Escape to the Wilderness: The Complete Camping in Marquette, MI Guide
Find Marquette’s best campsites and campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this year!
Camping in the Upper Peninsula is a bucket list item for many.
Clear skies, small crowds, and serene beauty.
Start planning your trip here if you’re looking for the best camping options in Marquette, MI as well as some of the other top areas in the UP.
Camping in Marquette MI Overview
Marquette, MI Campgrounds
Rippling River Resort
Rippling River is by far the best camping experience to be had in Marquette for those newer to camping/families.
Adjacent to the South Trails Bike area, Marquette Mountain Ski resort, and close enough to downtown, Rippling River has it all.
Choose between:
- Luxury Cabins,
- Rustic Cabins,
- Rustic Tent Campsites,
- Full Hook-Up Campsites, and Electric Hook-Up Campsites.
Mini golf and Bar on-site!
2023 Prices will range from about $25 to north of $100 per night.
Convenience is king here as you are very close to many of Marquette’s Best things to do
Tourist Park Campground
Tourist Park is an ideally located campground for quick access to the North Trails Network and out of town hiking.
The campgrounds site right on the Dead River and includes:
- Hot showers,
- Restrooms,
- Dump stations,
- Grills
- Drinking fountains.
There are 110 Campsites and firewood is sold on site!
2023 Rates at Tourist Park:
- $18 primitive/tent site
- $30 electric
- $35 full hook-up
Forrestville Campground
There are 18 rustic first come first serve rustic campground sites at the Forrestville Campground.
Some sites have fire pits and picnic tables and there are pit toilets on site as well as water on the west end of the chalet.
Fires are permitted in the Central fire pit and metal fire rings ONLY!
$7 for a bundle of wood
2023 Rates at the Forrestville Campgrounds are $15/night
Little Presque Isle Cabins
Situated on the shores of Harlow Lake are the Little Presque Isle Cabins.
At $74/night these cabins are hard to come by with only 6 available lodging options.
Best Campgrounds Near Marquette, MI
Marquette campsites definitely fill up quick (summertime) so plan early.
Luckily for those who don’t need to be in the heart of Marquette, you have plenty of other options.
Here are some spots that you can camp within one hour from Marquette
Marquette County Perkins Park & Campground - Big Bay
30 miles north of Marquette sits Big Bay.
This tiny UP city has more campsites at your disposal and makes for a great spot with close access to hikes on the outskirts of Marquette.
One campground in Big Bay we particularly enjoy is the Marquette County Perkins Park & Campground.
Van Riper State Park Camping
Van Riper State Park is an Upper Peninsula gem about 40 minutes west of Marquette.
Find a great campsite here on the shores of Lake Michigamme!
This area of the UP is known for it’s clustered presence of Moose.
Keep your eyes peeled for any Moose on the loose.
Bay Furnance Campground - Christmas, MI
Yes, there is a city in Michigan named Christmas.
Here in Christmas, you will find the Bay Furnace Campground that includes a fire ring and picnic area.
Prices are about $20-$30/night and has around 50 campsites to book.
Munising Tourist Park Campground - Munising
For most travelers, Munising is on their agenda if they are in the Marquette region.
If you want to camp closer to Pictured Rocks, find a spot in Munising!
The Tourist Park Campground is an amazing Lake Superior shoreline camping option.
Very basic camp setup but situated in a stunning stretch of Superior shoreline.
For those who want to backcountry camp or start their days closer to the trails, consider camping at Pictured ROCKS National Lakeshore
Superior Times Campground - Au Train
About 35 minutes east of Marquette is Au Train.
Au Train is an often overlooked spot in the UP but don’t sleep on this area.
Check out Superior Times Family Campground which offers cabins, tent sites, campsites & now, Bungalows!
WIFI in the main office
Best Camping in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
The UP has some amazing camping outside of Marquette.
Here are some other areas that are at least one hour or more outside of Marquette that you can consider for your Upper Peninsula of Michigan camping trip:
- Copper Harbor – One of the more remote areas of the Upper Peninsula, Copper Harbor is a fantastic spot to pitch a tent. This is one of the best places to bike in Michigan and amazing for stargazing. Check out the Trails End Campground or Fort Wilkins State Park West Campground
- Tahquamenon Falls – What could be better than pitching a tent close to the best waterfall in all of Michigan. Book a campsite early at the Lower Falls Hemlock/Portage as this is a very popular camping spot. If that’s not available, try your luck just north of the park at Andrus Lake State Forest for $13/night.
- Porcupine Mountains – The Porkies are arguably Michigan’s Best place to camp. Find a spot and hike/drive your way up to Lake of the Clouds.
What to know about Michigan's Dispersed Camping + Free Camping Options
Michigan has an abundance of dispersed camping that many don’t ever consider.
Before spending any money on a campsite, make sure you analyze the area you are heading and see if you can find a dispersed campground if it makes sense for your trip!
Use LandGrid to find those spots for you and your crew.
Learn more about LandGrid below.
ReGrid – This Free app is amazing to find free dispersed camping throughout Michigan.
The best part is the app shows you exactly what designation of land you’re venturing on and whether it’s legal or not.
Download this today!
Michigan Beach Camping
Campers who are looking to pitch a tent on a beach in Michigan are in luck, there are plenty of spots that offer that kind of setup.
Here is a list of place where you can go camping on a beach in Michigan.
- BRIDGMAN: Weko Beach Campground
- CASEVILLE: Sleeper State Park
- CHARLEVOIX: Fisherman’s Island
- GLEN ARBOR: D.H. Day Campground
- GRAND MARAIS: Twelvemile Beach Campground – $20/night
- GRAND MARAIS: Woodland Park Campground
- HARRISVILLE: Harrisville State Park
- MANISTEE: Orchard Beach State Park
- MEARS: Silver Lake State Park
- MUNISING: Bay Furnace Campground
Winter Camping in Michigan
Michigan is known for it’s brutally cold winters, but don’t let that stop you from exploring the great outdoors.
Some of Michigan’s best scenery can be found in the winter and with a significant decrease in visitors.
Here are a few tips for those going winter camping in Michigan:
- Track Weather Reports – Venturing into the backcountry probably isn’t the best move with an approaching storm for a novice camper. Obviously you can’t control weather but you can have some control by picking conditions that look more favorable than not.
- Bring Layers – It’s going to be cold. Bring layers and maybe more than you think.
- Go with someone who has done it before – Stay safe and smart by venturing with a seasoned vet. Gain some experience before you go alone or with others who have never done it before.
- Check gear before heading out – Don’t be the guy who gets too the campsite and realizes there is a gaping hole in his tent. Due your due diligence and always check pre departure.
- Ski IN/Out Yurts – The Porcupine Mountains in the winter turn into a backcountry connected trail network for those who want to cross country ski/snowshoe into Yurts. This is an amazing and majestic way to experience winter in Michigan.
What to Bring Camping in Michigan
Here’s a list of supplies that anyone should bring camping in Marquette and Michigan:
- Bug Repellant – Bugs and insects here can be a nightmare. Bring enough repellant!
- Smores – No campfire is right without smores
- Tent/Hammock – You’re probably going to need something to sleep in. Check what area you are visiting to ensure you can hang your hammock from it’s trees.
- Sleeping Pad – The ground is really not that comfortable.
- Headlamp – Don’t fumble with your phone while holding your beer and smores. Use this hands free option to light your night
- Lighther – For extra curiculurs and starting the fire
- FOOD – You GOTTAA eat!
- Water – Stay hydrated especially during these warm, humid days
- Bear Spray/Canister – Depending on location
- Here’s the best bet, IF you’re looking for a CAMPER RENTAL in MICHIGAN
Explore the Best of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Thanks for reading and hope to hear from you guys!
Here are some things that you should definitely shouldn’t miss when in the Upper Peninsula!
🪵 Bucket List Adventures in the Upper Peninsula
💦 Best Waterfalls in Michigan’s UP
Have you been camping in Marquette MI?
Let me know and maybe I’ll be lucky enough to find my way to one of them and hopefully, it’s in one of the amazing Michigan State Parks I’ve never visited yet!
P.S. Any Michigan winter camping enthusiasts are welcome anytime!