Best Campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with Scenic Views
Readers, have you ever dreamed of waking up to breathtaking views of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan? Imagine pristine forests, sparkling blue lakes, and dramatic cliffs as your backdrop. If so, then you’re in for a treat! The Upper Peninsula, affectionately known as the “U.P.,” is a paradise for campers offering some of the most awe-inspiring scenic campgrounds in the state.
From the rugged shores of Lake Superior to the rolling hills and quiet forests, the U.P. offers a diverse range of camping experiences. As an avid traveler and lover of the outdoors, I have scoured the region to uncover the best campgrounds that combine stunning views with comfortable amenities.
Why Choose a Scenic Campground?
There’s something truly special about waking up amidst nature’s beauty. Choosing a scenic campground can elevate your camping experience by providing:
- Unforgettable Views: Imagine waking up to sunrise over a crystal-clear lake or gazing at the stars against a backdrop of towering pines. Scenic campgrounds offer breathtaking views that create lasting memories.
- Relaxation and Serenity: The natural beauty of a scenic campground can provide a sense of peace and tranquility that’s hard to find in everyday life.
- Photo Opportunities: With stunning landscapes at your doorstep, you’ll have endless opportunities to capture breathtaking photos and share your adventure with friends and family.
- Connection with Nature: Spending time surrounded by nature can be incredibly rejuvenating. Scenic campgrounds provide an immersive experience that allows you to connect with the natural world on a deeper level.
Essential Considerations for Choosing a Scenic Campground
When selecting a scenic campground, it’s crucial to consider the following factors:
- Location and Accessibility: Is the campground conveniently located near popular attractions or activities? Is it easily accessible by car or do you need a four-wheel-drive vehicle?
- Amenities: What amenities are available? Consider your needs, such as restrooms, showers, electricity, water hookups, and fire rings.
- Site Type: Do you prefer a secluded, wooded site or a more open site with a lake view?
- Activities: What kind of activities are available at the campground or nearby? Consider hiking trails, swimming beaches, boat launches, and fishing spots.
- Reservations: Are reservations required? Some popular campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Top Scenic Campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Tahquamenon Falls State Park Campground
Nestled within the breathtaking Tahquamenon Falls State Park, this campground offers stunning views of the upper and lower falls of the Tahquamenon River. The park encompasses over 46,000 acres of pristine wilderness, with dense forests, towering pines, and cascading waterfalls.
The campground features modern amenities, including restrooms, showers, and electrical hookups. It offers a variety of campsites, from spacious RV pads to secluded tent sites. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an adventurous getaway, Tahquamenon Falls State Park Campground has something for everyone.
Mackinaw City State Park Campground
Located on the northern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Mackinaw City State Park Campground offers awe-inspiring views of the Straits of Mackinac, Mackinac Island, and the Mackinac Bridge. The campground is situated on a bluff overlooking the water, providing stunning panoramas of the surrounding area.
The campground offers modern amenities, including restrooms, showers, and electrical hookups. It also boasts a variety of campsites, from spacious RV pads to secluded tent sites. The park is a popular destination for boaters, fishermen, and hikers, with a variety of trails and boat launches readily available.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge
For a truly immersive experience in the heart of the U.P., head to the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. This vast expanse of wetlands, marshes, and forests provides a haven for a wide array of wildlife, including migratory birds, deer, and beaver.
The refuge boasts several campgrounds with scenic views of the diverse landscape. The Seney National Wildlife Refuge Campground offers a rustic camping experience with basic amenities, including pit toilets. The campground is a popular destination for birdwatchers, nature photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Campgrounds with Stunning Lake Superior Views
The Upper Peninsula is home to a stunning stretch of Lake Superior coastline, and many campgrounds offer breathtaking views of the world’s largest freshwater lake. Here are a few top picks:
Whitefish Point State Park Campground
Located at the easternmost point of the Upper Peninsula, Whitefish Point State Park Campground offers spectacular views of Lake Superior. The campground sits on a high bluff overlooking the lake, providing panoramic vistas of the vast expanse of water. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 species of birds recorded in the area.
The campground provides modern amenities, including restrooms, showers, and electrical hookups. It also features a variety of campsites, from spacious RV pads to secluded tent sites. The park is a popular destination for hikers, with several trails leading through scenic forests and along the rugged shoreline.
Grand Marais State Park Campground
Located on the southern shore of Lake Superior, Grand Marais State Park Campground offers breathtaking views of the lake and the nearby Grand Marais Harbor. The campground is situated on a bluff overlooking the water, providing stunning panoramas of the surrounding area.
The campground provides modern amenities, including restrooms, showers, and electrical hookups. It also features a variety of campsites, from spacious RV pads to secluded tent sites. The park is a popular destination for boaters, with a boat launch located within the campground. It’s also a haven for hikers, with several trails leading through scenic forests and along the lake shore.
Keweenaw Peninsula Campgrounds
The Keweenaw Peninsula, often referred to as “The Copper Country,” is a rugged and scenic region of the Upper Peninsula. The peninsula is known for its copper mines, historic towns, and breathtaking Lake Superior views. Here are a few campgrounds that offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding landscape:
Fort Wilkins State Park Campground
Located on a picturesque point on the Keweenaw Peninsula, Fort Wilkins State Park Campground offers stunning views of Lake Superior. The campground is nestled within a historic state park that features a restored 19th-century military fort.
The campground provides modern amenities, including restrooms, showers, and electrical hookups. It also features a variety of campsites, from spacious RV pads to secluded tent sites. The park is a popular destination for history buffs, hikers, and fishermen.
McLain State Park Campground
Situating on the northern shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula, McLain State Park Campground offers breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape. The campground is located on a high bluff overlooking the lake, providing panoramic vistas of the vast expanse of water.
The campground provides modern amenities, including restrooms, showers, and electrical hookups. It also features a variety of campsites, from spacious RV pads to secluded tent sites. The park is a popular destination for hikers, with several trails leading through scenic forests and along the lake shore.
Campgrounds with Stunning Inland Views
The Upper Peninsula is not just about Lake Superior; it’s also home to a beautiful network of inland lakes, rivers, and forests. If you’re looking for a secluded camping experience amidst natural beauty, these campgrounds are worth exploring:
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Campground
Known as the “Porkies,” Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a vast and rugged wilderness area in the western Upper Peninsula. The park is home to towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and pristine forests. The campground offers a variety of sites, including secluded sites with views of the surrounding mountains.
The campground provides modern amenities, including restrooms, showers, and electrical hookups. It also features a variety of campsites, from spacious RV pads to secluded tent sites. The park is a popular destination for hikers, with over 85 miles of trails to explore. It also offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Palms Book State Park Campground
Located in the central Upper Peninsula, Palms Book State Park Campground offers a unique camping experience amidst a beautiful boreal forest. The park is known for its towering pines, sparkling streams, and diverse wildlife.
The campground provides modern amenities, including restrooms, showers, and electrical hookups. It also features a variety of campsites, from spacious RV pads to secluded tent sites. The park is a popular destination for hikers, with several trails leading through scenic forests. It also offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and canoeing.
Campgrounds with Scenic Trails
For those who love hiking and exploring the outdoors, the Upper Peninsula offers a vast network of scenic trails. Several campgrounds are located near or within hiking trails, allowing you to access some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. Here are a few campgrounds with exceptional trail access:
Mackinaw City State Park Campground
As mentioned earlier, Mackinaw City State Park Campground offers stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac, Mackinac Island, and the Mackinac Bridge. However, the park is also a great base for exploring the nearby Mackinaw City State Park Trails. The park features 10 miles of hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the Straits and the surrounding area. Trails range in difficulty, with options for families and avid hikers.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park Campground
Tahquamenon Falls State Park Campground is a paradise for hikers. The park boasts over 30 miles of hiking trails that wind through the diverse landscapes of the park, from dense forests to scenic riverbanks. Trails range in difficulty, with options for families and avid hikers. You can explore the upper and lower falls, hike through pristine forests, and enjoy stunning views of the Tahquamenon River.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Campground
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a breathtaking area along the southern shore of Lake Superior. The park is known for its towering sandstone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine beaches. The campground offers a variety of sites, including secluded sites with views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
The campground provides modern amenities, including restrooms, showers, and electrical hookups. The park is a popular destination for hikers, with over 100 miles of trails to explore. Trails range in difficulty, with options for families and avid hikers. You can explore the rugged coastline, hike through scenic forests, and enjoy stunning views of Lake Superior.
Detailed Table of Top Scenic Campgrounds
Here is a breakdown of some of the top scenic campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, with an emphasis on views and nearby activities:
| Campground Name | Location | Scenic Views | Nearby Activities | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahquamenon Falls State Park Campground | Tahquamenon Falls State Park | Upper and Lower Falls of the Tahquamenon River, Dense Forests, Towering Pines | Hiking, Fishing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Wildlife Viewing | Restrooms, Showers, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Fire Rings |
| Mackinaw City State Park Campground | Mackinaw City, Michigan | Straits of Mackinac, Mackinac Island, Mackinac Bridge | Hiking, Biking, Fishing, Boating, Swimming, Visiting Mackinac Island | Restrooms, Showers, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Fire Rings |
| Whitefish Point State Park Campground | Whitefish Point, Michigan | Lake Superior, Whitefish Point Lighthouse, Rugged Coastline | Hiking, Birdwatching, Fishing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Visiting the Whitefish Point Lighthouse | Restrooms, Showers, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Fire Rings |
| Grand Marais State Park Campground | Grand Marais, Michigan | Lake Superior, Grand Marais Harbor, Rugged Coastline | Hiking, Fishing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Visiting the Grand Marais Harbor | Restrooms, Showers, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Fire Rings |
| Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Campground | Ontonagon County, Michigan | Porcupine Mountains, Cascade Falls, Lake of the Clouds, Pristine Forests | Hiking, Backpacking, Fishing, Swimming, Canoeing, Visiting the Lake of the Clouds | Restrooms, Showers, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Fire Rings |
Frequently Asked Questions About Scenic Campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula
What are the best scenic campgrounds for families?
Several campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula are ideal for families, offering a balance of stunning views, kid-friendly activities, and comfortable amenities. Some top picks for families include Tahquamenon Falls State Park Campground, Mackinaw City State Park Campground, and Palms Book State Park Campground.
What are some good campgrounds for RV owners?
Many campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula cater to RV owners, offering spacious RV pads with full hookups (electricity, water, and sewer). Some top picks for RV owners include Tahquamenon Falls State Park Campground, Mackinaw City State Park Campground, and Whitefish Point State Park Campground.
What are the best scenic campgrounds for hiking?
The Upper Peninsula is a paradise for hikers, with a vast network of trails leading through stunning forests, along rugged shorelines, and up towering mountains. Several campgrounds are located near or within hiking trails, offering easy access to some of the most scenic trails in the region. Some top picks for hiking enthusiasts include Tahquamenon Falls State Park Campground, Mackinaw City State Park Campground, and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Campground.
Conclusion
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a paradise for campers, offering some of the most awe-inspiring scenic campgrounds in the state. From the rugged shores of Lake Superior to the rolling hills and quiet forests, the U.P. offers a diverse range of camping experiences. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an adventurous getaway, the Upper Peninsula has a campground that’s perfect for you.
So, pack your gear, grab your tent, and head to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for an unforgettable camping adventure! And for more tips and ideas on exploring the U.P., be sure to check out our other articles on the best hiking trails, scenic drives, and hidden gems in the region!
As you plan your next Upper Peninsula adventure, consider these campgrounds for an unforgettable experience. From the towering pines of Tahquamenon Falls State Park to the serene shores of Mackinac Island, these sites offer breathtaking views and a chance to reconnect with nature. Each campsite provides unique amenities and scenic attractions, catering to diverse preferences. Whether you seek secluded solitude or family-friendly fun, these campgrounds provide the perfect base for exploring the region’s natural wonders. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to be captivated by the raw beauty of the Upper Peninsula.
Beyond the stunning scenery, these campgrounds offer a range of activities. Embrace the thrill of kayaking among the islands or immerse yourself in the tranquility of a sunrise hike. For those seeking relaxation, unwind by the crackling fire pit, sharing stories under a star-studded sky. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or a novice adventurer, these campgrounds provide an opportunity to create lasting memories. The Upper Peninsula’s rich history and abundant wildlife further enhance the experience, offering glimpses into the past and encounters with nature’s wonders.
Remember to plan ahead, especially during peak season, as these campgrounds are popular destinations for nature enthusiasts. Reserve your spot in advance to secure your piece of paradise in the Upper Peninsula. Pack essential gear, including clothing appropriate for all weather conditions, as the Upper Peninsula’s climate can change rapidly. Most importantly, embrace the spirit of adventure, be respectful of the environment, and leave no trace behind, ensuring that future generations can enjoy these breathtaking campgrounds.
Escape to breathtaking beauty! Discover the best campgrounds in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, offering stunning scenic views. Book your adventure today!
