for smooth water paddling and exploring. Down the gravel road about 1/3 miles are logging roads to hike, bike and explore. OHV trails are a couple miles away but check local maps for detailed information. Intentionally being minimalists beyond a fire ring and picnic table, there is a port-a-john (of humble means) to make your stay comfortable. You will need to bring your own firewood if you desire a campfire.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Hiawatha National Forest

Chatham, Michigan

Craig Lake State Park

Michigamme, Michigan

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach camping in Upper Peninsula guide

Overview

In Michigan, the Upper Peninsula (UP) is highly valued for outdoor fun. The geographical position is ideal, with Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Lake Michigan providing endless miles of shoreline with dense forests between them. Extending west to Wisconsin and north to both the water and the Canadian border, the region puts campers in close proximity to great backroads, abundant campgrounds, charming towns like Marquette, and enough recreational opportunities to keep you busy for a lifetime. If you're planning an Upper Peninsula camping trip, expect a combination of water and woods with unique topography, stunning lighthouses, and the distinct feeling of going back in time.

Where to go

Paddle Remote Shorelines

UP paddling options are limitless with three great lakes bordering the peninsula. Turquoise waters will have you feeling like you’re on a Caribbean island, but the cold, freshwater will say otherwise. Kayak and canoe launch sites are plentiful—navigate cliff sides with waterfalls and paddle alongside waterfowl and loons watching from the shore. Some shore areas are private, but simply pull up a map to see state parks, recreation areas, and public sites for paddling launches and landings.

Hit the Beach

White, sandy beaches are the highlight of summer for most campers on the Upper Peninsula. Many extend for miles with great public access, but you can also head north to the shores of Lake Superior, where the 12-mile Great Sand Bay Beach sits off the beaten path with trails, sandy shorelines, and gorgeous waters. If you want plenty of space and nice, soft sand, Sand Point Beach is also worth considering.

Explore Hiking Trails

While the abundance of water is a major draw, the interior peninsula areas are also ripe with opportunity. Hit the Porcupine Mountains for a slew of trails, many of which are connected and prime for creative route planning to loop back to your vehicle or pass through to different areas. The Escarpment Trail is perfect for a half-day hike, while the Eben Ice Caves are a quick two miles in to leave you time to check out the caves.

Visit the Keweenaw Peninsula

The northernmost section of the UP holds some of its greatest treasures. The Keweenaw Peninsula’s aforementioned Great Gray Sand Beach is a fun place to visit, Brockway Mountain is a great hike, and the Keweenaw Water Trail offers a 100-mile loop of the entire peninsula (technically an island). Visit Copper Harbor to drive around and take in the natural beauty of area state parks and lighthouses.

When to go

Summer and fall are the prime visiting seasons on the Upper Peninsula. Fishing, boating, and beachcombing are all excellent during these seasons, when crowds are larger but there is plenty of space. Even during high season, it’s likely possible to find RV campsites, tent camping, and room to roam on the waterfront. Although the water is a bit chilly for swimming, fall is especially nice as the colors change and the busy summer tourism season winds down. Meanwhile, winters are long and quiet on the Upper Peninsula. Experienced cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and snowsport enthusiasts may love the empty off-season, when waters are ice cold, beaches are closed, and trails may be difficult to access.